Date: 2013-03-29
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

What a beautiful night it was with the bright moon and clear skies full of stars! Today, we decided to get water before we left the camp site. Wow. The source was .1 mile on a steep downhill. Good thing it was a piped spring! On to the next mountain which had 80% fewer rocks than those before and more nice FLAT paths to follow! LOL! We met a group of Australians, which included Jacko with his stuffed kangaroo, HooRoo; as well as Chicago who was hiking with his two year old terrier, Hero. Lots of climbs today, but at least I'm getting better at it. I was able to call the Blueberry Hostel from Moorland Gap to arrange for a pick up about 2:15. I FLEW down the path as it was so hiker friendly! I did have to pause and take a picture of a waterfall. Once at Dick's Creek Gap, we discovered that Sue was the only one able to get a cell signal, so she called Budget Inn for a ride. I was glad that I had made my call earlier. The Australians were also waiting for their ride. It was still 20 minutes before my arranged pickup time and I watched as everyone's ride came and left. Chicago even showed up. He had hiked in earlier, retrieved his car, gone to his hotel, cleaned up, purchased some supplies and drove back to meet his friends at the shelter! An hour after my arranged time, I got a little concerned. What do I do? Do I hike into Franklin? What if the hostel does show up to pick me up? At least it wasn't raining, and even if the temperature was dropping, I knew how to keep warm. So, I put my rain pants on and added my rain jacket for warmth. Two hours more went by before I decided I needed to start walking to Franklin. Just as I headed out, a young woman came off of the trail and asked if I needed a ride! She even offered to take me to the Blueberry Patch! Bonnie Sue was from Ohio had been checking out the trail for an organization she volunteers with that offers hiking opportunities to young people. As we were headed into Franklin, Sue called to let me know that she and Mother Goose would be leaving with Longshot. He had gotten concerned about his blood sugar levels and had called his wife to come and get him. Mother Goose's knees were not getting better and she decided she needed to get them examined. Sue was concerned with matters at home, and even though it was a week earlier than she had planned, thought that she should go back. They both felt that this was the best opportunity to get a ride to a transportation hub. They had already paid for the hotel room and wanted to offer it to me. Well, this would give me an opportunity to say goodbye to the group that had kept me on the trail for the last two weeks, so I agreed. Also, we were driving right past the hotel, so my Trail Angel wouldn't have to go out of her way. Thank you so much, Bonnie!! It was sad to see everyone leave, but I understood. Now, though, I had a dilemma. I had one mail drop waiting at the Blueberry Hostel, and another package that Robert had Express mailed to be delivered the next day. I wasn't planning on a zero day, but it looked like that's what was going to happen. I called the Blueberry Hostel to let them know of my change of plans. Gary apologized; due to the lack of cell service he hadn't been able to let me know that he had told other hikers he would take them into town. He told me it would be best if I got there by 9:30 a.m. to ensure that I get a bunk, in case he returned from his morning run to Dick's Gap with a large group. So much for sleeping late. LOL! With that taken care of, it was off to the local grocery store to get some dinner and supplies. I had to laugh at myself at how I must look. I'm wearing my rain pants, which are rolled up because they are a little too long, a blue rain jacket, a ski maske rolled up as a hat and I'm sure I don't smell all that great. While at the checkout, the couple behind me gave the cashier their grocery card to use on my purchases..you know the kind that gives loyal customers a discount..how kind! They asked about my hike and wished me well. We had a laugh when the young man bagging the groceries asked if I needed help carrying them out. I told him, "Sure! If you are willing to carry them to the Budget Inn!" Poor guy's face turned all red..lol. Now, after a hot shower and a nice meal, I am tucked into a real bed. One more day on the AT!