DAY THREE
After being awakened at 1:30 am by the sound of pitter-patting rain on the metal roof of the shelter, we did a quick flashlight search of the picnic table to see if anything was left out that shouldn't have been.
Despite the rain, the morning dawned cool and sunny. We encountered a few downed trees across the trail just east of the shelter. No detour was necessary as we were able to step over them.
A day hiker crossed paths with us going in the opposite direction and we exchanged pleasantries. At this point, we were still 5 or 6 miles from the trailhead and it's unusual to spot a day hiker this far out.
This lady was on a mission. Well, a hiking training mission anyway. Come to find out she was training for her first backpacking trip. After she turned around and overtook us, we learned that she has camped numerous times and now is getting into hiking seriously.
What a joy it was for us to impart anything and everything we knew about the activity of backpacking. As we hiked together back to the trailhead, she asked numerous questions about gear, training, techniques, trail safety, etc.
As we ended another excellent adventure, it too was gratifying being able to help a newbee make the transition.