Date: 2006-04-17
From: Erwin, Tn

To: Indian Grave Gap, Tn
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: light rain

8.3 miles todayHoliday Inn ExpressErwin, Tn20,738 foot steps todayI woke up at 5am and went downstairs to post a couple journal entries.The clerk said she had coffee ready, so I had a cup of coffee while I was on the computer.When I got back to my room, I still had no idea what I was going to do today.I thought that maybe I would just take it easy until about lunch time and then hike out after that.I went back downstairs at 6:30 when the breakfast bar opened and got an assortment of things to eat and brought them back up to my room.I layed down about 10am and started to take a nap when Miss Janet called and wanted me to ride with her to drop off some hikers that were slack packing.I told her I would, but when I thought about it, I decided to just slack today myself and come back to the room for another night.I'm not sure why yet, but I don't have alot of drive right now.Hopefully that will pass.Miss Janet came and I hopped in the van, then we headed up the mountain to Indian Grave Gap and dropped off two hikers.We drove up to Beauty Spot and dropped off another hiker, then on the way back down, I decided to just do the short walk back to town from Indian Grave Gap.Miss Janet parked there and we talked for about 15 minutes before I started walking south to town.Once I started, I saw the rain clouds coming.I was slacking and only had a few things with me, but no rain coat. Even if it did start raining, it was warm enough out that it would just feel good.I walked along and ran into D-Rock, then Chillout just before I got to Curley Maple Gap Shelter.The wind had picked up and I was watching for falling limbs and trees while I walked.I made sure I was careful not to fall. I got to the shelter and it started pouring rain.Sometimes it pays to just be lucky. :-)))I sat there for 40 minutes while it rained and some thunder roared, then the sun started to pop out again.I had caught up on reading the register and everyone who had signed in.It was 2pm when I walked out of there. I walked slowly because of the wet roots and rocks.I came to where two trees had fallen in the trail and I had to work my way through the limbs and branches.When I got closer to Erwin, I saw Morning Fit, Outbreak, Chainsaw, Able Jack and Leprecaun coming up the mountain.I got to the trailhead (dry) and 2 hikers said Miss Janet was parked over by Uncle Johnies waiting on a couple that were at his outfitter store.I walked over there, but got sidetracked when Greyfox called out my name from Uncle Johnies.It was great seeing him again. He introduced me to Baloo and we stood there in the middle of the road talking. :-)))He was just waiting on a friend to come down the mountain, then driving back up to spend the night at Kincora Hostel.Greyfox did alot of trail magic for me last year. I hope he has a great walk this year.I also ran into him a couple years ago on a hike. It's always great to see old friends out here.Miss Janet dropped me off at the motel and I went upstairs and layed down and took another nap.I'm not sure why that's happening, but I couldn't stay awake.I woke up later and walked next door to eat, then came back to the room and layed down somemore.When I woke up again, I walked down stairs and saw Grinds and 42 who had just hiked in.When I got done talking to them, I went back upstairs and layed down again.I am feeling like I have no energy right now.Hope that changes soon. :-)))