Date: 2010-05-13
From: damascus,va

To: View Entry
Miles today: 51.0

Ok So, I'm going to try and recap the hike for the last several weeks.We left Fontana Dam and entered into the Smokies. The first day out of a town is always difficult. River, Fable and I hiked to Birch Spring Gap Campground. This is one of very few campgrounds you are allowed to stay at in the Smokies. They are very strict about this and will ticket you if you are in an area not designated by them. We ended up with about 15 people at the campsite. I finally saw Mad Mike. I haven't seen him since march 15th. He has been hiking with Charlie, who is a super nice guy. They are both fresh if you ask me. Ziggy showed up with Lucy, his dog. He is a master fire builder. We all sat around the fire until about 9 and chatted. It was a very enjoyable day. We noticed that the forest floor was finally starting to come alive. It's nice to see green and not brown. April 10 I woke to a bad morning. Both my legs felt like lead. We only hiked 8 miles to Russell Field shelter. Sabbath Keeper was there. This shelter has caging around it to keep the bear out. This was our first night of many being forced to sleep in the shelter system and not having the privacy of my tent. Generally, the shelters are full and cramped and have alot of college kids on break. This day Fable took a pretty good header, but he'll be ok. This night when we were trying to sleep River and I got the giggles. It was contagious. I felt like I was 10 at a sleepover. I just couldn't stop laughing. We heard coyotes and owls that night.April 11 Happy Birthday Mom!!!!We headed off fairly early for a long day. We went through balds and had lunch on Rocky Top. There were 360deg views of North Carolina and Tennessee. For some reaason the afternoon went slow and we did 10 miles. We are staying at Derrick Knob shelter. It was packed with thru hikers. I saw Rabid today. I haven't seen her since Standind Indian. She had to get off trail for a week because she had an accident on Albert Mountain and got hurt. She is back on trail and in full form. She is a great gal and I hope to hike with her often. I met HD Mamma whose tail journal I had been reading before starting the hike. Another great lady. This was the first night I met Superman,Cope,Grizzly, and Sockeye, the Professor, and Hercules.April 12 River,Fable and I hiked to Double Spring Gap shelter. The frat and the Professor were there. The frat were heading out. The three of us plus the professor decided to stay and hang out. It was a beautiful afternoon. River was lying in the sun when we heard a noise. She said" that's not a hiker". We all freaked out and got our weapons ready. By weapons I mean a knife River doesn't know how to use, and trekking poles. You should have seen us. We looked ridiculous. The professor was cooking ramen noodles. What was he going to do? Throw it in the bears face and say "take that!"? As it turns out it was a couple of deer. They came right into the shelter. They are used to humans and not afraid. After the excitement we went to bed early.April 13 The four of us hike up to Clingman's dome. This is the highest point on the AT at 6643 feet. We had been lucky so far with the weather. The weather in the smokies are known for being unpredictable and not all that great. Up to now the weather has been perfect and the views are amazing. We ended up in Newfound Gap this day. From there we got a hitch into Gatlinburg. The second we got to this town we couldn't wait to get back to the woods. WE stayed at a hotel that caters to hikers. It is the bare minimum. There were a ton of people there. Upon arrival the professor and I were greeted by the whole gang which consisted of about 20 hikers. After a long day Superman put a cold frosty one in my hand and I was very grateful. So, it was a long night. The highlight was a foot massaging party. Many buffets and beers were consumed. We stayed up until 130am.April 14 We went over to the outfitter(NOC). River needed a new pack. We all hung out there for a while. I saw Splash and Byrdie. Nice guys. Today was the first day of Franken pants. My zipper on the convertible part of my pants broke off. Like any good self respecting hiker trash I duct taped them and put safety pins around the outside. It seems everyone thinks this is a good look. Superman and Grizzly went down the street for fast food. I didn't want to go for the long walk. Naturally, I bribed Superman to buy he and I burgers. He came back with a big grin on his face. He bought me The Quad Burger. This thing was so big I had to break it into pieces. YUM!!!! After lunch we all, the frat,River,Fable,The Professor and I hitched back to Newfound Gap. We just went to the first shelter. The boys brought up hot dogs and beer. Sockeye found snow to keep the beer cold. It was a great night and alot of fun. April 15 We left the shelter and hiked to Charlie's Bunion. It's a great little side trail. If you are afraid of heights this might get your blood running a little faster. It was beautiful though and worth it. We ended up at Tri-Corner Knob shelter. This was a hard climbing day and I was exhausted when I got there. Bears have been very active in this area this year. Cope decided to continue on another 8 miles for a night hike. As it turned out he was fine and loved hiking at night. We have been having fires every night in the shelters. It's alot of fun to hang out and get to know everyone. April 16 This was going to be my longest day at 18.5 miles into Standing Bear Hostel. I hiked by myself today. The boys, Rvier ,Fable and I leapfrogged all day. Sometimes, it's nice to hike by yourself just to clear your head. There were some tough climbs again today. When I reached Standing Bear Hostel that was the end of the Smokies. This is very bitter sweet. You are very glad to be done with them, but at the same time sad because of the hold it seems to have over your soul by it's awesome and rugged beauty.So, Standing Bear Hostel is one interesting place. It's run by Curtis. This guy is accentric to say the least. I won't bash him, but my experience wasn't the greatest. You can pretty much do what you want there unless he decides it's not ok. Like, singing by a fire. He came out around midnight. There were alot of hikers sitting by the fire pit playing a guitar and signing and talking. He stormed out of his house. He came over and said you want to know what time it is? I'll tell you what time it is and proceeded to take the guitar, and in true rock star form, smashed it to smithereens. We were in shock. I couldn't wait to get out of there.April 17 The professor and I headed out and met everyone at a campsite. It was a long climb back up. Not much to report other than the fact I was tired.April 18 We didn't make it very far today. It's sunday and there was alot of trail magic. First at Max Patch Rd then on Max Patch itself. There were three groups on the patch. They had fruit,veggies,hot dogs and beer. River and Fable went to the shelter. I stayed on Max Patch and camped for the night. The views were amazing. We had gorgeous sunset and sunrise. There were about 15 of us.April 18 I hiked to Deer Park Mnt shelter this day. There was alot of elevation change today. It's been really pretty with all the flora coming out and the trees blooming. Tomorrow is a big day. We head into Hot Springs. Superman cowboy camped. He was starlted by a noise. He looked up and saw 3 bear. He made some noise and they took off. They must have thought he was a snack.April 19 The professor and I rolled into Hot Springs and immediately to the diner. I saw Dutch Tape and Cabana Boy for the first time in a couple of weeks. It was good to see them. After I ate I did laundry and tried to find some place to stay. Unfortunately, my money is burning a hole in my pocket. Being in town is not cheap. I stayed at a place called the Iron Horse Inn. The gentleman that runs it is from MA. It is an old building. They did a nice job in restoring it. Thank you to them for being so nice to me.We left Hot Springs and headed out back into the woods.I will update more laterHappy trail Y'allCity Slicker