Date: 2003-03-12
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

First, something I didn't put in yesterday's entry... the views from Big Butt Mountain yesterday were just incredible! The trail skirted the side of the mountain, and hiking along it, I didn't realize how steep the mountain was. Looking up and down... I saw it; it was steep. But the trail was some of my favorite trail...going up and down some rocks, some water trickling down the side, jungle looking area, and the absolutely incredible views make that my favorite part of the trail so far!Okay, on to today. Bearkat and I didn't get out of the shelter until afer 9am this morning, but that was okay because we knew the miles today would be fairly easy miles. Another gorgeous day today! I cannot believe this awesome weather. Now I know I'm due for some bad weather... I'll worru about that when it happens though and just enjoy what I've been getting.We stopped at Wallace Gap for lunch. That was 6 miles into the days hike. We arrived right before noon, and had lunch with Duwain and Elliot there. They had planned on hiking to NOC, but Elliot's knee was bothering him and they decided to get off the trail right there. I think it was a smart move...just to be safe. I'll miss hiking with them. And not just because Duwain and Bearkat had some long conversations therefore saving my ears from Bearkat's booming voice. ;-) Duwain and Elliot lucked into a ride to Franklin from Wallace Gap from some trail angels. The driver's brother had attempted to thruhike the AT, so she was familiar with hikers. She also offered up three different phone numbers for when we get to 441 in the Smokies. She said she'd give us a ride to Cherokee (where she lives) for resupply. That's great news! That way we don't have to hitch a ride, or carry 8 days of food through the Smokies. Many people are very willing to help out hikers, and that's great to see.Bearkat and I hiked on to Winding Stair Gap. Along the way we met members of the Nantahala Hiking Club doing some trail work. We talked to them for a bit and thanked them for their efforts. "Axman" will start the AT on April 4, and we met The Two Js from South Carolina, who section hiked the AT in 4 years. Very nice people, all of them.At Winding Stair Gap, we thought we could get a hitch into town pretty easily, but it took over an hour before we got a ride in the back of a pickup truck from a couple of nice gentlemen. They kindly took us to the hotel and chatted with us for a little bit. After showers a few phone calls, we went to Shoney's to meet Denmark, Early Riser and Heald, but they didn't show up. The buffet was pretty darned good! I had 3 plates full of food, which was the same amount I had in Hiawassee. Mmmmmm....foooood. :-)The three Freaks (as our former partners call themselves) came to the hotel. Apparently they walked all over this town today doing chores and visiting the library for internet, and couldn't make it in time. They headed to Shoney's buffet, and to decide whether they're headed out of town tonight or staying until the morning. Good to see them again.Other good news! We heard Hotdog took one zero day in Hiawassee and is back on the trail! Hopefully, he'll catch up when we take a zero. I've missed hiking with him! I hope his day off helped his knee heal up some.Physically, I feel pretty good. The legs feel stronger and stronger, and the lungs too. My feet still hurt once I get around the 7-8 mile range, but the blisters have about healed. It's been warm during the day, highs in the 60s, and today I got sunburned. I think that wore me out today. I've had some chafing lately, probably due to the warm days, and that I sweat so much. I'll have to get some Gold Bond or something for that. Let's see.. what else... oh yeah, a slight rash or something on my earlobes, possibly a heat rash due to wearing a fleece hat on cold mornings, then working up a sweat climbing those mountains. It might seem like a lot of issues, but none are very bothersome. I've had no problems with putting in contacts daily, and I'm very happy about that. I couldn't imagine the fog I'd create on glasses!!Mentally, I feel great too. I'm happy to be hiking with Bearkat, and with all the people I've met. I miss some other hikers (Subman, Hotdog, Shoe), and will miss the three freaks when they leave tomorrow, but I know we're all out here for ourselves, and any of us could be on our own at any time. This experience has been so much greater than I'd expected. I'm having a good time. I asked Bearkat today if he was happy out here (on the trail), and he said 'Yes'. I am too. I asked if he thought there were people out here that weren't having a good time. There probably are, and I cannot imagine that at this point. I don't know what it is, but I feel good about being out here. I just feel like this is where I need to be right now.