An Appalachian Popsicle

Sunday, March 3rd.
11 p.m.

I am inside a shelter. Aside from my sleeping bag, I am wearing a coat and two jackets, three pairs of wool socks and two pairs of sock liners, two long-sleeved shirts, two pairs of leggings, sweatpants and heavy duty rain pants, two pair gloves, a balaclava and a ski cap. I am utterly freezing and recently realized I need to urinate.

It begins.