Date: 2005-04-12
From: Painter branch campsite

To: Walnut Mountain shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Boy was I glad to wake up this morning! You see, Bug & I camped on the side of the trail last night probably about 200 yards south of Painter branch. We were by ourselves which is no big deal, but after hearing heavy footsteps last night I was a bit worried. It was already dark, and I heard something big run away as I was cleaning dishes last night. Bug and I had nearly gotten to sleep when we heard sticks breaking, grunting, and sniffing noises. This is no April Fool's joke. Whatever the case, I was glad that it decided to leave us alone. Not sure whether it was bear, wild boar, or a mythical creature the Cherokee's claim lived in this area, but I guess we'll never know.As we packed up camp, we saw Michigan, Oriental Legs, Wolfhound, and Thirsty Boots roll by. We hiked on up the trail, and stopped for water where we soon met Mr. Clean, Sr. We were really surprised to see him as we thought he was way ahead. It was a tough little hike up to Snowbird mountain where we saw some strange alien-looking radio tower building. Sometime around 10:30 the rain began to fall, but we decided to just hike through it. Soon we arrived at Groundhog Creek shelter where we stopped in for lunch. We made it just in time for the rain to come down a little harder. As we sat eating tuna salad, in walked Mr. Clean, Jr. (also someone we thought we had lost up ahead). After he finished eating his candy bar, we headed out on the trail once more. Again today, I ended up with wet pants. I don't believe Bug shared this the other day, but after leaving Icewater Spring shelter my pants felt damp. By Charlie's Bunion my rear was soaked, and a mile beyond it looked like I had completely lost control. Of course, Bug found this hilarious, and I too could see the humor. Then again, two days ago the sun was shining. Today it is raining and cold. For those of you wondering, no it wasn't that Ms. Priss couldn't find a tree in time. My Platypus water bladder started to leak. I have looked & looked, and the only thing I can figure is that you have to hold your mouth just so when screwing on the cap. Max Patch is supposed to be incredible with 360 degree views. Unfortunately, the clouds began to roll in just as we crested the summit. But even what little view we got was breathtaking. This was really supposed to be a low mileage day after our big one yesterday, but it ended up being just about as long. We had planned to stay at New Roaring Fork shelter, but when we arrived all we found was a privy and a pile of logs. Since this shelter had not been completely built, we decided to hike on to the (old) Roaring Fork shelter about four miles further. Rain is predicted so we really wanted space in the shelter. We made it in great time, but unfortunately it was packed. A gentleman informed us that Walnut Mountain shelter was a mere 1.8 miles away and an easy, gradual climb. Let me say this, never believe a hiker in an already crowded shelter when rain is predicted..but more about that in a moment.Within yards after passing old Roaring Fork shelter, we saw a team of six volunteers headed down to rescue a hiker from "bad blisters." We told them we had blisters and asked if they could haul us up the mountain. As it turned out, the guy had dropped his boiling hot Lipton meal on his foot. What a bummer, no food and blistered feet! The volunteer fire dept. rescue team had a cool strecher though; it was a Swedish design and had what looked to be a bike tire that it rolled on.After talking with the rescuers, Bug, Mr. Clean Jr, and I made a bee-line for the shelter at Walnut Mountain. It was only 1.8 miles as the gentleman had earlier stated; however, not so gradual or easy. It was straight up and we had another hiker right on our tails. Huffing and puffing we finally made it to the shelter and it too was packed. C'est la vie!We made camp and cooked our dinner, and now we are cozy in our sleeping bags.