Date: 2009-04-25
From: Stealth camp south on Bluff Mountain

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: few clouds

My foot did feel better this morning. And the thunder didn't produce any rain last night. And more importantly I got to talk to my granddaughter Lindsay on the phone this morning to wish her a Happy Birthday today. I am so happy! It was great to talk to you too Lauren. I love and miss you both very much. I didn't have much of a climb left to summit Bluff Mountain.Did I say thaaat? It was a beautiful morning to hike with a light breeze blowing to keep me cool. Plus the breeze stirred the smell of the pine trees which was delightful. Pine cones and needles were all over the trail. It reminded me of the huge pine cones I would see and enjoy so much when I hiked in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.I stopped to get water at the same place I camped at on my shakedown hike last fall. I was trying to get here yesterday when I twisted my foot with the fall. I came to Garenflo Gap where two thru-hikers were taking a break. They were Napper and Clicker. They said last night around Lemon Gap a bear came into camp and climbed the tree their food was in and broke the branch to get the food bag. The bag also had their cook stove in it so they lost that too. Bummer! At least they were going into Hot Springs today and the folks with them helped them out on food for the day. They even gave me an extra mac and cheese meal they had since I wasn't going into town tonight. It was good too. The cheeeesiest!I got to Deer Park Mt Shelter pretty early and set up my tent deep in the back of the shelter. I could have went on into Hot Springs but I just didn't want to deal with trying to find a place to stay with Trailfest going on this weekend. Hopefully there will be something available tomorrow when I get there.Then the thunder rolled! I like that song. But it brought some rain with it this time. A couple of good showers that actually helped cool the day off as it did get pretty warm. Yeah, somebody out there did a really good job ordering up these warm days for me. Thanks,I think. As I was eating my last meal,literally (yep,empty food bag except for three packs of hot sauce) I felt so alone and bored. I knew everyone was in town or going into town. Hikers hitch ahead and back to attend these festivals. I was sitting in the shelter eating souped up potatoes watching a spider run into the rain and then back under the roof of the shelter where it was dry. He did this over and over. It was kinda of funny to watch. Well what can I say? Too much mountain air? Too many days on the trail without a shower? Well I don't have the luxury of a TV. I probably would rather watch the spider anyway to tell you the truth. Then what to my wondering eyes and ears did appear but sixteen miniture hikers all laiden with gear. HeeHee This boyscout group of sixteen plus four adults were from Ashland City,NC area. I am so glad I had planned to stay in my tent. I readily finished my meal and retreated there. But the guys were very nice and the boys were so excited hustling to get the tents up and prepare dinner as it continued to thunder loudly. I didn't feel alone anymore. :p And I don't know what happen to my spider. I sure hope he didn't get squashed by those hoofs. I mean boys.       Hope to have some pics in a day or two. You'll like.