4/5
My knee was fabulous – no problems. Met Marsha who looks about 50– her trail name is Smurf. I really hope she is able to make it.
I
feel more nervous today than I have before.
I guess it is because this is real.
I started to worry about the logistics of re-supply but I decided that
was silly. I’ll just take it a day at a
time and trust my Father.
4/6 Woody Gap Campsite 2 days, 20 miles - small beginnings, bigger ends
Met
Hawk and Pilgrim who thru hiked a few years ago. They were a wealth of
info. Very friendly
and eager to help. They rattled
off all their favorite hostels, of which I remember none. Except don’t stay with Aunt Janet in
4/7
Last
night was a drenching rain. We hiked to Neels gap and caught a shuttle to
the campground. Dried everything out,
washed clothes, had a shower and slept in a cabin.
Tomorrow
will be my first day hiking alone. Lord,
please help me. Thank you for good
health in my knee so far.
4/8 Low Gap
Stayed in shelter - packed in 10 people.
But at least we were dry.
4/9
Tented
cause shelter was full. Snow and rain
mix overnight. Had
heavy snow accumulation on rainfly. Hiked out in snow on mnt tops and rain in gaps. It was actually very beautiful on the
tops. We hiked the 10.6 miles in about 4
hours 15 minutes.
I’ve
been hiking with Todd, Kelly, Hawk and Pilgrim since Neels
Gap. Plan to hike with Kelly to
Almost
forgot, met Batch at the Low Gap Shelter.
He looks to be in his 60’s. He
doesn’t go fast, but he consistently puts in the miles (15 yesterday).
4/10 Blueberry Patch in
Wonderful hostel. Gary and Lennie Poteat are extremely nice and provide an excellent place to dry off, shower and sleep. They do not charge but just ask for whatever you are able to donate. I believe they consider this a ministry for hikers.
When we arrived at Dicks creek gap, there was someone waiting at the parking lot just so he could give someone a ride . He brought us to the blueberry patch and then took us into town to re-supply. Tom spent about an hour with us at the store and then back at the hostel. He just wanted to help and had no time frame.
Later Dot came to the hostel and then took us out to a pizza place. She had been hiking with her friend Ann but she threw her back out (an old injury). Now she is driving along the trail to support Ann.
One last note about the Poteat’s. They literally ministered to us our physical needs all evening and then made us breakfast. Pancakes with organic blueberry syrup. At breakfast they prayed for us and then explained that they do this out of their love for Jesus and desire to obey his commands.
I want to remember to send them a Thankyou card.
4/11 Muskrat Creek Shelter
We made it in time to get room in the shelter. Batch came in later and doesn’t have a tent so I gave him my spot. Kelly was able to stay in the shelter. There must be 20 people here tonight. Cold and about an inch or more of snow accumulation from last night. My tent isn’t quite level - I hope I can sleep ok and no rain.
Met quite a few people, but don’t remember all the names. Just T1 and T2 (mother and son from TN), CloudWalker, Cindy, I can’t recall the others.
Todd hiked on. He wanted to get at least to Deep Gap (4 miles) and maybe to Standing Indian Campground (8 miles). He left the shelter at about 4:00. His parents are meeting him tomorrow.
4/12 Carter Gap Shelter
Hiked with Kyle and Kelly. Beautiful day. This was the first day I’ve had a view. It was some view from Standing Indian Mountain, called the “Grandstand of the southern Appalachians” 5498 ft. This was also the first day without rain or snow since Sunday or Monday. Note to self: get a hat and sunscreen. I hope to make it to Franklin either tomorrow afternoon to re-supply and get water purification system or early Monday morning. I do not want to spend the night in Franklin, but I hope to get back on the trail quickly.
4/13 Campsite 1 mi N of Winding Stair Gap (US 64).
Hiked 16 miles with CloudWalker, hitched into town, got food to last till Fontana, a (sun) visor to protect my face from the sun, and Aqua Mira water purification solution. I don’t remember if I already wrote this, but I left my filter at one of the shelters. Someone behind me found it, I left a note asking them to send it to Fontana. Hopefully they will.
I’m sleepy. Hope to put in 15 miles tomorrow so the next day will be an easier 12.
4/14 Wesser Bald Shelter
Ok, so I made it 20 rather than 15. It was a long day – especially the last 6. Tellico Gap was a knee buster. Two things that really stood out for me during the hike: the views from Wayah Bald tower and Wesser Bald tower were extraordinary. About 2 mi before Cold Spring shelter I stopped to get water. I was struck by the contrast between that spring and the sterile office environment in my “former manner of life.” The rocks, tree roots and vibrant green moss were all distinct, but almost seemed to be growing as one. The water flowed over everything bringing life to all. How different God’s designs are from those of man!
Slept well in the shelter and took my time leaving next morning.
4/15 Nantahala Outdoor Center Hostel (NOC)
The hike in was 5 miles all down hill. Very enjoyable with great views. I could see spring creeping up the mountain sides as I walked down into the green leaves and wildflowers of the spring.
It was great to have a shower and do laundry. Soon I’ll be eating yummy food!
Staying in a room with Loser and Reason. Both good company.
I keep forgetting to write about Kelly. She has been on my heart a lot since I first met her. For days, I've had this mental picture of a little lamb soaked to the skin and lost in the hills. The Shepherd has been searching for her and calling her name but she can't hear him. I simply pray that she will hear his voice and let him take her in his arms back to the Father where she will be dry, safe and secure.
4/16 Cable Gap Shelter
22 miles today from NOC (1740’) up to Cheoah Bald (5062’), which had an awesome view, to Stecoah Gap (3165’) and on to Cable Gap. Pretty rough hike for a 22 mile day. Not too shabby for someone 36 yrs, 364 days old.
Walking into Stecoah Gap, I was whining to myself about having to descend another gap. I was also completely out of water. When I got down on the road, some people asked me if I wanted any food. They filled up my water bladder, gave me an apple, banana, sandwich, chips, moon pie, Twinkie, snickers, and a coke. I ate all except the moon pie, chips and Twinkie. The people were Bumpkin and Pushin' Up Daisies, who were taking a zero day in Fontana.
I also met Find Me’s mother. Find Me is hiking from Key West to Canada along the AT. She went from NOC to Fontana today (29 miles).
Other people I met: Buffalo Bobby, who I stopped and talked with about 10 minutes. Two brothers whose names escape me. Ken and Jane, Jersey (I gave him the leftover food from the gap). Mike and Marco, FootSlogger, Mello Yello, and Bruce. Bruce hiked the PCT.
4/17 Fontana Inn at Fontana Village
I hiked down to the road and Buffalo Bobby was down at the bottom. He had just called for a shuttle to the Inn (scribe’s note: there is a hiker phone where you come off the mountain where you can call a shuttle. The shuttle costs $1 per person, and takes you about 2 miles). We ended up sharing a room. He’s probably the friendliest person I’ve met so far. A retired truck driver. He started out with 80 pounds – all the wrong kind of gear. He gradually left things in the shelters between Springer and Neels Gap. At Neels Gap they outfitted him and reduced his weight by 30 or 40 pounds. He’s still a little heavy but he does fine and he’ll probably lose more weight as he goes along.
There are so many hikers here! I’ve met Seventy (71 year old who hiked last year and is going again). He fell on the trail – no broken bones but he is staying here a few days to recover. Batch is also here – he’s 81.
Mississippi Mule, Rumbler (notorious for his snoring in shelters), the Big E, Cloudwalker, Kendra and Katori, the two brothers I met earlier, plus many more.
I will be leaving tomorrow around noon. I have to wait to meet Stan at the Village Grill at 10.
I have no real physical complaints, other than my big toes get numb. I think I’ll try switching to trail runners at Hot Springs (8 days away).
4/18 Fontana Inn
Buffalo Bobby is heading out today. Hopefully I’ll have the pleasure of seeing him up the trail. We had a very nice conversation last night about the Lord. Bobby has read quite a few of Francis Shaeffer’s works (above my head).
4/18 Fontana Inn
Buffalo Bobby is heading out today. Hopefully I’ll have the pleasure of seeing him up the trail. We had a very nice conversation last night about the Lord. Bobby has read quite a few of Francis Shaeffer’s works (above my head).
John K. came out to Fontana Village so I ended up staying in the Hotel again. I’m definitely looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow afternoon. It was a very nice surprise when John suggested coming out here. Had a nice day bumming around. Then we hiked the 1.8 miles from the road to the Fontana shelter – and then back again. So John and I did 3.6 today.
Weighed my pack today at the post office. 28 lbs 4 oz. with 5 days food but no H2O.
4/19 Russell Field Shelter
Met Stan W. and his friend Steve in town then Leah and Philip came in. Hiked with John to the beginning of the Smoky’s, then he headed home. I think John ended up taking Ken to a cousin’s place in Sevierville. Ken had some problems with his knee and foot.
Hiked with Philip and Leah part way up the trail then they headed back. I ran into Stan and Steve on Shuckstack. It was really a tough hike up after two days off and an over big breakfast.
After two days off it almost seemed like I was starting over today. Now that I’m at the shelter, I’m quickly getting back into the culture again.
I have to say that I am extremely happy to be back out here.
4/20 Double Spring Gap
A Day In The Life Of Boat – Thru Hiker:
6:45ish Wake up
7:00 Get up
7-8:30 Eat two packs of oatmeal dry, because I’m saving the last poptarts for tomorrow. Get and treat water. Load everything up and leave.
8:30-12:00 Walk to Derrick Knob Shelter (9 miles). Eat a Cliff Bar along the way. Have Fig Newtons (1/2 sleeve) with peanut butter for lunch.
12:30-3:00 Walk to Double Spring Gap Shelter (7 miles). Eat a Power Bar (Harvest) along way. Was planning to push on past Clingman’s Dome but the tired feet and the people have convinced me to stay. Had a snack of Sweet Sue chicken and tortillas.
3:00-7:20 Relaxed with Footslogger, Jersey, Mellow Yellow, Jane, Adam, Aaron, Baltimore Jack. Ate Pasta Roni for dinner. Had rest of Fig Newtons for dessert. Batch rolled in about 7:10.
7:30 Sleep.
Flowers, flowers everywhere. The wild flowers are beautiful. It seems like the forest floor is carpeted with green and white. The flowers are a small white 5 petal bloom with violet stripes on the petal.
4/21 Icewater Springs Shelter
Heavy rain all morning. I missed the right hand Y up to Clingman’s Dome. Went 15 minutes down the wrong trail before realizing I went the wrong way. I was bummed about this till I ran into Jane and Mellow Yellow again. Jane’s brother had met them and brought 6 sausage egg biscuits. If I hadn’t taken the wrong turn, I wouldn’t have met them.
Went on to Newfound Gap where I met Ed. He graciously took me into town to pick up a few things and get something from KFC. I also partially dried out my shoes. Ed hiked in with me to Icewater Springs. It was great spending time with him.
Sassy and Kodiak hiked in 24 sodas and hotdogs, buns and Little Debbie bars. An enjoyable evening and I didn’t have to cook.
Woke up twice during the night ‘cause a kid at the Shelter woke up screaming. All 16 of us woke up. He did this once more later on. Apparently he has these “attacks” every night.
4/22 Cosby Knob Shelter
20 mile day.
Cold misty and overcast all day. We hiked in the clouds all day. Lately I’ve been hiking the same miles as Mississippi Mule and Ice Falcon, both extremely friendly and from MS. MS Mule is getting off at Davenport to start where he left off last year. I sure pray and hope the best for him.
I took my raincoat off on the ridge and got a little too cold. Later I was hiking uphill and just ran out of fuel. Next thing I knew I came to myself further down the trail sucking on the inside of a snicker’s wrapper. –Guess I should have eaten sooner.
There was ice in the tops of the trees at the higher elevations.
Guess I need to go to sleep now. I’m looking forward to a Mountain Momma’s hamburger tomorrow. Not sure if I’ll stay at the hostel that’s about 3 miles from MM or if I’ll try to push on.
Forgot to mention that it was about 30° degrees this morning.
4/23 Ground Hog Shelter.
12:30 Just finished a greasy burger and fries at Mountain Momma’s. Mmm mm good.
Hiked 17.6 miles today and 1.3 down to Mountain Momma’s. The hike down to the road was pretty easy and only took a couple hours or so. The hike from there to the shelter was a little more difficult. Only Vagabond and myself are at this shelter. It’s next to a quiet little stream.
I enjoyed the wildflowers today. For the past two days it’s been as if they were drooping their little faces from sadness with the rain and cold. Today they were all lifting their faces toward the Father of us all who sends both the sun and the rain. When the sun is out is seems much easier for all of us to lift our faces in praise. Maybe when it rains they are bowed down praying for help through the “tough” times.
Vagabond tells me we are 244 miles from Springer.
4/24 Deer Park Mountain Shelter
23 mile day and I am tired. This makes 62 miles in the last three days. I’m ready for an easy 3 miles into Hot Springs and the rest of the day off with lots of food.
It was a very nice day today – the flowers were lifting their faces up to the Father.
Max Patch was certainly one of the high points of the hike (4629’). There was a spectacular 360° view that most likely couldn’t be captured on film.
Buffalo Bobby was at the shelter tonight with Bat, Morning, and Ole Smokey Lonesome. Hopefully I’ll be able to share a room with Bobby at Hot Springs.
I saw my first deer on the way here today – a doe.
I was thinking about going all the way to Hot Springs (26 miles) today but that last 3 miles did me in. Also when I saw who was here I wanted to stay. Must sleep now!
There was a debate between my feet and brain last night. The feet said “enough is enough – we are stopping here! It may be only 3 miles to you while you ride up top and daydream but it’s at least 2500 steps a piece to us!”
4/25 Bridge Street Inn at Hot Spring, NC
Sharing a room with Buffalo Bobby again. It’s a very nice room in a quaint town. A little expensive (especially the outfitter - $35 for 4 days food). The people at this hotel are extremely nice and the hotel is antique-ish. Much better than the first one we tried and got thrown out of! We walked up to Alpine court Hotel and asked if he had a room. While he was writing down Bobby’s name, we asked how much. He said $60 and we hesitated for no more than 20 sec looking at each other. He said “GET THE (colorful word) OUT OF HERE!” We stood in disbelief and he said again “GET THE (another colorful word) OFF MY PROPERTY!” so we did and walked down the street to a much friendlier and nicer place.
Had a good breakfast at a diner in town. I had a cheese omelet, hash browns, toast, 1 biscuit and gravy, and part of another hiker’s delicious breakfast casserole.
This town is packed with people (hikers). Some I’ve met before and some I’ve met for the first time.
A thought I had while hiking down here today. My pace is that of the younger people but I prefer the company of the more mature. So it seems I’ll be walking away from the trail friends I’ve made. Of course I found Buffalo Bobby again so maybe the zero days now and then will allow me to see “old friends.”
Getting hungry for dinner. Will need food soon.
4/26 – Little Laurel Shelter – 19.6 mile day
I’m tenting in a not-so-good space. Hopefully I’ll be able to sleep ok.
Was only planning to go to the first shelter (11 miles) but it was too early when I got there and I didn’t really care for the company of the folks that were there.
Buffalo Bobby also came the same distance. He said this has been his longest day so far. I’m impressed – he did great.
Left Hot Springs at about 10:30 after finding my missing package at the outfitter. They had overlooked it yesterday. Susan Kane had included a birthday box. Since I had already re-supplied, I gave away the pretzels but I kept the snickers even though I had plenty already. Snickers are like gold out here – Now I can have two per day. THANKS, SUSAN!
I had intended to write more but I’m pretty tired. Maybe tomorrow.
I'm thinking of getting to Erwin 2 nights and 3 days from now – we'll see.
4/27 Hogback Ridge Shelter
I did not intend to come this far today. Was planning to stay at a campsite two miles south of here that had a water source. Unfortunately I never found a campsite with water.
Walked to the first shelter after Little Laurel and had a snack. I caught up with Buffalo Bobby and had a brief conversation with Sheepstuff.
Walked on to the next shelter for lunch. There I visited with the trail maintainer and his wife. He was 69. They told me the story of the Shelton gravesite north of Big Butt. Two Union soldiers from this area were sneaking back to visit relatives with the help of a 13 year old local. All of them were killed by a nearby confederate force.
This couple had sodas and cookies in the bed of their truck at the gap. They told me to help myself when I got there. They were headed back to the truck but I arrived before them. Normally I would only take one but I had two cokes since there were 10-12 left and no other hikers other than Buffalo Bobby were likely to come along before the couple got back. I sat under a tree enjoying the cokes for about 20 minutes until Bobby showed up, then I headed up the mountain on my wild goose chase for Big Flat campsite that brought me to this shelter and now I think I will sleep.
Oh, almost forgot about 10 miles ago I passed the 300 mile point. Someone had written 300 with rocks. I took a picture.
4/28 No Business Knob Shelter
It was a Beautiful night and only two of us in the shelter (Me and Just Brian). We were driven out at 11:00 pm by the mice. It was like a three ring circus above our heads. I could hear a mouse run across the roof, he would roll a nut across to the other side and then begin the whole process all over again. They kept me awake until 11pm and I was just beginning to drift off to sleep when one ran across my head. Next thing I knew Just Brian jumped up as well. Apparently the little bugger went after him next. After this, I had had enough; I got up and set up my tent by starlight and a head lamp. Brian did the same with his hammock and the sweet bliss of sleep came quickly.
4/30 Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Finally left Erwin at about 1:45 pm. I am so happy to be out of there. The Campground where I spent last night was a couple miles from town where I needed to do laundry and P.O.
Had made arrangements with Miss Janet to pick me up at 9:30. She apparently forgot. Someone had offered me a ride but I turned him down ‘cause I was waiting for Miss Janet – oh well. I started walking and trying to hitch. After I went about ½ mile I decided just to enjoy the walk. It wasn’t 5 minutes later when someone picked me up and took me to the laundry. After me clothes were done someone drove up whose father is section hiking and they drove me to the P.O. I then had a very good burrito at Erwin Burrito, walked to Sonic, bought a #2 burger and went to Miss Janet’s. She wasn’t there but Heather’s (FindMe) mother drove up and then gave me a ride back to the trail. They are very friendly people (Heather and her mom). They own an organic farm in Vermont and she invited me to come out and visit since I’m interested in organic farming for myself.
Walked the 3.0 miles to the first shelter. Started with thunder in the background and knowing that a storm would sweep through any time. Just about 100 yards from the trail it started to hail. When the shelter came in sight, I saw there were about 16 people inside taking shelter. Most went on once the storm passed. There are only 5 of us here now.
Wounded Knee said lightning struck about 100 yards ahead of him on his way in. He is the Father of 3 girls and has 7 grandkids.