Ever northward, ever raining. My original plan was to summit Mansfield today and stay at Taft Lodge a little below the top. What thwarted that plan was some southbound hikers that spoke of iced over trees, cold temps, and a possibly clear Thursday. I met them at Taylor Lodge 2 hours up the trail from Puffer.

I survived Puffer without getting everything soaked like Will 2 nights before. I was cozy and well rested. Outside it was raining gently. This continued while I hiked to Taylor. I waited out the drizzle there and a father-son team arrived with news of the the north and a weather forecast. I decided to go no further than the next lodge which is an excellent staging area for an early start up Mansfield.

When I saw Butler Lodge I was overjoyed. It is a beautiful enclosed cabin that I have all to myself. I'm still stupefied at how nice it is. In fact I have decided to stay here an extra day in hopes of being able to climb Mansfield in decent weather.

Now it is 18:55 and I am finishing up my nightly routine. Dinner was a hearty meal of Velveeta Shells and Cheese plus 7 oz. of tuna. Keeping the cold at bay is Ballon Dancer's instant cider and some spiced rum. The rain is a constant patter on the roof. I'm looking forward to spending another night here. I have never spent more than one night in a shelter. This is certainly a good place to change that. Maybe I can even dry some clothes.

My sister would love this place!