Date: 2017-03-28
From: Newfound Gap - Gatlinburg TN

To: Newfound Gap - Gatlinburg TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today is Tuesday, March 28. I am in Gatlinburg TN to rest and resupply before heading back to Newfound Gap to continue north to finish the hike through GSMNP. I am feeling much better but have not yet decided whether to hike out tomorrow or rest another day. As I look back on it I have lost contact with most of the hikers I know so I don't have any further info about the bug we got or if it has sort of ended. I'm glad it's behind me. The hike was going well up out of Fontana Dam especially that first day. The views were very pretty and the weather was almost perfect. From that point until I hit the alpine zone at around 5000' elevation it was more of the same, just sort of set off by the circumstances of getting sick. When I got to the higher elevations the scenery was gorgeous and changed a lot. There were picturesque little coves and draws in the mountains with old fallen trees almost completely covered with bright green moss. The forest floor was very moist. This created little alcoves and forest neighborhoods. Colors were deep brown wood and leaves, green moss, forest green pines and all set off by the occasional ray of sunshine or the more likely misty foggy mysterious look of the fog and clouds. Really beautiful. Mountains had their tops cut off by clouds. When in the clouds at elevation there was no view to anything below and the trees, rocks and woods 20 feet away could be a surprise step by step. For myself I made mental notes to think clearly and take it a day at a time slow and steady. I can't help but think that cold March winter days will be a foggy memory come June with 90+ degree temps in the mid-Atlantic states and mosquitos all around. I never had fear for my ultimate safety or doubted that I would get to Newfound Gap. It was more of a long slog to the end and a real desire to just get there. I had lots of time to think. Since I started I heard of several friends who died. Some were very old and in poor health and not unexpected. A high school friend let me know of another high school buddy who died unexpectedly I think. This caused me to take a trip down memory lane. Though I have not lived in the area for years I remembered him as a good friend and a quick-witted gentle man, loving father and husband and all round a person anyone would like to know. He is gone at age 67. I have other friends who can barely walk across the room due to this or that condition. Here I am carrying a 35 lb pack up and down mountains for almost 2200 miles if I am able to finish. I do not feel that I have done anything to deserve good health nor have I done anything special to stay in shape. Nothing is guaranteed and I am just thankful for these blessings. Marlene and I have many friends from over the years. I mentioned Kirk and Bev C. who helped me with a ride from Newfound Gap and a place to clean up and rest. This was not convenient for them. Kirk and Bev are retired and take care of Kirk's mother who is over 101 years old. Bev recently had surgery on both feet and is in a recliner with her feet bandaged and propped up recuperating. When I called they were there for me despite all of this. Kirk picked me up and I was a mess if you can imagine my experience of the last few days happening in the woods. I came in, got a quick hug and was showering 10 minutes later. I ordered a pizza which Kirk and I picked up. I flopped onto the end of the couch opposite Bev. Kirk settled into his EZ chair with his mom seated in one next to him. We were all in stocking feet and slouching to relax and watch the basketball games. It was like we had done this every day for the last 40 years. Good friends are like that. Kirk and I went to Waffle House the next morning and gave the waitress a hard time. (She was more than able to give it back!). We went to the grocery store and I made ready. Dr appointments, etc, made it necessary for them to be tied up Tuesday so Kirk brought me back to Gatlinburg to a "hiker friendly" motel. My needs were met and we packed a lot of reminiscing over old times into the time we had together. Such a great experience and I am truly grateful to Kirk and Bev for taking me in. Great friends. I'm not sure of the plan yet. When I woke up at their house I realized I had slept very long and hard so that was good. But I also could still feel the deep exhaustion in my bones and muscles. I don't want to start again until I am strong. I look forward to 3+ more days hiking to exit GSMNP on the north end - a little over 30 miles to Standing Bear Farm hostel. Thanks to everybody who is encouraging me along the way. And the most special love for Marlene who is there every time I call or text, steady and strong, and helps me get through the next thing that comes. Goodnight Sweetheart.