Date: 2016-04-30
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

4/30 - Day Twenty ThreeWe made it out of the Smokies via Davenport Gap where we were surprised with trail magic. I crushed a cold-cut sandwhich, Mountain Dew and some icees. The trail magic was a great way to end the Smokies!The walk out of the Smokies was mostly down and Justin, Mayfly and I hiked together. To make the walk smoother we Bluetoothed into Mayfly's little speaker that hangs on his backpack and mutually enjoyed some music.As we hiked I thought about trail-legs and thought I would share some thoughts on hiking and trail-legs. Trail-legs are what you get after several weeks of non-stop hiking.... Some put a geographic mark on where an AT hiker finally earns them (after the Smokies is a typical call) and others place a time on it and say it takes a full two months.Chicken Little was asking me about these trail-legs the other day. Specifically when did I think he would get his. I told him I don't know, but I reminded him we were having the conversation as we were climbing a rocky incline without stopping. My point was that something has happened to our stamina since we started at Springer. Here is what I have noticed: I can go further up inclines without stopping to put my heart back in my chest. I also noticed I am much more efficient about my foot placement.Foot placement in the trail is critical. Stepping on roots and rock edges causes foot fatigue and can also result in a rolled ankle. When possible I always step firmly on the ground and I avoid long strides during inclines.Skidding out (when your back foot slides out) sucks energy during recovery. Tripping forward on stobs are even worse.I also have discovered that if I am going to make it to Maine my arms and upper body will have to participate in some of the fun. I bring this half of my body into party by using my hiking sticks to propel myself upwards on inclines from behind and push them forward on steep declines (knee saver move).I am officially out of the Smokies and staying in the Standing Bear Hostel. Like all hostels, the Standing Bear has its own uniqueness to it. I would call the Standing Bear the hillbilly version of Gooder Grove. Don't believe me, try washing your filthy clothes with a wash board and wringer Standing Bear style. Whereas Zen did not seem to care too much for the "business" side of the business, Morgan (Standing Bear's ramrod) is all entrepreneur.At the Standing Bear a thirsty hiker can buy a cold can of beer... Morgan hawks the swill from a little barn like structure that doubles as the mail drop room. You can get any flavor of beer you like as long as it's PBR ($2.00 a can) or if you feel like living large Budweiser ($2.50). CASH!If that's not enough the Standing Beer has its own "resupply shack" which was actually well supplied and reasonably price. Here is the best part,it's all on the honor system and hikers write down what that bought and square up later with Morgan.I came out of the Smokies with some food and received a box from my sister (thank you Susan) so I went light on the Standing Bear shopping spree (even though a rain storm trapped me in the resupply hut for an hour. If you hike the AT, make the Standing Bear a stop. It's places like this that give me confidence there are still some incredibly cool places left in the world.Out next goal is Hot Springs, NC which is 30 miles north. I am going to bed in a cabin. I was glad I sprung for the extra $5 bucks and snagged a lift position.