I think we were wise to leave the trail when we did. I’ve barely slept for the last two nights thanks to this cold that I just can’t seem to shake, and I understand the weather worsened after we left anyway. Even if we had continued, I don’t think it would have been even remotely enjoyable. I’d rather save those miles for a time when we actually want to be on the trail.

Did you manage to catch the names of those GT students? I am one myself and wonder if I might have known them.

I definitely understand the sad feeling of defeat when you decide to step off the trail early. For the first time ever, I had to cut a trip short last weekend when forecast lows of 16F yielded actual lows below 0. We almost stayed out another night, except my friend and backpacking mate had some frostbite in his fingertips and we’d exhausted most of our firestarting supplies. It was a good move though, as the next night’s previously forecast 20F yielded even colder temperatures.

I guess we backpackers should be thankful we have the intelligence enough to resist being stubborn and weathering some dangerous situations for which we aren’t prepared.