Date: 2008-04-25
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

For some reason the rain storm passed by during the night? No complaints there. I also dreamed more last night than anytime since I have been out here. At Sprite's suggestion, we decided to have breakfast at Charlies Bunion about a mile away. It was a beautiful rocky outcrop below a rocky face. The narrow trail traced along the rock wall and along an open ridgeline that offered panoramic views that just made you stop and stare.I climbed up on the bunion and stood for awhile just taking everything in.A short while later "El Gixon" arrived. At 60 he was in excellant shape. And is by the far the most interesting person I have met on the trail.El Gixon which means "teacher" in a particular Indian tongue, was a name he recieved years ago when he was a member of the "Order of the Arrow".Back in the world, he is Jim Wells a physchiatrist from Chappel Hill N.C.He has been working at Cape Fear Hospital in Fayetteville N.C.This was of interest to me as my son was born there, while I was stationed at FT.Bragg.Jim has many more attributes that are to numerous to list here, however we conversed on several occassions of life, sprituality, personal journeys and religion, I mostly listened in fascination. El Gixon also carried a peach pit tied to a string and used it to "dowse" for a "yes or no" answer to particular questions he asked of himself. Cool!But what made this morning particulary memorable and I will never forget it, was this story El Gixon shared with the 3 of us, here on Charlies Bunion.When he was 13, he and his best friend "Ronnie Alcoch"(sp?) were hiking together at this very spot, some 46 years ago. As he spoke, you could see the memories passing before him. I got a real sense of the boyhood adventures they must have shared growing up together? You could tell they were close amigos. This was one of those special "one of a kind" frienships you have when you are young.As El Gixon spoke, there was a reverence in his soothing voice. There were also tears now in his eyes, his voice slightly broken, he went on to say that his best friend Ronnie whom he shared so much of his youth with, had died.He was killed in Viet Nam.There was silence, with only the sound of a whispering breeze in this beautiful mountain place. It was evident El Gixon had been carrying this pain and sadness all these years. Despite devoting his life in helping others with their pain, troubles and sorrow, he was still wounded himself and needed to heal. This hike would certainly be the place for that to happen. And symbolically, I think it is by no coincidence that it was here at Charlies Bunion, where after all these years, the healing was to finally begin?I can tell you, as I never want to forget, there was something, a sense, a feeling? I'm not sure how to explain it exactly, only that I knew there were Angels walking with Jim this day.I felt honored in being chosen to be a part of this amazing moment.I will honor my friend El Gixon, by honoring his friend Ronnie, in preserving the memory and what took place at Charlies Bunion. I would see El Gixon later today, but for now he needed to walk alone.********************************************************************************Walking along a ridge that edged the side of a mountain, the sky was overcast and it was time to stop for lunch. For the first time all day the sun began to shine through. I came upon a large flat rock and stopped. I climbed up to enjoy the view it offered. I was on "Bradleys Rock" at "Bradleys View".The others arrived and we stretched out and enjoyed the brief window of sun as we ate our lunch and took in the view.Later upon reaching Tri-corner Knob Shelter I took a standing bath, washed my shirt and set up in the shelter. I wanted to tent, however there was a lot of mud and really no spots worth pitching in.Everyone is settled and in their bags at this late hour of 7:30 p.m.What a day? Alot has happened/is happening!I've noticed I feel much healthier and happier. I needed to be here.Amazing things occur out here, I have witnessed so much already.There is just no way to capture everything that I have experienced. Regretably, I will forget far more than I could ever remember?I'm closing my eyes, it is time to dream.s