Date: 2013-04-15
From: Tri Corner Knob shelter

To: I-40 underpass
Miles today: 17.6

I tried to think but nothing happened. Curly      Today was one of those days where my brain was somewhere but I just couldn't seem to find it. I never slept in the shelter as it was a symphony of snores, crinkling air mattresses, coughs and headlamps going on all night. I looked at my clock every hour from 11:30 p.m. on. I was so happy at 5:30 because I knew I could start packing up to get outta there. Two others were up in the dark, too. I was ready to leave at 6:45.    But it's still wet and dripping--where are my rainpants? Look through my pack again. Nothing. Maybe they fell out and the people who set up on the floor are sleeping on them. I'm not going to wake them, so I left word that if they turn up, could someone please bring them.    I hiked into the mist, but the day turns nice pretty quickly and the sun peeks out. The hiking offers amazing views and I'm walking alone.   I took my beanie off as I was getting too warm. Instead of stuffing it into my back pocket, I just stuffed it inside my vest. Further along I climbed more and was too warm again, so I untucked my rain jacket and vest a bit. You guessed it, my beanie fell out and I didn't notice.       I eventually realized my error and back tracked to look for it but I knew it was way behind me somewhere. My beanie is critical for keeping me warm, so I really didn't want to lose it. I think zero sleep has contributed to this mess. Hike on and hope for the best.    I stopped at a shelter for water and lunch and was there alone. I left a note about my beanie, just in case. A little later, I reached the apex of my hiking for the day and began a long, seven mile downhill walk. I'd pulled my phone out up top and got a message from Jolly. He is in Newport, recovering from an ankle injury. He reminded me to be safe on the down as it is rocky and steep.    I had already hiked 10 miles and had 7 to go. I'd seen no one. I was tired, but tried to be careful. I slipped once, but it's OK. Several miles later, a colossal trip sent me down completely. Total face plant. Glad no one was there to see that, but I couldn't get up easily. I'm facing downhill, pack weighing me down and on my trek poles. Ugh.    I lay there for a bit then got up somehow. Wiped the dirt off my face, hands and pants. My right leg had hit another rock and I can feel a bruise coming up right away. It's OK, I have to keep moving no matter what. It is getting hotter and hotter as I descend and I just want to be there. I've decided to join Jolly and reassess. Haven't seen him since the first day in Gatlinburg and look forward to catching up.       I reached the northern boundary of GSMNP at Davenport Gap. I'm still brain dead and didn't notice another hiker sitting on some large rocks. He was airing and resting his feet and having a snack. Looks good to me, so I sit too. His name is Jericho, and he is from Louisana. We chatted and I told him how to get to the Standing Bear. I mentioned my rain pants and he told me that someone at the shelter had them. Then I told him about my beanie and he says "oh, I'm glad you mentioned that". He opens his pack and hands me my beanie. He'd found it in the middle of the trail.   THANK YOU JERICHO !!!       My world is just taking care of me today. I shuffled the last two miles to Rt. I -40.   So tired and leg hurting. It just happened that a van was there and the driver offered me a ride immediately.   Yes! Offered me a cold water, too. I'm too grateful for words. I'd hiked the 17 miles in about 7 hours and now I would catch up to Jolly for dinner. Nothing could be finer. It's all good, even when I'm brain dead. Tie Dye. ??