Date: 2016-04-21
From: Greasy Creek Friendlt

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

Apr 21Stan Murray Shelter16.20-26Yesterday was a harder day than I expected and I think some of that was due to Berk.   During the last 3 miles her tongueometer was at max level. But, I think she may have been sandbagging me. At the hostel was Dixie, an 8 month, 90# horse of a puppy. And they played all evening long. I had a freeze dried meal and learned that CeCe was returning from a shuttle run to Johnson City and would be stopping at the Mountain Grill. Beaver, Lassie and I put orders in for the double bacon cheeseburger with fries and onion rings. It was fantastic. I then had a pint of B&J ice cream and if I had looked at today's hike I might have had a 2nd pintI slept well and was up early. I put Berk out on her cable and she Dixie were having a good ol time. Some of the neighbors chickens came over and Dixie was in hot pursuit. CeCe tried to get Dixie to return to no avail and Berk was straining at the end of the cable, dying to show Dixie how to do itI went into the hostel and fixed breakfast and settled my account with CeCe. Also took a picture of MissStep floor tile. I was with her when she started her 2009 SOBO   Lassie came in and asked if Berk was supposed to be loose. NO, I ran to the door expecting to see the front yard littered with dead chickens. Fortunately, Berk just wanted to come inside to play with Dixie. I settled my bill with CeCe and asked how her GoFundMe campaign was going. She said it's about 1/3 completed. She will need to raise the remainder to complete a new roof and then obtain a note to buy out former partner. Otherwise, we hikers may be missing a hostel next year. So, please consider theGreasy Creek Friendly Hostel as a worthy causeI had several options for my next stop/ resupply when I got a good recommendation from AstroGuy to try Vango/Abby. It just happened to fit in nicely. I had sent an email previously and wanted to follow up with a call before leaving as cell service is due to be suspect again. Got a good exchange, set up for a shuttle tomorrow. Also got a heads up about a wild fire. Several people had sent email about the fire in VA, but that is quite a bit away. There is a fire though just ahead of us that has forced a closure and detouring of some AT hikers, but it shouldn't be a Threat to usWe left around 0900, and climbed 500' back to the AT. Quick hike to next shelter where I saw Ungawa. Next a 900' climb to next gap where I saw Bean and ?? who appeared to be considering a shuttle after seeing Roan Mtn approach, wildfire news and rain wx forecast. I was pleased to see that a new trail has been cut, as the old one was straight up and down. Here we began a 2200' climb. About 1/2 way up I heard some voices up ahead and then it HAPPENED! Out of nowhere 2 dogs came charging at us, a medium collie and a very large black mix. The owner yelled they were friendly. With no time to call out, I stepped in front on Berk and grabbed both hiking poles in the middle when the large dog was about 5 ' away. At 2' I swung as hard as I could and laid into the large dog's head with the cork handles. If that didn't stop him, the next blow was going to be carbide tips into the chest. The dog cried out and retreated and the other followed suit The owner yelled I didn't need to hit him with a hiking pole. I yelled back she needs to control her dogs   And I'm so proud of myself that I didn't add a few choice expletives. She didn't have a leash and grabbed her dogs as we hiked on out of the way.   The friendly dog was growling at us as we passed. Later at a rest stop, she apologized which I accepted. But again, lousy pet ownerWe finally got to the top of Roan Mtn and I think the CMC did a commendable job on the trail. After a short decline, another 400' climb. In the clearing now it was quite evident to where the fire is burning. The wind is at our back and they're hoping for rain toniteIt's strange that there were 50+ at Uncle Johnny's earlier this week. I don't think I've seen a dozen thruhikers on the trail these last several days. We got into the shelter late, watered up and ate. Getting ready for bed now. It's been a long day