Date: 2014-06-25
From: No Business Shelter

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 5.7

No Business faced due east. I stayed in my sleeping bag until the sunlight increased visibility so the headlamp wasn't needed. Sort of slept in with short miles today. Nevertheless I was out and hiking shortly after 7. Everyone says this is a great section of trail. Right from the start it proved to be. I was aiming to reach the Nolichucky River and Uncle Johnny's Hostel right at the trailhead before lunch. With only one long climb I made good time and was on pace to arrive before 10 am. About one and a half miles out, Adam the late arriving hiker, caught up with me. He is another late starting thru-hiker. When I asked if he thought he could make Maine he responded "I hope not". What? With that attitude he may not. He hiked over 30 miles yesterday!There is a much talked about view of Erwin from the trail down the mountain. See picture. As we got close to town it began to sprinkle. Just as we exited the trail about 100 yards from Uncle Johnny's the clouds let loose. Whew! Talk about good timing.With the rain there was a question as to whether there would be room available for me. Rain often encourages hikers in towns to stay put. Luckily several did not. Uncle Johnny's Hostel while not lavish fit the bill both in price and utility.The Ohio guys arrived shortly after the rain had stopped. Most of their hike today was in the rain. Sure glad I started early. Weather tomorrow is supposed to be just as bad so I may very well get a soaking. After arriving and getting my gear in the room I hung out a while with the Ohio guys getting to know them better before doing the chores of the day...gear cleanup, resupply from mail drop, shower, laundry and dinner. After dinner was the usual trip to Walmart for folks to resupply. I didn't need much so spent time talking to Cathy. I've been in Erwin so much having stayed here almost three days trying to get better so I could continue hiking before heading home in May, that I really know the place. For example, poor cell service at the hostel so calls necessary while in town at Walmart. Upon return from dinner I learned two things. First someone had bought 28 rib eye steaks to share. Ok...after one burrito, one enchilada, chips and refried beans, there was just enough room for a grilled steak..yummy! The second thing was not so inviting. My Sheltowee friend Steve B posted me a message about bear activity along a section of trail I will reach in about 5 or six days. We all knew of earlier caution notices but apparently the situation has gotten worse. Right now we can still hike through but must not stop or stop to fix a meal. Currently the official word covers only a four mile section of trail. New information from Steve and gleaned from others seems to indicate a 12 mile section. If so that will greatly affect me as that exceeds my daily miles for this hike considering my foot issue and care I'm taking with it. I will be staying at the Kincora Hostel just before the area and most certainly better information will be available. Thanks Steve for the heads up.Tomorrow my shuttle picks me up at 8:30 and will take me first to the PO to mail some stuff home and then to Indian Grave Gap to continue north. Destination Damascus.   After today I've hiked the AT from Springer Mountain to Erwin and Indian Grave Gap, save a small section in the Smokies. I will complete that this fall.Thanks to everyone posting on my guest book. Your encouraging words help.Blessings,