Date: 2010-05-12
From: Catawba Mountain Shelter

To: US 220 - Howard Johnson
Miles today: 17.8

I heard the doctor get up early. I stayed in my bag a bit longer. No rain. It looks like the sun is trying to break through the morning fog. Got up, packed and still out before the doc. Hit the trail at 7:15.The climb up McAfee Knob was not bad at all. The fog was lifting but the view from the out cropping was still a bit hazy. The wind was also blowing pretty hard up there. Took some pictures for what they are worth. There is still six miles to Tinker Cliffs, so there may still be hope for a nice valley view.The hike up Tinker Cliffs seemed harder than up the knob. Once on top, the fog had mostly lifted, but still not a perfect view. I was still glad I stopped when I did yesterday because I at least got a reasonable view instead of none at all.After Tinker Cliffs, I went by Scorched Earth Gap. It looked much better than I remembered it. The spring growth made it look less daunting than it did last time I came through.For the second time now, my day's hike going into a town stop was very lethargic. I am not sure if it is because of the bigger miles or if I am leaving bigger miles to get into town. Just not sure.On my way, I passed Homer, a trail maintainer. I stopped and talked with him for a bit. It seems he was opening a new trail today to ease the climb I just completed. I will be one of the last hikers to hike this part of the trail. My conversation with Homer was nice. It seems that him and his wife work on the trails in that area by themselves. They worked on that new section since last August. He makes a point of removing the rocks and roots. As I headed up trail, he did, in fact, have a nice tread. Few rocks and roots. Homer's trails were nice. Thanks Homer.After another long climb, I started my decent into the interchange. I could hear the traffic. The last mile or so was through a local forest path. Wide and well taken care of. I caught up to this girl who was stopped on the trail. I said hi, she said hi then asked how to remove the snake that made itself comfy on the trail. I looked ahead and sure enough, a big rat snake was spread over the tread. I said simple, and nudged its tail with my shoe. With a bit more tapping, it moved into the grass. "Just like that," I said and I went on my way.I hit US 220, turned right and headed to the hotel. Checked in and started my chores. First thing was I started washing my clothes. Took a shower while they were washing. Took the last 10 minutes of someone else's dry cycle, then back to the room.About 5:30 I walked across the street to the Mexican Restaurant. They did not have the all-you-can-eat dinner buffet I had hoped for. Instead a #22 meal. Burrito, taco, refried beans, rice with salsa and chips. Of course a jumbo margarita. The seal was broken. Still hungry, I almost ordered a second round. Instead, I left and headed to the shopping area. I passed Wendy's and went to Bojangle's and had a chicken salad with ranch dressing. Then to Wendy's for a Frosty. Then to Kroger for my Epsom salt. Back to the hotel, hot bath, a cold beer, and The Weather Channel. What could be better?I still need to come back tomorrow to finish my food for the next section. I also need to stop at the Outfitters to pick up more Aquamira. But for now I am feeling great. Nice and comfy laying on my bed. I have a flushing toilet and American Idol final four is on. Fun.To bed much later than I wanted at 11:00. Breakfast in the morning. Nice ending to a hard section of trail. Cool.