Date: 2009-04-30
From: Chestoah Bridge

To: Deep Gap Campsite
Miles today: 12.1

Phrase of the Day: Dumb AssMy evening was pretty boring. The power went off in the hotel for about 1hr. Don't really know why - it threatened to storm, but didn't. I rained a little, so I really don't know why it went out.I was worried about the shuttle in the AM. Not that it wouldn't come, but that they would say I didn't reserve a spot. So, I decided to call and make sure that I could get on. I called and the guy basically told me there was no room. I said even for one more and he said know. He was a real weiner about it. Well that stinks. I was nervous the rest of the night worred about how I would get to the trail. Don't ask me why, but I was. OK - so you are asking where the dumb ass comes in. In town yesterday, I decided to get a little extra cash while I was at the market. But, my ATM card wouldn't work. My thought was that maybe it was out of network or something like that. While talking to the SQ last night I asked her about her card - turns out I had the wrong one. I took only the credit card not the CC that is also a ATM card. I have no way to get any extra cash. The SQ will send me the correct card to Damascus.The hotel breakfast at the hotel was pretty good. I was up, packed,eaten, and ready to go by 7:30. Off I went to walk the 1.5 miles to the trail head. I tried to hitch, but no luck. I made it over the the hostel by 8. Within 2 minutes the shuttle showed up. And, there were only 3 people on it. Ugh. The guy was a weiner and I was a dumb ass for even calling. I should have just showed up.Lucky for me the first 1.5 miels was pretty flat, so I was able to get my trail legs. Did 12.1 miles. Had a couple of good climbs, but nothing huge. My feet feel pretty good. My knee is sore, but that is to be expected.I met a few guys at the hotel last night and we passed each other back and forth all day. I was good about stopping every hour or so and even stopped at the summit of Beauty Spot. Nice View - would have been better if it hadn't been so foggy. It threatened rain most of the afternoon, but the wind picked up and it seems to have blown over. Could still rain tonight. At the campsite with 5 others guys. All seem pretty cool. Ace, Dutch, Chatter, and can't recall the other two. Another Guy Sundance kept moving. Another 4 miles to the next shelter. Crazy man because it is up and over a pretty good size mnt. (Unaka). Not for me until the AM. See I have learned something.Sundance is actually a buddy of "B" - the woman from the berkshires who is the buddy of the woman who was stalking me (Cynthia). Nice guy. Retired last month from Dept of Defense. He was at Fort Meade in Maryland. So, we talked security clearance stuff for a while. We also talked about the berkshires. He wants to get a picture of himself with Arlo Guthrei at the Guthrie Center.Spent a long time talking with Dutch. He is on his 5th year section hiking and hopes to finish this year. He is going from Hotsprings to Marion, VA and then will only have the Whites left. He is a retired INS agent. Pretty interesting guy. It is only 5:30 and I am done eating. All the guys are in their tents. Too early for me to lay down. I would be crippled if I laid down for that many hours. The sun is actually out and the sky is pretty blue. The gnats are out of control though. I've hung my bear rope and am all set for the night. My freezer back meat was pretty good and my cozy worked great. Life is good.Birds - kingfisher, towhee, catbird, blue jay, titmouse, indigo bunting, and a few warblers.Flowers - white and red trillium, and lots of violets.