Date: 2015-04-28
From: Jones Meadow

To: devils Fork Gap
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Last night was my most miserable on the trail so far, even more so than the soaking freezing smokies. I coughed uncontrollably all night, my "flat-ish" tent spot was actually on an angle that caused me to slide to the bottom of my tent all night, and I was freezing. In the middle of the night, I became so frustrated that I literally started crying. I wanted my husbands arms around me, I wanted to lay my eyes on my kids faces, I wanted one of my dads perfectly grilled steaks, I wanted my mom to come over and make me soup. I wanted to go home, and I let the words enter my brain. I want to go home. Then, whether it was a dream or just my strong self emerging from my brain- I heard myself say- THIS. this is the first- but not the last time I will feel weak. But I'm not weak. I'm sick. So do something about it. I searched my back pack for the hand warmers I knew I had somewhere. Found them, stuck one in each sock, one in the middle of my bra, and I duct taped one to my neck. Then I felt warm. I told myself that to be as strong as the kids I walk for, I would have to get up the next day and find something to smile about. And finally, sleep came. In the morning I woke up to the sound of D.Nos voice. Bon Bon? He said they were packed up and ready to head out. The sun was up, I was still in my bag. I told them I was sick and that I would get moving in a bit. He and C.Shell rummaged in their packs and came up with 3 little packs of cold and flu capsules. I said goodbye to them, hoping I could catch up. I love hiking with them. I finally headed out about an hour later. I looked at my AWOL book and was happy to see that the trail looked pretty flat for a while. I should have read the writing- I would have read " Rocky and strenuous". Within a mile and a half I found myself navigating big rocks, hand over hand climbing, both up and down. It was fun and beautiful and challenging. It made me smile and I felt strong! Then mud, then more rocks, then mud and rocks, and so it went for a couple of miles. I hiked alone most of the day, enjoying mileage chewed up by some nice smooth downs, but also feeling challenged by a few big tough climbs. The day was not quite as easy as I thought it would be. I was hoping to make 18 miles to catch up with my buddies, but at a road crossing at Devil Fork Gap, I saw a sign for a hostel only a couple of miles away with a phone number. My strong voice spoke up again and said- go there and take care of yourself. So I called the number. Shortly, a camouflage jeep pulled up. The driver had a full beard and looked country. Two cute little blonde boys were standing in the back holding on to the roll bar. They looked to be about 7 and 5. I asked the kids if they had seen any bears. The older boy said no, but he was looking, cause he was gonna skin it! And he patted the large sheathed knife on his belt. Little brother nodded solemnly. I asked if they like to hike. Big brother said yeah- they went today and little brother fell off a 10 foot cliff. Little brother nodded. Disney could not find cuter kids if they scoured the earth. We got to the hostel, which was a little store, and I noticed little brother had his collared shirt on backwards and inside out. Little country kids I thought- how cute. Then his dad started speaking to both kids in German, then proceeded to have a conversation with me about some of the history and people of the area and he might have been a college professor. Books, covers.Mark owned the hostel. It was a garage with bunks, satellite TV, and a space heater. $25 did not include a shower. I declined the shower, it was an extra $5, and besides, I just had one 3 days ago. Mark made me the most wonderful double bacon cheeseburger. It was Delish. He came out while I was eating and asked me how I liked it. He was packing a holstered gun on his belt that would have made Dirty Harry proud, my eyes glanced at it and I gulped and said oh this is the best burger I have ever had! Lorax( the dental Hygienist) her husband HVAC , a Canadian guy who tented, and another guy whose name I can't remember were there. All but the Canadian stayed in the bunk room. We turned the heater on and the tv off. I had a warm night of restorative sleep- exactly what I needed. People are restorative too. Mark was so kind and welcoming. It's amazing how an experience like that can put you back where you need to be.