Date: 2015-03-25
From: No Business Knob

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

3/25, 10.5, Curley Maple Gap ShelterHappy 63rd Anniversary to my Mom and Dad Emil and Betty Gratz. They will tell you many of their gray hairs are caused by my doing things like this, but I think their "life experience" has something to do with it.Today started a few minutes later than most, 7 am, but all in the shelter were quick packing and hiking down to Erwin, 5 miles away. California and Spooner were definitely staying there, Newfound was not sure. The Diabolical Duo had camped near the shelter late last night and hiked in this morning while we were packing. They were also planning to stay in Erwin. Pa Burt and Spooner were thinking about a motel. Uncle Johnny's Hostel is a nice place, great staff and I will enjoy staying there in a couple days. For me the plan was to hike in to the hostel, catch a ride the three miles into town, EAT, and do some small resupply. The downhill hike this morning was the most uphill hike I have ever experienced while dropping altitude. I am not sure how it worked but it seemed like I hiked up, as much as down, then a few steep switchbacks down and 'tahdah', I was at the Hostel. I made the five mile hike in two and a half hours arriving at 10:30. Switchbacks are trails cut across the hillside back and forth when going straight up or down would be too steep. I was able to do some resupply at the hostel store, but the fresh deli meat and cheese i wanted was not possible. They charge five dollars for a shuttle to town but when shuttle time came I was the only taker, so he drove me to the Huddle House, (think Waffle House for those in Fayette County), because I was really interested in a sizable breakfast and called it a freebie. Trail Magic! I achieved my goal and washed breakfast down with three Mt Dews and a water, then walked a few blocks to the Food Lion to hit the deli. While in town I had started with a Mt Dew at the Hostel, ate breakfast, ate a banana from the Food Lion, drank a Gatorade on the way back to the hostel and drank another MT Dew as I ate some hard salami and cheese that I didn't want to carry. I think I am experiencing the calorie deficit thru hikers have known.I hitched back to the hostel by 2:00 and started repackaging. California and the Diabolical Duo were pressing hard for me to stay for the $1.00 bring your own beer all you can eat pizza fest, but I was able to resist. I planned to leave by 3:00 or when my iPad had charged to half, whichever came first. I was packed and waiting by 2:30, so I was constantly pressured to give up the hike. It was sunny and low 70's today, so it was a great day to be hiking. At 3:00 I think they were surprised to see me hike away.What a great decision that turned out to be! The hike up to Curley Maple Gap Shelter was just short of five miles, making todays total miles 10.5 with a break for shopping, eating and repacking. I arrived here at 5:00 pm joining Rebel Yell whom I have not seen since Hawk Mt. In Georgia. He had to stop here early today because he did not feel well after something he ate yesterday in Erwin. Newfound hiked in around 6 pm not feeling great either but she was pretty sure it had a lot to do with the all you can eat pizza buffet and salad bar she had for lunch. It is always interesting how people handle a town stop. I didn't bother with laundry or shower since Kathy will bring me back to Erwin Saturday when she comes to visit.Tomorrow I plan to hike to a shelter 12.8 miles North, but there is a campsite at 17.2 miles and a hostel at 20 miles. If the rain that has been forecast is heavy all day it is easier to dry out in a hostel after a long day, than in a shelter. I am rested and feeling like 20 may not be a bad plan, leaving me only 9.2 miles to hike up to the highest shelter on the AT at Roan High Knob. I would also be there, rested and settled in for the 20 degree temps forecast for Friday Night. We will see how things progress.I have read the many guestbook entries and appreciate all the prayers and good wishes. I look forward to sharing this experience with you so if here are questions I can answer, I will handle them as I can. I only get access when I have wifi, so I thank you for your patience awaiting my responses. Silverback