Date: 2015-04-10
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

I find that I am slow getting my gear packed up. I was the first one up, and nearly the last one out of the shelter this morning. I do have that emerging routine, but I am not fast. Not fast on the trail either. All of these young kids fly by me, and I am ok with it. We all end up in roughly the same spot at the end of the day, but they get there first. The hike today was beautiful. It had some challenges, but for the most part it was easier than the day before. There was news of trail magic at Stecoa Gap, so I hiked the 6.7 miles there with no break. Chesseburger. Cheeseburger. When I got there, it was a feast! Cheeseburgers (yay) hot dogs (bonus) beans (they're good for your heart)and boxes of stuff hikers need- free for the taking. Deodorant(ha ha ha!) toothpaste, lotion, toilet paper, wet wipes, packaged food and more. This was put on by former thru hikers, one whose journal I followed last year, Frankie the Sleeper. (See pics) I felt like I was meeting a rock star! I asked him if he met Left Turn or Red Robin from last year, two women I followed, and he had. He said Left Turn was a true free spirit. The best surprise was meeting up with Hopeful again, and Bird Song. They are such great people. Hoepful pointed to the mountain range in the distance, Thats where you are going he said. The Great Smokey Mountains.He pointed out Fontana Lake, tiny in the distance, and Clingmans Dome, highest point on the AT. I would arrive at the tiny little speck of a lake tomorrow. It is impossible to believe, looking at it from where I stood. Bird Song had her Mom and sometimes hiking partner there, Heartsong, and also her late 80's grandmother, who I will call Prayer Song. Prayer Song told me her late husband was a Pastor. She asked me where I went to church. I couldn't bring myself to tell her that I am pretty much a heathen at this point in my life. I have believed, and I may again someday, but today...not so much. She didn't sense that, or maybe she did, but she asked me to write down my name so she could pray for me. I did that, and left feeling warm and...hopeful.The next challenge was Jacobs Ladder. Exactly one mile, straight up- no switchbacks. 600 foot elevation gain. I wanted to just lay down like a manatee half way up, and I would have - but I knew if I did I would just roll down that mountain like a giant bowling ball, knocking hikers over like bowing pins. I got to the top and Ice Fire and Gorp were there- exhausted like me. Ice gave me some of his water. Hes such a great guy. Onward we went after we gave the dawgs a rest. Back down the rabbit hole I went, more examination of the past- Brian- my brain wouldn't let it go. More crying, more raging, and.. the beginning of an understanding. Release me , I thought.I stopped my hike at Cody Gap. Ice and Gorp were there, as well as other hikers from the shelter the night before. I walked .2 miles down to the water source. It was so lovely, like a scene out of Princess bride. Lush, rich, sounds of a deep forest. Cheese Steak liked it so much he decided to pitch his tent down there. I tried to convince him to come up where we were, because he is the fire maker and a good story teller. Later, while we sat around our sad fireless fire ring, Cheese Steak came up that hill carrying firewood. He started an impressive fire for us and stuck around to shoot the breeze for a while. Those random things just happen out here. It is beautiful to see people being so generous of themselves. We stayed up past 9 (gasp!) talking and sharing. Twister asked the question...will we be become better people because of this hike? Good question. Something to ponder on the trail.