Date: 2004-04-07
From: US19E

To: Morland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

After stopping at McDonalds and grabing something to eat and drink, Grey Fox brought First Light, Biscuit, Slim, and me to the trailhead. He is not hiking today because of his bad case of sunburn. I am looking forward to seeing the new section of trail that was opened shortly after I passed through this area in 2002. Bob Peoples had told me about it having some waterfalls and being a beautiful section of trail. Well, I started hiking around 9AM and as is usual after a major road crossing, I started to climb. The first thing I noticed was the ton or so of garbage dumped along the trail and the streams. It is a sad introduction to the beautiful state of Tennessee. Some pathetic excuse of a human being uses his trash to express his displeasure for having a trail pass through his neighborhood. What can you expect from someone with only one set of genes? I know where I would like to put that trash. But anyway, the trail went through a beautiful pasture, the birds were singing, there was a lot of green, and I was walking on earth instead of snow. As a matter of fact, I was hiking in shorts and short sleeves. And I was sweating. After the climb we were treated to a view of the balds we had just hiked. In fact, you could see where we had hiked for about the last five days. The view reminded me of the scene from The Sound of Music. You have to see these mountains covered in snow to appreciate just how rugged they are. It is also amazing to look at them and think that I walked across the top of them for as far as the eye can see. Continuing on the trail we got to hike the new section and took the side trail to Jones Falls. This is one very impressive sight and is a must see. A great Kodak moment. The rest of the relo was a great hike. We then returned to the original section of trail. I was pleased to see the amount of work that had been done here since I last passed through. I admit this is not my favorite hikes - in fact it ain't even close, but I tip my hat to those who've obviously been busting their butt making the improvements. There is still a lot of work to be done but a lot has been accomplished since I last passed through here. This is a hike that kicks your butt. If you look at the profile on the AT Map you would think it is going to be easy. The problem is that you have hundreds of short climbs and drops. It seems easier to me to climb up and down 1000 feet then it is to go up and down 100 feet ten times. And we must have done that a lot more than ten times. I arrived at the shelter pretty well spent. I refilled with water and picked up a little wood for a fire if the others feel like starting one. As I was eating dinner Quincy Girl arrived and set up her tent. That is five thru-hikers here for the night and all anxious to get to the Kincora Hostel early tomorrow morning. I am looking forward to and needing badly a good hot shower. A milestone passed today - A few miles back I passed the 400 mile mark for this hike. It hasn't been easy but it has been fun. A bunch of memories created in a short time. And I know I got some great pictures. It is almost 10PM and I am going to sleep. Good night, Lwop.