Date: 2003-03-16
From: Gooch Gap

To: Woods Hole
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather: Partly sunny in a.m. Mostly cloudy most of the day then partly cloudy in evening. Temp in high 60's low 70'sTented last night on a great tent site. Hawk Mtn is a great shelter with 6 or so well maintained tent sites. Great spring water source.It rained lightly last night but not enough to cause any problems. I'm glad I was tenting as I needed to see how it performed. It wasn't raining when I got up around seven. I did have to pack the tent wet so I threw it in the back mesh pocket. It took me 2 hours to have a cold breakfast and break camp. That will have to improve. I remember Big Red saying something like that when he started out. I think it's the packing and I did try to wipe down the tent some.It was another great hiking day. I wore shorts and T shirt all day. Shortly into the hike I came to FS42 and received my first "trail magic." Trail Magic is when a hiker is bestowed with some unexpected act of kindness, most of the time a free cold drink, food, or snacks. This time it was a young man who hiked the trail in 2000 named "Animal" The cold Coke tasted great. Thanks Animal! BTW, he was working out of a beautifuly restored 71 VW bus. He said it was for sale so I told him I would mention it here. If it sounds interesting call him at 864-944-5161.Hiked alone most of the day. Briefly met up with Jake and his dad George. Jake is trying for Maine and George is out for about a month. He will also try to do the last month with Jake. They were tented next to me at Gooch. I also met up with Margie {also in Trailjournals} and we stopped for our morning snack and exchanged taking each other's picture. She seems to be having a bit of a struggle but is giving it her best. Not only is she trying to hike the AT but she is trying to quit smoking at the same time. Talk about testing your character!Later in the hike I was joined for a mile or so by a beautiful male german shepard dog. He let me pet him but we kept passing each other as he had to leave his scent on every other tree. Entered the Blood Mtn. wilderness where I pretty much hiked alone the rest of the day. Today passed over Ramrock Mtn. Big Cedar {3737'} and Burnet Field Mtn. The day was filled with great views along nice ridge walks. I think I handled the climbs better than the declines. I was kind of concerned starting out as my shins were aching slightly, but that went away and they felt good especially on the climbs. The toes on my right foot did begin to hurt the last couple of hours but there doesn't appear to be any blisters. It was warm enough to change into flip flops upon arrival.Had Lipton noodles with added chicken. For lunch I had tuna and a Snickers bar.In the shelter tonight is Rich and Carol. Tenting nearby is Hamlet. There are several others but I'm not sure of the names. Rich, Carol and Hamlet have been with me at my previous stops.I am begining to smell like a hiker.When I hike, often I will "hear songs in my mind" Today, it was "Livin on Love" by Alan Jackson and "Southern Cross" by Crosby Stills & Nash.Thought for the day: "My friends I encourage not to smoke, my enemies, I buy em cigarettes."