Date: 2005-04-02
From: Hike Inn, Fontana Dam

To: Microtel, Robbinsville, NC
Miles today: 0.0

I think it was Eisenhower who said that planning is essential, but when the battle starts you can tear up your plan. In today's case, it was not MY plan that got trashed, but those of my hiker friends who, having taken a zero day yesterday, were all keen to get back on the trail today. The Great Smokey Mountains National Park awaits them.Unfortunately, there was a major storm system that moved into the east coast overnight bringing precipitation, rapidly dropping temperatures, and high winds. By sunrise this morning, as I was packing up for my shift to the Microtel in town, I noticed that it had started to snow.By the time the first shuttle was due to take hikers back to the trailhead, there were reports of heavy snow in the mountains and the closing of route 41 through Newfound Gap - the bailout point half way through the park.It didn't take long for everyone to conclude that hiking today was not a good idea. Only one of the 10 hikers at the Hike Inn was prepared to risk it - appropriately enough, "Snowman." I heard later that Park Rangers were stopping hikers from going into the park, so I assume he had to turn back. The snow was also wreaking havoc on Jeff and Nancy's shuttle service, but they did manage to get me into Robbinsville to the Microtel.I settled in, and then went across the road to the Ingles to stock up on munchies and lunches for the next four days. Shortly after I got back, I started meeting other through-hikers whose journey has been interrupted by the storm. They invited me to join them for lunch at a nearby BBQ restaurant but they understood when I said I was trying to stay off my knee as much as possible.This afternoon I called home and firmed up arrangements for my wife to join me in Hot Springs on April 11 and 12 - giving me much to look forward to. We hope to stay at one of the new cabins along the river that comes with its own hot tub. Tonight I've just been catching up a bit on my journal and watching the final four basketball games. Somehow, I just can't seem to get into the games. What I'd REALLY like is to be camped out at the first shelter 10 miles into the Smokey's - but that will just have to wait. For now, I'm just trying to come up with a strategy for hunkering down successfully here in Robbinsville. Among other things, I'm trying to cut back some on what I eat since - obviously - I'm not going to be burning many calories laying around in my room with my right knee elevated. I'm also going to be giving some thought to things I want to do when I get home, whenever that may be. As Thomas Moore once wrote, "The difficulty in life is the choices you have to make." In my case, there are just too many cool options to choose from, so I need to come up with the right set of priorities. At least I'll have some uninterrupted time now to think about that.So basically, I'm still into counting my blessings, and will just have to wait and see what becomes of this particular little adventure.Today's zero day is dedicated to Pope John Paul II, and all of those who have gone to their just reward after living a full and meaningful life. Godspeed, love, and peace.Stay tuned, Longhaul