Date: 2008-03-11
From: Big Springs Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

Hello from Franklin, NC. I am able to continue my journal because I made it a short day. I wanted to continue on the trail with the General, but I have a box drop here at Ron Haven's Hiker Motel. He picks up and shuttles to the trail free and charges $35 a night for a room ,but lets hikers do a laundry and use the internet. Gen and I got up early this am- 7:30 in the dark. We wanted to get an early stary without cooking breakfast. He has to be at Fontana Dam by Friday, and I wanted to get in early, pick up my drop box (which arrived today, perfect timing). I would have prefered to continue, but my plan is to get up at five tomorrow, eat breakfast, and get Ron to shuttle me to the trail head by 7:00 AM. I will hike in the dark and try to make up my four lost miles (should take 2 hours) to catch the General and shelter with him to Fontana. I could slack pack out of this location, but I think that I would rather do a regular day. I am making good time. Today I went 9 miles. I was first out of the shelter ,Stopped at Rock Gap Shelter to use the privy, and,of course, the Gen came by just as I was leaving. I met a goup of 30 or so older (my age) hikers out for the day I forgot their names, but I got my first bit of Trail Magic,a woman gave me an apple and offered me half of her sandwich. I declined. When I got to Winding Stair Gap my cell phone had no serice, but there was a religious couple there setting up a trail magic table with hotand cold drinks, food etc, for free. Of course ,there were litle crosses to take and small copies of the bible and chairs to sit and rest. As they were calling for me ,I had a soda, and of course, who came down the hill ??? the General on my tail. Magic comes in three's they say,and today it did an apple, a soda, and a needed phone call. I need to do a bump box from here , I have too much food. So I plan to ship to Gatlingberg, TN at the PO this afternoon. The plan from here is to get back on the trail early, catch the General, go to The Nantahala Outdoor Center NOC next (2 days) then on to Fontana, and the start of the Smokies. You have a lot of time on your hands when you hike, so today I thought of a motto. When I coached, we did this frequently,most recently with swimming. We use anachronyms. I remember one was PRIMMA for "personal records in meets means achievement." So today I chose a sea /cape cod motto. COAST(E)Co-Operation, organization, adaptation, strength, or stick-tuitiveness and on this trip temperance but really transition and if you want (E for expect the unexpected) I was thinking how we all help each other both on and off the trail, like Joellen and the drop box or handling the home front or my fixing General's poles or helping with where are we going next, organizing the pack each day, "a place for everything and every thing in its place" (Malcolm will know that one), or a neat pack is a happy and more easily carried pack. Every day is an adventure and you need to adapt to changes ie. Where is the water? shelter? hill? etc. There is a great urge at times to leave for the good life ,and I guess I get rid of that going to towns when needed (Sorry Sue). If Bill Bryson can do it,I can. I plan not to have a beer or wine (except St Pat's Day when there is a dispensation) but really to transition the hike from hill to dale to shelter to town to tent to under the blue skies is omnipresent. That speaks for itself. Well, obviously I had time on my hands. The laundry is in, I need to get to The PO before it closes, take a shower (yes a shower) get some pasta tonight, go to bed (Yes Sue a bed) early ,and get up and hike. To all who have helped along the way thanks, especially Joellen. I will say a prayer for you all each day. Some of you need them,and I don't have much to do! Take care -Happy Trails- Peace and On to the Smokies !!! Squire