Date: 2016-05-03
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: mist

AT 2 May - Carter Gap Shelter to Franklin, NC.   15.9 miles Shelter WisdomIt rained on and off through the night, the sound accentuated by the shelter's tin roof. I woke up at 6 and about the same time another hiker was coming in the shelter to fix her breakfast. Caroline was through hiking and had gotten a late start on the they hiking season as she finished her classes. She wasn't concerned about the late start, and really wanted a chance to thru hike before starting her career. She was experienced with the AT up in New England so she knew what to expect when she got up there.We are our breakfasts by the light of our headlights as it was still dark. Occasional rain spit down but it was mostly light now. As I packed my pack it slowly got lighter and I could see that there was still a very low overcast cloud deck. By 7am I was ready to go and headed out, Josh and Thomas had just arrived and we wished each other good luck. These guys would be saving people's lives in a few weeks, I was going to be walking. It put things in perspective.The trail was pretty gentle here, with elevation gains in the 500 foot range. With the low clouds and mist I couldn't see much of the valleys below. It started raining steadily but lightly. The temps were very comfortable and it was pleasant walking for my first day back on the trail. Caroline came from behind and passed me quickly and I do believe she'll make Maine, she was a strong hiker. Good Luck to her. By 11 am I had made it to Albert Mountain, a short but steep climb up to the summit where there was a fire tower. The views were supposed to be impressive from there, but I didn't expect to see much with the clouds and mist.The trail up Albert Mtn. was very steep and the rocks were wet and slick. It wouldn't have been much of a challenge except for the 40 pound pack on my back. My legs and lungs protested but we finally made it. Albert Mtn. looked like line a great place as the tower rose high above the trees. The cab was closed but you could climb the steps and see some nice views in several directions, with clouds and swirling mist blocking views in others. It made for a beautiful sight.I had a quick lunch at Albert and then pushed on. I came in to Long Branch Shelter and used the privy and take a break. I checked the shelter journal to see who was ahead of me. Most of the thru hikers had passed though this part of the trail 4-8 weeks earlier so it was interesting to read the journal. There was a combination of optimism and dismay as I read they the entries, but there was also a few nuggets of wisdom. The simplest was one from Lesly - "Be Joyful". There was an interesting poem from Square Peg that I took a picture of. And then there was an entry from Hawkeye and Backup - "Live, Love, Give"I pushed on all afternoon and was hoping to make it to Winding Stair Gap. From there I could catch a shuttle into Franklin, NC. Even though I was only one day out I was looking forward to visiting this famous trail town and getting people food instead of a pot of ramen for dinner. I made it to Winding Stair by 5 and there was trail angel there in the parking lot who would give me a ride to town. He was also picking up trash and collecting trash from hikers as they crossed the gap. I can't tell you how welcome that simple act is, someone collecting your trash from you so you don't have to haul it in your pack anymore. Intense offered me a ride to town and gave me a tour. I chose to stay in the Sapphire Inn because it had a Mexican restaurant across the street. The Sapphire had recently been sold and was under new management and apparently the reviews said said it was a lot nicer. It's a typical old style motor hotel and was very hiker friendly. I headed over to Mi Casa for dinner after a quick cleanup and had a great meal along with a couple of Margaritas to celebrate!A good first day, and ready to push on in the morning. Glad to be back!