Date: 2011-04-15
From: Davenport Gap

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 25 - I woke up in the over populated shelter at 7:00am and some hikers were already mingling about. Some were fixing breakfast, others were packing and still others were just sitting. It was so crowded that I was unable to start packing so I became one of those just wandering around until enough hikers left so I could roll my sleeping bag and pad and start packing. I did not get a lot of sleep, as the shelter snoring was at a peak with 18 people in a 12 person shelter. I finally hit the northbound trail at 8:20am and to my total surprise, when I was channel surfing with my radio I was able to tune into 640 AM, WXSM's morning monster sport show. I actually picked the station up better than if I was in the Tri-City area, I guess the signal was skipping. Anyway, that helped to fill the morning void as I had not heard that station since I left in late March. In a short 0.9 miles, I arrived at Davenport Gap and there sat the white van that had taken Bravo and others to Newport for the pizza run the night before. This elderly gentleman got out of the van and asked if I wanted a Gatorade which I kindly accepted. I commented that I understood that he lived out of his van and he replied,"yes, I would prefer to do that than die in a nursing home". His name was Gordon and he was from Missouri via Michigan. He was helping support another hiker who was south of me. I gave him some money for the Gatorade and for gas for the previous night. We blessed each other and I was once again on my way. I officially left the Great Smoky National Park at 9:30am, which now meant I could once again camp where I wanted instead of in designated areas. If yesterday was the day of the acorn, today was the day of the wild iris. They were abundant, with their beautiful blue blooms. It is so interesting to see how the vegetation and blooms vary with altitude as you ascend and descend the terrain during the day. During the hike down the mountain I encountered probably the most scenic 1 mile stretch that I have walked so far. The path followed a cascading mountain stream about 30 feet in width and the variety of wildflowers was remarkable. I would walk 10-20 yards and have to stop to take another picture. This stream flowed into the Pigeon River which I had to cross (using a real bridge).I arrived at Standing Bear Hostel at 10:30am and decided to take up residence in the 4 person cabin versus the 18 person bunk house. I only walked 3.4 miles this day but that was according to my plan. Standing Bear is the first re-supply point for those coming out of the Smokies, so if one did not visit Gatlinburg they would need to stop here. The next closest re-supply point is Hot Springs which is 2-3 days away. Curtis and his wife own and run this hostel and they had a great variety of supplies and very reasonably priced. I ate most of the day, a whole can of Pringles, a packet of 14 Oreos and then went into Hartford, about 5 miles away on I-40, and got a pork sandwich. I pretty much sat around all day and did nothing in this very rustic (i.e. outhouse) setting. There was the store, which you just kept a record of what you purchased, a common kitchen area with a propane stove and running water and the 2 sleeping areas. There was a creek running down the middle of the compound. Curtis does a good job and probably sees 90% of the thru hikers during the year. One of the reasons I wanted to get to Standing Bear was the weather forecast which was calling for heavy rain and winds on Friday night. It did rain but it was not as severe as forecasted and certainly was nothing like what was experienced in other areas in the South where tornadoes played havoc. After going to bed at 9:05pm, I slept fairly soundly, as the creek runs directly under the cabin so it muffles any snoring and actually the rain. I only knew it was raining due to the rain hitting the tin roof. I have covered 238.5 miles and am still in fairly good condition. Still some feet issues but no pulled or strain muscles, I have been very fortunate and appreciate His watchful and guiding hands.