Date: 2004-05-05
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

View from Albert MountainStart: Standing Indian Shelter @ 0855Finish: Big Spring Shelter @ 1845Miles: 14.4Weather: Looked like rain at the start. Remained partly cloudy and sunny all dayBreakfast: Mountain House GranolaLunch: Twix, Oat n' Honey, Trailmix, Orange GatoradeDinner: Velvetta Shells & Cheese, Fudge RoundTrail Conditions: Flat with several climbs. Well maintained trail. Rocky in some placesAnimals: Bear, Mosquitoes, Flies, Birds, German ShepardPeople: Simon, Mike & Brian, John & Amanda, Kitten & Lorraine, Alex & Trigger, Chad, Stumpknocker, Bob & CathyToday was by far the coolest day on the trail. I slept like a rock last night. I got up whipped up some chow and bantered with Simon, Mike & Brian who were going to blue blaze. I couldn't talk them out of it. The climb up Standing Indian Mountain was gravy. There were switchbacks and the gradient was perfect. Going down the backside I had my first encounter with a bear. I came up on a Rhodadendron thicket and suddenly heard this loud and heavy thump, thud, thud and the bushes rustled as it scampered off. Nonetheless it startled me plenty good. The hiking to Carter Gap was really easy and I laid out 7.5 miles in under 3 hours. I met Bob & Cathy at Carter Gap, a nice older couple from Lapier Michigan. We shot the breeze for a bit. It turns out that Cathy has been diagnosed with a mild form of Leukemia. Doctors estimate she has about seven years to live. They are out hiking sections of the A.T. while Cathy remains healthy enough to walk. Cathy, my prayers are with you as you continue your battle with cancer. It is wonderful that you are making the best of life. God Bless. View from Mile 92.6I also met Stumpknocker at Carters Gap. He is on his fourth thru-hike. He started May 1 and has been pulling 20 milers everyday. Hike on dude. I kicked it at Carters for 1.5 hours and left with John & Amanda for the second part of the day. John is 25, Amanda 22 and are from Charleston, South Carolina. They are genuinely friendly people. We chatted all afternoon while hiking. I hope to do a lot more of the trail with them. John (Snatchy) & Amanda (Monk)The climb to Albert Mountain was so much fun. It was a total rock scramble, just a hoot. The view from the firetower was the best so far along the trail. I spent about 1.5 hours on the summit taking pictures, writing a friend, and soaking up the splendid views. Me on Albert MountainI was the last arrival at the shelter tonight. I got to talking with a guy named Alex. Turns out he is from Mona Shores, a town just north of Holland. Furthermore, he is a cop for the City of Raleigh, NC! His buddy Chad is also a cop there. It should be noted that Alex's German Shepard "Trigger" is quite possibly the coolest dog ever. Anywho, we swaped police stories (Alex's were far cooler than mine). Thanks again for chatting, it meant a lot. It is crazy how you can run into somebody so close from home, in the middle of the woods. Be safe on the streets brother.All in all today was just fantastic! I am loving this whole experience so much. Tommorrow I'll be heading in to Franklin for the afternoon with John & Amanda. We plan on hitting Fat Buddies for grub and tossing a few back. I'm off to bed now. Later.One Year ReflectionI distinctly remember the morning of this day. It was beautiful and crisp morning