Date: 2010-04-13
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

Last night at Neel's Gap I talk with the family for the first time since being on the trail courtesy of a cell phone lent to me by Firefox. It's good to hear all of their voices but hearing the kids voices in particular is startling. Their little voices sound so young and tiny over the medium that it's difficult at times to make out all of their words, reinforcing thoughts of their young age and the distance now between us. I get reports that Iowa scored 1 of the 2 goals at her soccer game and Connor has learned how to whistle. He gamely tries to demonstrate his new talent over the phone although the pressure of performing may have gotten to him as it sounds mostly like wind blowing through teeth. I congratulate him heartily. Rox updates me and relates some mowing and yardwork chores that I would normally assume. The lawnmower gives her fits as this is its first pull of the season after sitting all winter. I know you have to love on it just right, sweet talk and coax, to stir it from its slumber and I find out she enlists our neighbor and jack-of-all-trades, Pete W., to help successfully rouse the beast. Also while tackling some leftover leaves she notices some yellow jacket activity nearby in the flowerbed. She confirms her suspicions with our neighbor, Dave D., returns from Lowes with yellow jacket killer (sorry Tech fans ;-) ) at which time Dave is kind enough to HAZMAT himself and assist in administering their fate. Hearing her stories gives me a sense a pride as I recognize her taking charge and ownership of these tasks, solving them her own way, and the rallying support of our terrific friends and neighbors.I get a late start today out of the hostel, hitting the trail around 9:20a after taking care of a few last minute items at the outfitter, mainly purchasing a pack cover for the eventual rain I'm sure to encounter and then logging onto their hiker computer to update Facebook and check email. Thanks everyone for all of the emails and Facebook notes -- they are very encouraging and really motivate me.The trail starts immediately with an eye opening, breath shortening climb out of Neel's Gap. The morning temps continue to peg at a perfect number, between 45 and 50, for taking on the day and shorts and short sleeves are the preferred garb. I'm treated to several ridge top vistas and stop for a few minutes at each to savor these views. There are many reasons I hike, of which these moments are but one part, and so I call these magnificent views 'reason why I hike views'. After noon the temp soars to the 80s, unseasonably warm for these parts and very uncomfortable under a hot sun and still as-yet unfoliated trees. At one point the hot, dusty conditions have me thinking about about old Clint Eastwood movies and I find out later that my friend, Hooya, actually sees a 4 foot rattlesnake next to the trail AND has the picture to prove it! The biggest climb of the day is up a familiar nemesis of mine, Hogpen Gap. Back in my triathlon days I pitted myself on bike against this beast, and like the low gear and slow turn of the cranks it took to climb this wall, I use a similarly low gear to hike up it as well. Two or three hikers I saw at the bottom surprise me with their presence when I emerge at the top. I never saw them pass me and discover they actually bypassed the trail and walked up the road which is clearly a shorter and easier distance. A familiar mantra of the trail is 'hike your own hike', and so to each his own.I meet up with my friends Firefox and Hot Foot later and we share time on the trail as we've done the past 3 days, our pacing and mileage similar. They are firemen from Illinois out for 4 weeks hoping to make it through the Smokies and I enjoy their company. The three of us roll into Low Gap Shelter around 4:00; hot, tired foot sore and trail weary. We set about camp chores, pitching tents, making water and dinner before settling in around a campfire. The campfire is an enjoyable time shared with hikers Fields, Goldilocks, City Squirrel, Lady Slipper, Snack Attack, Firefox, and Hot Foot. The plan tomorrow likely entails a 15 mile day to Trey Mountain shelter so hopefully deep, restful sleep finally settles on me.