Date: 2010-04-11
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Gap
Miles today: 5.9

To fill in a few gaps from our last entry:After arriving at the hotel, the Franklin Inn, we all walked to the laundromat to wash and dry our wet, frozen clothes. Cahoda also had a tear in her waist strap to her pack. Convienently located next door was a dry cleaners who fixed it for a mear $3. We all were glad to have our stuff clean and dry after 4 days on the trail. Wild Poodle and Cahoda both also had problems with their air mattresses so off to the outfitter to get replacements where of course more money spent, Half Left needed a Capilene shirt, Wild Poodle and Cahoda needed pack covers to keep their packs dry and I wanted boots but couldn't get any that felt good, so next time. We enjoyed a nice dinner at the japanese place right down from the hotel.4/10/10We arranged to slack pack (hiking without full packs) from Rock Gap to Winding Stair, filling in a small gap in our thru hike (3.7 miles). During the course of the hike, we also added in a side trail to the second largest Popular tree in the US. When Half Left and I stretched our arms out while holding hands, we barely reached the edges of the tree. It was enormous and well worth the extra mile hike up and back. The day was spectacular, sunny and about 60 degrees, a wonderful hike. At the end, Winding Stair gap was a church group handing out snacks, sodas and coffee and of course some good conversation. We all enjoyed speaking to the native Franklins' who offered hints for hiking the trail in the area, giving us information on what to look for at certain peaks and sites to not miss. Thanks to the group for your hospitality. Trail Magic is so vital to the completion of the trail for all of us. We walk off the trail, hot, thirsty, hungry and touched by their gracious givings. Thanks again!When we got back to the hotel, I read a poster that told of a local family having a benefit raising money. They had a country barbeque, cake walk and live bluegrass music. We talked Ron Haven into shuttling us to the benefit. We later found out, the family had twins and one passed away from SIDS. They were raising money for a proper burial. The surviving twin was at the benefit, his name is Matthew and what a beautiful baby he is! We all enjoyed the people and pulled pork sandwiches. We hope and pray for the family.After arriving at the hotel, I decided to call my friend Lore in California. I couldn't get through any numbers, so I called her dear friend Sally. She informed me that Lore passed away Easter Sunday at 5:00PM PST. I was both saddened by the news and relieved. Lore was a very vivacious women of 83 years young. She loved to walk to the library, movies, plays, getting her own groceries and traveling the world seeing family from Australia to England. Last September, she had a stroke which paralized her left side. Her mind was as sharp as a tack but her body unable to do the things she so much loved. She felt as if she was ready for the Lord to take her and he did in His own time. RIP Lore.4/11/10Filling in gaps:We are again slackpacking (because we can) to fill in some small gaps to complete our hike through to Wayah Gap. We moved hotels to the Sapphire Inn which is cheaper and more centrally located. Today we will do 7.6 miles, taking some leftover pizza and snacks. All of us have our "trail legs" and feel good! We enjoyed a free pancake breakfast supplied by the local First Baptist Church. Wonderful people and again stories to tell. Thanks First Baptist Church of Franklin.The weather is suppose to be wonderful this week, so we will get lots of hiking in. Our next town is Nantahala Outdoor Center, then Fontana Dam.Thanks and please don't forget to sign the guestbook over to the left. If you leave your email, we can respond back.See you on the trail...