Date: 2008-02-03
From: Tanyard Gap, NC

To: 1 mile south of Little Laurel Shelter, NC
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up this morning about 6am. I wasn't completely better, but I felt good enough to go for a walk today. :-)I made a pot of coffee and had the last of my cereal and milk for breakfast.I was waiting until about 9am to go up and have a roast beef hoagie made at the campstore to pack out for later.I made another pot of coffee, then about 9, I walked up to the campstore. I saw a car in front of the outfitter, so I walked down to see if they were open....and they were.I told Dan that I would need that ride to Tanyard Gap today. I made arrangements for just after 10am.I had the hoagie made at the store, then went back to the room and finished packing my stuff.I also bought a sausage biscuit and a danish for second breakfast.I bought 2 new Aquafina water bottles since I had a cold when I used the ones I was carrying.I checked out of the room and thanked Carolyn. This was a great place to stay here in Hot Springs.I walked down to the outfitter and checked my email, and then Dan drove me back to Tanyard Gap.He didn't want any money for the two rides to the gap, but I made sure he got some....thanks Dan!! :-)I started climbing at 10:15am and heading north. It was a mild day...maybe 50 degrees and the sun was out.The hill was easy again...so I AM getting better! :-)I checked my cell phone and sent in yesterday's journal and pictures when I had data service.I saw some bear prints in some mud about an hour after I started climbing.I almost forgot to mention that I ran into Caveman in Hot Springs just before I left today. He's a pathetic backpacker because he can't even keep up with me as slow as I'm going. ;-)I felt so bad when I was in Hot Springs that when I looked in the mirror, I decided to shave so I didn't look as bad as I felt. Ha! :-)I also cheered myself up after I shaved by looking in the mirror and sticking my lower lip out in my best "pouty" look and I sang; No body knows the troubles I've seen, no body knows but I..........   ;-)I got up to Rich Mtn and I felt like my old self. It was about a 1,200 ft climb and I didn't have to stop any on the way up.The spring just before the campsite was dry. It's one of the first springs I've seen dry, but then it is right near the top of a mountain.I'm much better at this backpacking stuff when I feel good. It's an enjoyable day out here today. :-)There was water running in a small stream on the north side of Rich Mtn.I descended to Hurricane Gap and crossed the old muddy forest service road.I passed by a marker for Rex Pulford who lived from 1920 to 1983.I passed by another marker in a short while for Jackelyn Morris who lived from 1940 to 1990.I stopped at Spring Mtn Shelter and signed the register and got to use some smiley face stickers.I ate my roast beef hoagie I packed out and some nuts, and then walked on.I had a steep slippery down off Spring Mtn because of the slippery mud.I saw three day hikers sitting down just before I got to Allen Gap.The guy was Sweep '00 and two ladies. They offered me some Starbucks from a thermos and they also gave me a couple cookies....thanks!! :-)I got rid of my garbage at some cans just before Allen Gap.There were some jugs of water at Allen Gap. I went ahead and filled my second bottle because I wasn¢t sure how much farther I was walking today.I got to Log Cabin Drive where Nean had a hostel for a year or two. The pine beetles have destroyed quite a few pine trees in this area.I ran into Kevin, a Trail maintainer and his female dog. She was being real impatient while Kevin and I were talking.Kevin just smiled and said that all the women in his life are like that. :-)I saw a big ol' tom turkey ahead of me. He took off flying and I heard another turkey off to my right take off flying too.I walked another half mile after that and found a flat spot to set up my tent.The timing was perfect because it started raining almost as soon as I crawled inside.I ate a few snacks for dinner and some nuts and drank some water.It's raining on my tent and it's just gotten dark out....and I¢m inside, warm and dry. :-)Another great day on the Appalachian Trail! :-)