Date: 2012-04-20
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

I heard a mouse chewing on something last night, after a quick survey of my gear I found it wasn't me and went back to sleep. I wasn't too worried however because mouse holes sometimes come with shelter sleeping. I have been very lucky, usually leaving ways for adventurous mice to escape, knock on wood, so far so good. I got up quick this morning with the rest of the shelter folks around 7:20. I was out chasing Jenna and a section hiking couple around 8:15. I started the climb up Cheoah Bald. While it was clear by the shelter the clouds were kicking around the summit. It was just like last time, another bathtub view. I still enjoyed the peace and quiet that the fog brings. I then continued down the trail or what I thought to be the trail. It was a little tricky at the top, as I was on my way down I hit two yellow blazes. I was a bit surprised, but knew it was another trail. (After second guessing myself, I continued on. I ended up being okay, it was where the AT and the Bartam trail cross, and just was blazed funny.As I continued on I ran into some pretty crazy hoof prints on the trail. My first thought was MOOSE? Of course not, way to far south. But what then? Not too much farther my answer came, as there was a huge cowpie in the middle of the trail. I could smell them all day but never actually saw them. The hiking proved to be a good adventure as you needed to watch foot placement, one wrong step and a landmine would have gotten all over your shoe. ew.The flora was amazing today, pink, yellow, white trillium, several patches of lady slippers, and a bunch of orange and purple flowers too. I got to Stecoah Gap around 11, had second breakfast and pushed up towards Jacobs Ladder. It wasn't as bad as I remembered, but still crazy. Every time I stopped to rest I would see something beautiful. It was nice and made me feel like I was supposed to take a bazillion breaksI reached Brownfork Gap Shelter around one, made lunch and visited the privy and enjoyed having the shelter to myself. I pushed on after getting some water. The rest of the hike was really nice, a bit of ups and downs, but really nice. I reached the shelter around 4:30. Peaches, Frank and Radar were there and a bunch of other folks continued on towards Fontana. As I took off my shoes and relaxed the rest of the gang showed up. I was a bit surprised to see them, but happy we were all there. (except the Professor as he stayed behind to zero at the last shelter.)After dinner (Alfredo noodles and a chai) we've been sitting around the small fire enjoying each others company. The boys have been trying to get an old bear bag unstuck from a tree. Blis, Jenna, and myself have been watching and laughing. It's amazing how the guys can get stuck on a task. Detective thinks there is gold in the little pouch, and has offered a reward to anyone who can claim it.Today was really good, I enjoyed pushing myself (and the rest of the crew too.) I enjoyed hiking my own hike. Tomorrow we reach Fontana Dam and the Hilton. Also we plan on taking our first zero on Sunday. The weather is supposed to change to rain tomorrow, today it was overcast with a light breeze. I am getting excited for the smokies and whatever else comes our way.The trail is like going to church. People out here look out for one another, act kinder. We all are searching for something out here. Listening to the birds sing, or the wind blow through the trees, seeing the flowers bloom, seeing the amazing views. For the most part, people are better out here. It makes for an amazing experience. I'm glad to be back, it really is home.