Date: 2005-04-12
To: Beautiful Weekend!
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I was supposed to go hiking weekend before last but ended up with tickets to the race at Bristol. But I promised myself that nothing would stand in the way for this weekend past, and it didn't. I was supposed to start out Sat. morning, my cousin was going to drop me off near the trail at Iron Mt. Gap on TN/NC line. Well, we both overslept but I did manage to hit the trail by 2pm. I hiked southbound on a georgeous afternoon over several viewless hills and easily made the Cherry Gap Shelter by 4:30. Only came across one other hiker, a NOBO who's name escapes me. At the shelter, alone, I glanced through the register- man! lot's o' hikers through here in last two weeks! I made sure the deck of cards I left there last time were still there, they were. Oh, just to let ya'll know, while I'm out weekending it, I'm trying to leave a deck of cards at the shelters I stay at. A good way to pass the time while riding out a storm, or, I've developed this habit of playing a hand or two of solitaire every night before I go to bed. As the day wore on, a few hikers came in for the night. Two thru-hikers, Graham Cracker and one other gentleman who's name I didn't get; I've got to get better at the name thing. There was also 3 section hikers. All but Graham decided to tent for one reason or another. My reason was the mice. One ran across my head last time I was at this shelter. In the morning, Graham informed us that he had no mouse problems as a local bat had decided to stand sentry in the shelter with him. I ate breakfast and headed south around 9am. My goal is to make it to the Curly Maple Gap Shelter 12.2 miles away. Warm day even in the mountains. made it up Unaka Mt. by 1230pm. This mt. is unique for the south in that the entire top of the mt. is red spruce. Trail is hard to see at best in the daylight. Did see 5 deer on my way across. Made Beauty Spot by 2pm. and rested on top taking in the sun and views for 1/2 hour or so. Met two NOBOs, Skeeter Feeder and Carolyn(sp?). Then just as we are all about to head our way, a local that had driven to the top starts asking us about the trail. He overheard me telling the others that it was hard to find the trail over Unaka and he said the forest service better get busy splashing some orange paint around. Inwardly cringing, we all just smiled and said our goodbyes and continued on.I made it to Indian Grave Gap by 330p and stopped here for a few to rest. By this time my shoulders were hurting from my pack- still trying to get it adjusted right. Then off to the shelter. Trail south of Indian Grave is fairly easy, mostly walking parallel to the ridge line. Made the shelter by 6pm. Four NOBOs at the shelter, two who were already in bed by this time and a couple from Minn. I tented again and after chatting for a while, we all went to bed. I laid there for a hour or so as the sun set. Watching the stars come out, one by one. Made for a relaxing evening. Got up Mon. morning around 8am. Packed up and hit the trail to the Nolichucki River Gorge and eventually home. Made a brisk walk, for me anyways, and after 5 miles in 2 hours, was sitting on the couch drinking a Coke. All in all it was a good weekend. Had alot of time to think about things going on in my life and sort out my priorities. Truly got a feel of how prepared I am for my thru-hike and some gear changes I need to consider. I took several pictures and will post them soon.Till next time-