Appalachian Trail Retrospective - Cable Gap Shelter to Springer Moutain, Georgia.

Day 114

Thursday, 10/12/00

Cable Gap Shelter to A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

22.9 miles

I slept great last night!  Temperature was perfect!  What a change…

            It was nice to hike in shorts and a T-shirt again!  Lots of short, steep climbs and descents.  Several longer ones too.  The climb up Cheoah Bald was kinda long.  Nice view from up there.  Weather was actually a little warm!  Got some tan…

            Down and up to Swim Bald, which isn’t a bald at all.  I hate it when that happens.  Then, a boring 6+ mile descent to US 19 and the Nantahala Outdoor Center.  Got there at 3:45.  Had a couple sodas, a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and bought some snickers for the next few days…    

            Called home to tell mom to wish Teal happy birthday and good luck at the Nationals (Collegiate Nationals for Cycling were hosted by U. of Washington that year).  I’ll be seein’ the folks on the 22^nd!  Left NOC about 5:00.  Oh yeah, I warranteed my platypus and got a new one!  Only 0.8 miles from NOC to here… Good water source…

            No one here…

 The Nantahala Mountains, North Carolina.

Day 115

Friday, 10/13/00

A. Rufus Morgan Shelter to Siler Bald Shelter

22.8 miles

Ugh, lots and lots of climbing today!  Couldn’t get to sleep last night… lots of things on my mind… Got a little chilly last night…

            On the trail by 7:45.  Uphill for about 6 miles!  Observation tower at the top (Wesser Bald, 4,627’).  Then, a short downhill and a 2 mile uphill.  Then more miles of climbs and descents.  Seven major climbs today!  There was another towner on Wayah Bald (5,342’), nice views!  Of the 5 “balds” I went over today, Siler Bald was the only truly bald one… and the AT didn’t go over the bald part of it.  Oh well…  Feeling tired so I stopped at this shelter, which is quite a hike off the AT.  Very nice setting, good water, and company!  A section hiker from California…

            I have to go into Franklin tomorrow to buy food.  Wasting time off trail again…

            Only 38.1 miles to the Georgia border and 110.5 to Springer!  I’m getting anxious.

 View from the tower on Wayah Bald, NC.

Day 116

Saturday, 10/14/00

Siler Bald Shelter to Carter Gap Shelter

19.8 miles

That woman (the section hiker I guess) wouldn’t stop talking last night!  Lots of mice running around too…

            Got up early, left by 7:45.  To Winding stair gap by 9:00.  Cold there, frost on the ground… Tried for 1.5 hours to get a ride into Franklin to get food.  Fortunately, the folks who gave me a ride were going to Franklin then back the same way, so they gave me a ride back too!  I bought them some donuts for thanks… Back on the trail about 11:30.  Easy hiking… went 9.9 miles in 2.5 hours.  That’s about 4 miles per hour.

            At Big Spring Shelter, a youth group gave me some food and juice.  0.5 miles from there, there was another tower (Albert Mountain).  Easy going from there to here.  Got here about 4:45.  6 other people here.  Had to set up the tarp and camp.  They gave me some freeze-dried raspberry crumble.  Wow!  Delicious!

            4 other people showed up… Less than 100 miles to go!  I’ll be in Georgia tomorrow!

           

Day 117

Sunday, 10/15/00

Carter Gap Shelter to Deep Gap Shelter

27.6 miles

Great day!  Since my space blanket had ripped, I had to borrow a ground cloth from those folks.  I told them I’d give it to them in the morning… they got up at 4:00!  They were hiking by 5:30.  They told me to give them the tarp when I caught up…

            I woke up around 6:00, took my tarp down and moved into the shelter to sleep some more.  The reflective lines on my tarp really work!  I was hiking by 7:40.  A few ups and downs before climbing Standing Indian Mountain.  Long, very gradual climb.  I caught those people at 9:00!

            Made very good time all day.  Crossed into Georgia about 12:30!  Ahh yeah!  Trail blazes are really nice here.  I realized it hasn’t rained for a very long time.  Thus, there is no water in the streams…

            Got to Dicks Creek Gap around 3:40.  Long, steep climb from there up to here!  Here at 4:45.  No water!!!  I ate dry instant grits and Crystal Light powder for dinner.  Yum…

            12 miles into Helen tomorrow for my last maildrop… Mom says it’s loaded!!!  This will be the only trail-town I’ve been to before!  (Raced mountain bikes several times on the World Cup course in Helen).

            Don’t know where I’ll get tomorrow… Only 63 miles left!  Can’t wait to see the folks and Fordo…

 North Carolina/Georgia border.  The final state.

Cool old oak tree at Bly Gap.

Day 118

Monday 10/16/00

Deep Gap Shelter to Blue Mountain Shelter

14.8 miles

“Dinner” was pretty crappy last night without water!  I remember my throat being completely dried out, to the point it was hard to swallow.  I will never, ever eat dehydrated food dry again after that, especially grits.  What was I thinking?  Kinda shows how hungry I was…  It was pretty warm last night!  It was even warm when I woke up.  That’s Georgia for you…

            Hiking again by 7:40.  I’ve gotten pretty consistent.  Steep little climb right off the bat.  Some minor ups and downs before hitting Tray Mountain.  Steep.  I can’t believe I’m in Georgia.  Hiking without water on a hot day sucks severely… met some trail maintainers on the way down Tray Mountain.  They gave me some of their water.  Nice fellas…  Took a break at Indian Grave Gap.  Shortly after leaving, met a flip-flopper named “Basketball Jones”.  He has to go north to Pennsylvania to finish… He said Poofoot and Flatiron finished up on Saturday!  Huh?!  I was supposed to be ahead of them!  Those yellow-blazin (hitch-hiking) slackers!  Oh well, “hike your own hike”.

            Steep climb up Rocky Mountain.  On the descent into Unicoi gap, I came around the corner and about 50 yards down the trail some woman was “answering the call”.  Her husband was apparently supposed to be looking out for hikers approaching… Why do you have to do your business right on the trail, you moron day-hikers?!  You’re supposed to go 200’ from the trail, at least.  Kinda pissed me off.

            Got to Unicoi Gap around 12:15.  Got picked up by some guy around 12:50.  He was a nice guy, but he had a pistol on the floor next to him!  Yikes!! 

            It was cool to see Helen again.  Same old tourist trap as the last time I saw it… Got some grub from home…

            Bought some Cheetos, a 32oz Mountain Dew slushie, 2 scoops of ice cream, an 8” funnel cake, and some another soda.  Food is good!

            Walked to the outskirts of town to hitch a ride.  Waited about a half hour before another hill-billy picked me up.  He wouldn’t go where I told him and insisted the AT started at “Adam’s Cove”.  Like I wouldn’t know!  After riding around with the guy for a long time, he eventually took me back to Unicoi Gap.  Hiked up the 2.2 miles to here.  There’s actually water!!!

            My throat feels weird.  Kinda hard to swallow.  Hope it’s better in the morning.  Headed to the Walasi-Yi center or further tomorrow (~20 miles).  Only 48.5 miles to go!

            Alone again…

Day 119

Tuesday, 10/17/00

Blue Mountain Shelter to Woods Hole Shelter

21.9 miles

           

My throat problem got kinda bad last night.  I could hardly swallow!  Slept in until 7:10.  Didn’t leave until 8:10.  Nice sunrise!

            Sure was nice to have water again!  Pretty easy going… Met a few section-hikers who gave me some food.  Ran out of water but got some from some people at Tesnatee Gap.  Some ups and downs  between there and Neels Gap.  At Neels Gap is the famous Walasi-Yi center (a sissy northbounder drop-out place).  Was planning to do laundry and take a shower, and spend the night, but all that was closed down for the season.  Did get to do laundry (without soap).  Helped a little.  Ate lots of food and juice.  They gave me a free ice cream bar!  They usually give out pints of Ben & Jerry’s, but they were out…

            Left there about 4:40.  The climb up Blood Mountain was pretty easy.  Nice views from there.  Passed Blood Moutain shelter because there’s no water there.  None here either!  The Georgia ridge-runner is here.  Cool guy.  Got here a little after 6:00.  Pretty late for me.  Ate some bars for dinner because of the lack of water.

            Nice, new shelter.  Writing by candle light…

            Oh, bought a nice AT shirt at the WY center…

            Headed to Hawk Moutain Shelter tomorrow.  Only 19 miles… but I have some time to kill.

            Only 26.6 to Springer!!!

 The Walasi-Yi center in Georgia.  32 miles to go.

Day 120

Wednesday, 10/18/00

Woods Hole Shelter to Hawk Mountain Shelter

19 miles

Well, it’s almost over…

            Slept in until 7:15, on the trail about 8:15.  Pretty easy going most of the morning.  One climb up Big Cedar Mountain… Some flat areas too… water seems to be pretty plentiful on this stretch.  Took a half hour lunch break at Gooch Gap, near the shelter.  Mostly down from there.  Passed several large creeks!  They weren’t dry!  Too bad they weren’t deep enough to have a swimming hole…

            A series of steep ups and downs… lots of helicopters flying around.  This area is used by the Army Rangers for training.  Saw 3 of them walking around with guns and camo and all that.  Lots of jets (F-14’s) flying around too.  I wonder what the Navy is doing here (F-14’s are Navy jets).

            Got to this nice, big shelter around 2:45.  Could have gone on but I’m in no rush.  Good water source and a privy here too.  One other guy at the shelter, others camping nearby…

            I only have 7.6 miles to go!  That is less than 3 hours of hiking!  It seems strange that there just isn’t more of the AT.  I know 2,167.1 miles is a long way but there’s no more!  

            I am very much looking forward to seeing Mom and Dad and Ford on Sunday.

Day 121

Thursday, 10/19/00

Hawk Mountain Shelter to Springer Mountain (and back 0.2 to the shelter)

7.6 miles

Well… This is it.  My last day on the Appalachian Trail.

            Last night, it was like being in a war-zone or something!  Jets and helicopters flying around all night and lots of gunfire…

            Tried to sleep in but woke up around 7:00 again.  I guess my body is programmed for that now…

            I was hiking by 8:10.  I was zooming along effortlessly.  I was so excited!  The last 4 miles were flat or downhill.  Then began the “climb” up Springer.  Not quite as awe-inspiring as Katahdin, but still a similar feeling I imagine.  As I got closer, I began to reminisce about all the miles I’ve covered, the people I’ve met… so, by the time I got to the summit, I started bawling.  I didn’t try to stop it.  I was up there alone.  Not much there.  You’ll see the pictures…

            I can’t believe I have zero miles to go!  I have a day and a half to get 8.8 miles to the visitor center.  Hmm… can I manage?

            2,167.1 miles, 14 states, 4 months and 8 days…

            Words can’t describe it.  Still can’t…

 Plaque on Springer Moutain, and the last white blaze.

Me at the end.

At Springer Mountain Shelter.  The sign I'm holding says "The End"

Friday and Saturday, 10/20-21/00

Springer Mountain Shelter to Amicalola Falls Visitor Center

8.8 miles

Slept in… didn’t leave until 9:45.  Easy hiking!  Why do all the north-bounders bitch about it?!  Tried to go slow, but still did about 3 miles per hous.  Came to Amicalola Lodge and ate at the buffet.  $8.75 plus tax.  I cleaned that place out!!! Bought some postcards…

            Got here around 2:00, took shower!  Changed into clean clothes, ate junkfood, bought a book, played solitaire, etc…

            Some noisy scouts shared the shelter, not much sleep.  Sat around this morning and answered millions of their questions.  Walked to a deli, bought a milkshake and a sandwich.  Offered to help at the Visitor’s Center… declined.  Probably because I still smelled horrible.

            Read book and played solitaire all day.  Tons of screaming kids running around.  Very annoying!

            Can’t wait to get out of here!  Tomorrow morning!

 Me cleaned up (sorta) at Amicalola Falls Visitor Center.

            The next morning, I took a couple showers to try and alleviate the stink.  As I was brushing my teeth, my dad walked in to use the bathroom.  He didn’t even notice me at first, and I think it took a bit of time to realize it was me.  I started the trail weighing a healthy 245 pounds (I’m 6’5”), and finished a hair above 170 pounds.  I was a skinny little dude…

            After getting reacquainted and after time for my parents to acclimate to the still-lingering stench, we got in the car and headed home to Maine.  After a quick visit with Ford in Kentucky, we made it home in about 2 and a half days.  It was really strange to drive pretty much the same terrain in 2 days that it took me 4 months to walk.  To this day, I get really sentimental when I cross the AT while driving somewhere.

            It was a peaceful and simple time of my life.  I’m so glad I did it when I did.  I didn’t have any debts or real responsibilities to worry about, I wasn’t the disgruntled fart I am now (not most of the time at least), and I was able to see it for what it was.  I didn’t figure out what I wanted to do with myself out there, but I did learn that I can do just about anything if I really want to.  One of the most profound things I got out of it was to “never quit on a rainy day”.  Don’t just give up on something if it seems hard at the time.  It might be crappy today, but tomorrow the sun could come out, the mountains flatten out, and the creeks all have a stash of cold drinks and little debbies.

THE END.

Appalachian Trail Retrospective - Little Laurel Shelter (NC) to Cable Gap Shelter (NC)

Day 107

Thursday, 10/5/00

Little Laurel Shelter to Deer Park Mountain Shelter

22.8 miles

Another nice day… Woke up a few times last night to coyotes or wild hell-hounds or something barking… oh, and another thru-hiker showed up.  He’s a flip-flopper named “Rocks” (A flip-flopper, as the name implies, starts at one end and hikes to a certain point then gets the other end and hikes back to that point.  There are many variations of this).  He went from West Virginia to Maine, now he’s doing Georgia to West Virginia.  Nice guy.  Didn’t get much food from that group.  A couple carrots though… good enough.

            On the trail by 7:45.  Went good and fast all day.  Talked to some folks picnicking.  They gave me a little food… Kept moving with thoughts of food in my head… It was pretty hot today.  Kinda weird for October, even in the south.

            Got to Hot Springs about 2:00.  Nice little town!  Got fuel at outfitter.  Ran to P.O. and packed up food in front of outfitter.  While there, Dan “Wingfoot” Bruce showed up.  He is the guy who writes the “Thru-hikers Handbook”.  He says there will be a special southbounder’s edition next year!  Sweet…

            Went to “grocery store”.  Horrible selection and outrageous prices. Got my permit for the Smoky Mountains.  Called dad.  He says they’re thinking of coming to Georgia to pick me up!  That’d be great!!! Phone card ran out…

            Headed out of town at 4:30.  I love having lots of food available, but man is it HEAVY!  Oh well… Made it 3.2 miles uphill to here by 5:30.  No one else here… yet…

            Going over Max Patch Mountain tomorrow.  One of the more famous southern balds.  They’re great!

            Probably doing 23 or so tomorrow…

 In Hot Springs, NC with Dan "Wingfoot" Bruce.

Day 108

Friday, 10/6/00

Deer Park Mountain Shelter to Groundhog Creek Shelter

23 miles

Had trouble getting to sleep last night.  Lay awake until after 10:00.  Thinking about home… less than 2 weeks now… I’ve passed the 1,900 mile mark…

            On the go by 7:45.  A few easy hills before hitting Bluff Mountain.  Big, long climb up to 4,686’.  No views though… couple more ups and down before a long, but very gradual ascent up Max Patch.  Got to the treeless summit (4,629’) right when the clouds moved in.  Got a few views… Long up and down descent to here.  Pretty uneventful day…

            Starting to rain here and the temperature is dropping fast.

            There’s a chance of snow flurries in the high country this weekend!  That might be neat.

            6 people at shelter… maximum capacity.  Oh well… (Lonely when I’m alone, and missing the solitude when it’s crowded… go figure…)

            Don’t know where I’m a-goin’ tomorrow.  Probably 25.3…

            Get started on the Smokies!

Atop a southern bald. 

Day 109

Saturday, 10/7/00

Groundhog Creek Shelter to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

25.3 miles

Didn’t rain too much last night.  The temperature did drop quite a bit though.  (I am writing this on 10/10, so I don’t remember too much.  Same with the next 2 entries.)

            Hiking around 7:45.  Very foggy.  2.5 mile climb, then a 6.5 mile descent to I-40.  Then a 6.5 mile ascent, passing into Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP).

            Climbs were long but enjoyable.  Only wearing shorts and my 2 shirts (coolmax T-shirt and coolmax sleeveless shirt).

            Went down to visit Cosby Knob Shelter.  Some college kids there gave me some food. 

            3 or 4 years ago, an F-4 jet crashed in the Smokies.  Part of the wing was at the shelter!  Kinda cool…

            The higher I got, the colder it got!  Near the end of the day it was snowing some!

            3 other folks at the shelter… got cold real fast…

Day 110

Sunday, 10/8/00

Tri-Corner Knob Shelter to Newfound Gap (US 441)

15.6 miles

I froze last night!  It was tough to get out of bed!  When I did, at about 8:30, I went outside.  Everything was coated with rime-ice.  Frozen clouds… Very pretty but cold too…

            Passed “Charlie’s Bunion”, an interesting rock outcropping.  Lots of up and down…

            Started seeing los of people as I neared Newfound Gap.  Got there about 2:30.  Waited for 10 minutes for a hitch.  Picked up by some German-sounding people in a Jeep.  Drove down a very scenic 15 miles to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  Went to outfitter, “the happy hiker”.  They set me up in a room for $25!  Nice.

            Vegged out in front of TV and went out to eat a calzone at a pizza place.

            Nice town.  Didn’t went to spend another 15 degree night in a 40-degree bag (a very worn out 40-degree bag at that)…

 "Charlie's Bunion", Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Day 111

Monday, 10/9/00

Newfound Gap (US 441) to Silers Bald Shelter

12.5 miles

Slept in till 8:00.  Out at the road near 10:00.  Found a perfect spot to hitch, but no one would pick me up!  Even the people who’d given me a ride into town passed me!  (could have been the smell)  Waited for an hour then went back to the outfitter to guy some gloves (my $1.25 Walmart ones had worn out).  Bought some nice Mountain Hardwear gloves.  (Still have these gloves!).  Went back to the road…

            Waited another half hour before some nice rednecks picked me up.  They were hikers too.  Got hiking again by 12:30.  Very cold!  Long, but gradual climb up to Clingman’s Dome (6,643’), the highest point on the Appalachian Trail!  Lots of snow and ice.  Extremely cold descent down to the shelter.

            Supposed to be even colder tonight.  Argh!

            Put my space blanket inside my sleeping bag (somehow it ripped into 3 pieces) and rolled up in my tarp.  3 other people here.

 Rime-ice and snow atop Clingman's Dome, Tennessee (6,643').

Day 112

Tuesday, 10/10/00

Silers Bald Shelter to Mollies Ridge Shelter

17.1 miles

Another freezing night!  Had to take a leak about 6:00.  It was so cold but I couldn’t wait.  It was incredibly clear!  You could see every star in the sky!

            Anyway… reluctantly got out of bed at 7:30 to get food bag.  Crawled back in the bag quick!  I used my tarp for extra warmth last night but it collected all the condensation so my bag was soaked and icy!  On the go by 8:45…

            Very cold hiking.  Came over a hill and saw a bear running away from me!  That makes 2!  Sun came out!  Lots of ups and downs… Gradually got warmer.  Well not warm, but less cold… very, very clear today.  Excellent views!  Toward mid day, I actually took my coat and gloves off! (I was wearing everything I have!) Temperature eventually got pretty comfy!

            Here at shelter at 3:30 to catch up on journal.  Could have gone another 5 miles… it’s cold now that I’m not moving!  5 other people probably headed here.  They’re gonna start a fire!   

            I just realized it’s been 3 months since I left Gorham, NH.  Moving pretty quick…

Day 113

Wednesday, 10/11/00

Mollies Ridge Shelter to Cable Gap Shelter

17.6 miles

Today is a milestone!!! It has been 4 months since I started AND I crossed the 2,000-mile mark!  I’ve gone 2,010.9 miles!

            It warmed up last night.  Must have been at least above 32 degrees because my water didn’t freeze.  Hiking by 7:40.  I was truckin!

            Fontana Lake looked like it was about 100 feet lower than the high water mark.  Looked odd.  The dam was impressive, 480 feet high!  Highest dam in the East.  Went to Visitor’s Center.  Employee gave me a Pepsi!  Nice.  Moved on to the famous “Fontana Hilton” Shelter.  There was no register there, so I left a notebook that I’d bought for that purpose.  It’ll be neat to get it back!  I never did get it back… bummer.

            Got to NC 28.  Changed into shorts for the first time in a while.  Felt good… Tried to hitch a ride.  No luck.  A hiker came out of the woods and told me about a shuttle to town for $1.  So, I called the number… said they’d be there in no time.  An hour later I called to see if they’d forgotten… Soon someone came.  Got my mail… thanks for the card and the money mom.  Drove back to the trail.  Hiking again around 3:00.  Long, enjoyable climb.  I actually kinda like climbs these days.  Left knee is starting to feel iffy but who cares!  Only 8 days left…

            Got here about 4:45.  No one else here.  I’ll pass Nantahala Outdoor Center tomorrow.  Good night…

Appalachian Trail Retrospective - Damascus, Virginia to Little Laurel Shelter (North Carolina)

Day 97

Monday, 9/25/00

Damascus, Virginia to Iron Mountain Shelter

26.3 miles

Had a rough night!  The whole time I was in town my stomach felt kind of strange.  I thought I’d just eaten too much… but last night I felt kinda sick, so I got out a barf bucket just in case.  Went to sleep for a bit then woke up because I had to puke… all those wasted calories!  Slept well after that…

            Felt kinda crappy when I woke up.  Packed up, went to the Sidetrack Café.  The guy fixed me a free breakfast!  Well, he offered to.  I just had some OJ and a roll.

            Raining… went to P.O. to send some stuff home.  Started hiking around 9:00.  Felt terrible.  Felt like I was gonna puke and it was raining…

            After a few hours I felt better though.  The rain was on and off all day.  Mostly ON though.

            Either I was going super fast, which I didn’t feel like, or the mileages here are exaggerated a bit. 

            It started pouring about 3:00 and kept up until I got here (at 5:30).  I made good time even though I wasn’t feeling good…

            New shoes feel good.  Of course they’re soaked now though…

            Going 24.3 tomorrow to Kincora Hostel where the owner (Bob Peoples) is going to drive me into Boone (for $20)!  Less than 24 hours until I see someone I know!  Yay!!!  Hoave to get there before 5:00… Should be no problem…

            5 people at this shelter (+2 dogs).

Day 98

Tuesday, 9/26/00

Iron Mountain Shelter to Dennis Cove Rd. (Kincora Hostel) to Boone, NC

24.3 miles

Continued to rain and blow all night long.  Thought a tree would fall on the shelter or something…

            Got out of bed about 6:30.  The temp had dropped probably into the 30’s and it was foggy.  Got my food and ate in bed.  Waited for it to get light before I started packing – much later than usual due to fog… On the trail by 7:30.  It was freezing!  My shoes were soaked and real cold!  Wore my raincoat, beanie and gloves most of the day!

            Was foggy until about 11:30 or so.  Made great time once again.  The mileages must be exaggerated, but the elevation profile sure isn’t!  Supposed flat spots are all up and down… argh!

            Came down leeward side of ridge and it was much warmer.  Crossed Watuaga dam…

            Climbed up Pond Mountain (<4,000’) about a 2.5 mile climb.  Steep descent into the Laurel Creek gorge.  Very pretty!  Nice area for swimming if it wasn’t so cold… Passed Laurel Creek falls.  REALLY pretty!  Steep climb out of there.  Leveled off before Dennis Cove Rd, where I went to “Kincora Hostel”.  There by 4:15, took a shower and got a ride to Boone.  Found Courtney working.  Ate some food.  Went to grocery store.  Tried to find Courtney’s house.  Walked about 2 miles uphill… gave up and walked back to town.

            Waiting for Courtney to finish up work so she can give me a ride.  Quite cold out…

Day 99

Wednesday, 9/27/00

Boone, NC

0 miles

Courtney was busy all day, so I just wandered around town… Met her and a bunch of her friends at some place.  It was “open mike” night and the bands were terrible!  Stayed there until about 11:30.  I went home (Courtney’s pad), everyone else went to get drunk… It was Courtney’s 21^st birthday…

Day 100!

Thursday, 9/28/00

Boone, NC

0 miles

More of the same.  Courtney didn’t feel well enough to hang out much… eventually she recovered though.  Did the recycling and went to the carwash with her.  It was fun enough I guess.  I bought “A Walk in the Woods”.  I think I’m the only person on the AT who hasn’t read it.  Bill Bryson’s book had come out this summer, and lots of folks were on the trail (non-thru-hikers) because of its influence.

            Went out to dinner with her and her boyfriend.  It was fun and good food too!

            Watched a video later…

I didn’t seem to enjoy myself when I took days off in town.  I guess I haven’t changed too much…

Day 101!

Friday, 9/29/00

Dennis Cove Rd to Apple House Shelter

20.1 miles

Woke up before 7:00.  Packed up and left with Courtney for the trail.  Foggy drive there… Got to trail about 8:30.  Took some pictures and said my goodbye to Courtney and returned to the trail… I wonder if I’ll ever see her again… I saw her again in Boothbay in the summer of 2003, but I haven’t since then…

            Anyway, felt great to be hiking again!  Weather was perfect!  The woods were very pretty too!  Lots of ups and downs.  The hills are getting noticeably steeper…

            Saw some weekenders… Got a great view of the Roan Highlands (what I go over tomorrow).

            Near Highway 19E there was a cooler with beer, soda, and Little Debbies!!!  Had a few LD’s and a beer.  I love trail magic!

            Got here about 4:00… reading my book…

Day 102

Saturday, 9/30/00

Apple House Shelter to Clyde Smith Shelter

20.6 miles

Wow!  What a day!  Slept great last night.  Woke around 7:00, on trail by 8:00.

            Long, 5 mile climb up Hump Mountain.  The top half was treeless but covered with clouds… this area is called the Roan Highlands.  Lots of up and down, mostly up…  About ¾ up actually.  Clouds eventually cleared off.  Perfect weather!  Lots of “bald” mountains.  Views were great.  Made good time!  Near Carvers Gap, there were lots of day hikers.  One gave me an apple, that was it (guess I’d been spoiled lately).  Climbed up Roan High Knob (6,285’).  That’s only 3 feet shorter than Mt. Washington!  There’s the highest shelter on the AT there too.  Long, steep descent from there, then up and over Little Rock Knob (great views) to here.  Here alone… I’m loving this book! 

            Even though I tried to give myself generous rations, I’ll have to stock up in Erwin, TN.  Can’t stop eating!

            I forgot to mention I got an email in Boone from Czarina (NY to GA).  She said there’s some guy that started on June 28^th that’s trying to catch me and be first to Springer.  I’ve decided to enjoy my final few weeks on the trail and not worry about it.  He won’t be first anyway, RD, OP, and DD (I abbreviated their names in the journal, the only I remember is Optimus Prime) are all planning to be done on the 7^th!  If this guy “Morphine” caught me tonight, he’d have a week to go 300+ miles.  Not likely… And he never even caught up to me.  Don’t know if he finished or not…

            Besides, the ATC doesn’t publish who finishes first or fastest, so why bother?  Who’s gonna care anyway it’d be forgotten by next year…

            Going over a mountain tomorrow which is supposed to be like Maine because of the fir/spruce trees.  That will be nice and sentimental… To Erwin tomorrow!

Day 103

Sunday, 10/1/00

Clyde Smith Shelter to Curley Maple Shelter

20.9 miles

           

Wow, I can’t believe it’s already October!  I went well over 600 miles last month!  To date, I’ve gone 1,824.6 miles.  That means only 342.5 miles to go!  Less than 3 weeks!  I’m reading “A Walk in the Woods” and he’s in Maine.  It’s getting me all sentimental…

            Anyway, another nice day!  Not as scenic as yesterday though.  Unaka Mountain (5,180’) had fir and spruce trees on top so it looked, felt and smelled a lot like the Maine woods… minus the moose poop, roots, and rocks…

            In the woods again going up and down all day… That’s the AT.  Came to a bald called “Beauty Spot”.  What an appropriate name!  You could see for miles…

            Walked through a “bear sanctuary” area.  This is where they bring the problem bears from the Smokes.  Great…

            Got here at 3:15!  I was going to spend the night in Erwin, but I’m low on money, so I decided to stay here.  It’s 4 miles downhill to town… Need food!  Read a lot… almost done with the book.

            To town for food then out again… alone again…

Day 104

Monday, 10/2/00

Curley Maple Shelter to No Business Knob Shelter

10.5 miles

Easy day!  Hiked the 4 miles to town in less than an hour!  Went to Uncle Johnny’s Hostel.  He lets patrons use bikes for free!  It’s 4 miles to town.  Had to wait for an hour for him to show up, but it was worth it.  Took a crappy old Schwinn.  The seat was WAY too low and the wheels were hopelessly out of true.  But it got me to town!  Tooke me a while to find an ATM… bought what should be more than enough food to get me to Hot Springs, NC.  I think I’ll get there Thursday afternoon.  Hope my package is there (containing some warmer clothes). 

            Got back from town about 1:00.  I hate wasting time, but I gotta eat!  Long climb out of Nolichucky Gorge.  Almost stepped on a very well camouflaged Copperhead snake.  Fortunately, I saw him in time and ripped his head off.   That should add some flavor to my ramen.  (There I go with the snake decapitation again… in case you forgot, I’m only joking!).

            Pretty flat until I got here.  So fast, I was surprised when I came around the corner and saw the shelter!  It was before 3:00.  Could and probably should have pushed on.  But, I don’t want to beat my package to Hot Springs…

            Quite a bit warmer today.  Feels more like the south than it has so far…

            Three 20-mile days ahead and I’ll be in Hot Springs! 

            More nice balds to go over tomorrow!

           

NOTE:  Since leaving Damascus, none of the shelters have had privies (outhouses)!  Why!?  The trail is well-maintained, but the shelters kind of suck.  This one is very dark…

Day 105

Tuesday 10/3/00

No Business Knob Shelter to Hogback Ridge Shelter

20.7 miles

Woke up several times last night.  Must be because I went to bed so early (6:00).  There wasn’t anything else to do… Packed up and hiking by 7:30.

            Easy, fast going to Spivey Gap.  2 mile climb out of there… easy.  Then down some then a long, pretty tough climb up Little Bald Mountain.  It wasn’t little or bald!!!  They should rename it “Corndog Mountain” or “Mount Corndog”.  That sounds much nicer.

            Then, down some more and up Big Bald Mountain.  It was big and bald!  360 degree views from an elevation of 5,516 feet.  It was great.  Got some dayhikers to take my picture up there…

            Back in Pennsylvania somewhere, I saw an AT calendar.  There was one gorgeous picture of a place called Sam’s Gap.  The foliage was all sorts of pretty colors… I had been looking forward to getting there.  But, when I got to Sam’s Gap, there was some major road construction.  They were building an Interstate bridge and half the valley was torn up.  So much for the scenery…

            2.5 miles uphill to here.  Arrived at 2:30!  Probably should have pushed on some.  Oh well.  3 section-hikers here now.  Maybe I’ll score some more extra food!  2 days until Hot Springs!

            I’m feeling lazy.  Poofoot and Flatiron are only a day ahead.  Haven’t seen them since Damascus…

            “Morphine” still hasn’t caught me.  I thought this dude was supposed to be fast!

 

Day 106

Wednesday, 10/4/00

Hogback Shelter to Little Laurel Shelter

21.3 miles

I think I was sharing the shelter last night with Darth Vader!  Dude snored so loud!  I didn’t get any food from them either…

            Woke up around 6:15.  Ate and was on the trail by 7:30.  Nice easy descent then an easy climb, then a long descent (3+ miles).  Then, kind of up and down for a bit to Flint Gap.  Tough, steep climb out of there!  It was fun though!  Climbs that don’t kill me only make me stronger!  (Aaaaaarrrrrrrrrr!!!!)  Eventually reached the summit of Big Butt Mountain (where do they get these names?).  Down a bit to Jerry Cabin Shelter.  Went 6.7 miles from there to here in 1 hour 45 minutes!  That’s moving pretty quick!  Passed 9 section hikers all headed here.  Got here at 2:30, again… Coulda, shoulda gone another 8.6 miles but I don’t want to beat that maildrop.

            I think I’ll be able to get a bunch of grub from these guys!  We’ll see…

            Only 19.8 miles to Hot Springs tomorrow…