Date: 2016-04-04
From: PlumOrchard Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Got a good start this morning. Somehow packing up is getting to be more routine. Had my delicious oatmeal and cup of hot tea and was ready to sashay down the trail. Only guess what? I can't find my way outta here! Truly. I got to the creek, where I got my water yesterday, before climbing up steps to the shelter. Came down the same way, veered to the left where there was camping space, wandered around looking for the trail, found none. Huh! I know it's here somewhere. Ok, not time to panic yet. Stay calm, breathe. It can't be that hard. It is NOT hiding. Many feet have worn down the path. Where oh where is it. Time to press SOS on my SpotGen3? No, this is not an emergency. It feels like an emergency. Breathe. Well, heck. Ok, backtrack to the creek and start over. So I did. Got to the creek. Stood on the little log bridge and looked around. OH MY! THERE is the blue blaze, over on the right, up a little narrow trail. For some reason, I had just followed the biggest path of least resistance and ended up in the tenting area. Laughing at myself, feeling foolish, I headed up the trail to meet up with the AT. You will be happy to know I did not hesitate when I turned RIGHT onto the AT. At least I have that direction figured out. Such an auspicious start to the day!Today is special because the trail takes me across the GA/NC state line. See the picture above. I stopped for a picture, as did many, so we took turns taking each other's picture. Since my phone was low, I had been charging it with the charger, kept in the very top pocket of my pack, affectionately called the "top brain". I sat on the big rock where I had plopped my pack, wormed my way into the straps and gave a big heave ho forward to stand up. As I did so, that stupid heavy charger pack came flying out, smashed into the back of my head and flew to the ground. Ow,ow.ow. It made a big lump on my head. After saying a few choice words, I then thought, well that'll teach you to not zip up your brain! Fortunately a young man was there with me, having just had his picture taken by me, and he retrieved the charger and stuffed it back where it belonged. I must say, I was grateful it hadn't flown down the steep hill where it would have been difficult to retrieve.Ten yards down the trail was Bly Gap, a nice open area that had a creek running thru it. A handful of hikers were already on lunch break, enjoying being out of the wind and lounging in the sun. Many Waters arrived before me and Tinkerbell and Quest came in as I ate. I dropped my pack, sat down on my tyvek sheet and took off my boots and socks. Ahhh, bliss. I try to do this each lunch break as it is important to keep feet and socks dry. Plus it feels good to massage the old dogs and check for blisters and rub spots. I must say, I got a bit too comfortable, enjoying the sun and resting. An hour went by and it was time to filter some water and get going up the steep hill behind me. At the top of said hill is a very old twisted up oak tree that is supposedly the most photographed tree on the trail. Keeping my phone handy, I started up, and up and up. Finally, there it was, so it had its picture taken once again, which I will post on tomorrow's log.The trail today was more comfortable than yesterday's endless climbs. My mantra today was more along the line of giving thanks to He who creates all.Even with the hour lunch break, I arrived in the shelter area in time to enjoy a cup of tea before dinner. One Step, from Utah, was there and was delighted to be offered a tea bag. As we boiled water, we caught up on each other's hike and future plans. He is headed to the NOC to zero and watch his daughter compete in the kayaking trials. That should be a fun time. The NOC is the Nantahala Outdoor Center and offers canoeing and kayaking classes, competitions, etc. I will also be staying overnight there soon.Bobby, aka Whistler, from NJ came in as dinner preparations were underway. He exploded his pack, covering the entire shelter floor, while looking for something. Then he was in a panic when he couldn't find his sleeping pad for tonight. It would be a hard cold floor night for him, but then it rolled out of the bottom of his pack. One Step threw up a bear line, as there were no cables here, and invited me to hang my bag. I gratefully took him up on his offer, even though I have an Ursak, which only needs to be tied to a tree. But when there is a line or cable available, I like to use them, as it discourages rodent damage as well.The sun set behind the mountain ridge in front of us and the temperature dropped immediately. I bid the men goodnight and retired to my hammock to read and warm up. It is 7:30pm. Love this early bedtime!