Date: 2003-04-27
From: Brown Gap

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Start Brown GapDestination Walnut Mountain ShelterI was awaken by the sound of an owl saying good night. I could see the beginning of a sunrise which is always good news.Down at the feed table, the smell of bacon frying began to get hikers stirring around. I sat down to a freshly made loaded omelet, bacon, juice and 5 different kinds of muffins. What a way to start the day. After I ate, I went back and packed up my tent. I had to pass the feed table on my way to the trail. I was ready to go until I saw pancakes coming off of the grill and real maple syrup,and boysenberry syrup. That some how sucked me right back into the food line. I ended up going back for a second pancake before I finally got away. Today was without a doubt the most beautiful day to hike thus far. The 360 degree view from atop Max Patch was stunning. I stopped to drink in the scenes before me and before I knew it I was giddy with joy. This is one of the most famous places along the trail and I can see why. It seems like you can see forever. The trail was pleasingly level with just a few climbs at the beginning. I hiked alone all day today, as PushingUpDaisies wanted to stay and socialize with the group at Brown Gap. It was just an incredible day, with so many small stream crossings and varied wild flowers blooming. I wrapped both my knees this morning as a precaution,and had no pain or soreness at all. Those chiropractors are really amazing! Maledrop is carrying my sleeping bag for me today,and PushingupDaisies has my clothes bag. Just another way to let my knees have a longer break. I stop at Walnut Mountain Shelter. This has to be the oldest shelter I have seen thus far. It sleeps 6 people, but if you are taller than 5 foot,you will hang off the end of the sleeping platform. There is another female hiker here with me, Martha Graham. We fix and eat supper together and make small talk. She shares her M&M's with me,I share my dried mangos with her. I attempt to hang my food bag.Usually I have to throw the rope several times before I get it over a branch. Tonight however, I put a rock in the pouch and send the pouch sailing up and over the limb. So hard in fact the pouch wraps around the limb several times and stays there. I pull on it and pull on it, but it is there to stay.I am getting really aggravated by now, then Martha Graham reminds me that we are going into town tomorrow and it is only rope. This is true, so I just forget about it. Martha Graham starts a fire and we sit and watch what is fondly called caveman's TV. I expectantly look at every hiker that comes by. It is getting later and later and I want to make sure I get my bag and clothes. It is almost dark when TakeErEasy comes strolling into camp with my bags. Maledrop evidently partied too much last night and got dehydrated coming up Max Patch and got sick, so he and PushingUpdaisies stopped at the previous shelter for the night. Once again, TakeErEasy has become my trail angel. I am grateful for my bag and dry clothes.Bro.Ron and Sketch joins us at the shelter tonight and we have a nice evening around the fire.total miles 10.2