Date: 2004-03-24
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: scattered clouds

"Life moves pretty fast.If you don't stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it." Ferris BuellerSo, finally it wasn't quite so cold during the night. We were up early this morning (C-Giddy, from now on referred to as 'Leki-less', was up before the rest of us...something about a chorus of snorers) and I was on the Trail by 7am. Our plan for the day was to meet Heather's dad, Jim, and his partner, Karen, at Newfound Gap, 4.5 miles from the shelter. From there, we would be taken to their holiday home in Gatlinburg for the rest of today and then a zero day tomorrow. Heather is having some nasty blister problems that need to be sorted out and I know that I for one am ready for a day off.Jim and Karen were due to meet us between 9 and 10am. Me, being the slow hiker that I am, left first because I didn't want to keep people waiting at the other end. Turns out the hiking legs decided to do their thing this morning - I did 4.5 miles in 2.5 hours. While this may not seem a lot to you guys, it was good to me.I ended up arriving at Newfound Gap before the others, walking across the road ('cars come from the left Nuffy') to the car park to sit and wait. Up walk these people who are out for a tourist drive. They have spotted one of "those hiker people". We strike up a conversation. They:"Where have you come from?" Me:"Georgia". They:"And where are you going to?" Me:"Maine". They:"Wow! All that way? You have an accent - where are you from?" Me:"Australia". They:"And you came all that way just to hike the Trail, that's awesome". Of course, there was more conversation involved than what I have typed but, of the 5 different groups of people that I spoke to, all of these questions and more were covered. It was kind of weird, but in a good way, almost like being in a sideshow.Another major milestone we passed today on our way into Newfound Gap - we passed the 200 mile mark (no marker or brass band playing here either).So anyway, Jim and Karen pull in and out get 3 hikers they had picked up who were wanting to get back to Newfound Gap. Who should hop out but Mickey-One-Sock! I had been following his progress through the shelter registers and figured he was about a week ahead. It was just so nice to see him again. Hugs all around.Jim and Karen had brought fruit, hot chocolate and danish to eat - yummy. Then of course it was off to breakfast. Let me tell you, Heather's hiker appetite has certainly kicked in!Back to the house for some showering, laundry and general catch up, making lists of things to do on the zero day and things we need to get before heading back out again. Our plan for the next stretch is to do the rest of the Smokies and into Hot Springs in 5 or 6 days.Dinnertime rolled around and we were able to go to an Outback Steakhouse: good food and a few little reminders of home. There was a map of Australia on the wall near us so I was able to orientate the gang as to where I lived and where things were in the Land Down Under. Thanks for dinner Jim, delicious and very much appreciated.Of course, we needed dessert so it was off to Baskin Robbins, then home for a hot honey and lemon drink (warding off posible ailments) then off to bed. We each have our own room tonight so hopefully there won't be too many complaints about snoring!