Date: 2003-05-05
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Erwin, Tn.
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: light rain

Start Indian Grave Gapdestination Erwin,Tn.I probably don't need to tell anyone what the weather was like here today.Wewere on the storm line that spawned so many tornados in Missouri,and Tenn. But out here on the trail,weather does not matter.You just hike,no matter what. It was really hard to leave the comfort of the Holiday Inn Express room thismorning,but I did.I am doing a 8 mile slack pack.I was going to do a 19miler,but I got a chance to go speak to a Rotary Club in Johnson City tonight soI chose the shorter hike.This is funny,only the women are venturing out to hike today in this foulweather.All the guys are staying inside.Miss Janet,our shuttle driver and ownerof Miss Janet's Hostel tells us that 80% of the women that set out to hike thetrail make it,compared to 20% of the males who start out.I am woman,Hear meroar!!It is sure easier to hike without 35 pounds on yor back!!This time ,I tookboth pieces of my rain gear.They kept me about as dry as a paper towel!Not toolong after I started hiking though,the rain stopped and it was just overcast andmisty.I am hiking with PushingUpDaisies and another hiker friend namedFirefeet.I had met her several weeks ago on the trail.We three have a great timetalking women talk and trail life. Just about the time I put my rain gear on,the sun breaks through a littlebit,and it gets too hot to hike in the rain gear.Take them off and the sun goesbehind a dark cloud and the rain starts.It is a no win situation.It takes 4hours to hike 8 miles.But the trail is slippery and I have to watch everystep.As I am crossing over a small stream,I step on a slippery rock and suddenlyfind myself doing the Tango with my hiking poles.Miraclously,I manage to stayupright.A cold dip in the stream is not on my list of things to do today. Miss Janet drives up to pick us up,just as we are coming onto the road fromthe trail.Perfect timing!!I ask about a maildrop I sent to her house from Hot Springs last week.It is nothere.That is great!I mail a package priority mail,and I beat it here hiking!Goodold Postal service for you. I have to go to the post office now and fill out aforwarding form to have the box sent to Damascus. I catch a ride to the Rotary Meeting with Miss Janet who is taking a group ofhikers to the outfitters in Johnson City.They all laugh at me as I getout,dressed in my best hiker clothes.My boots are soaked,so I am wearing my campshoes.I am styling!! I know the president of the club is reluctant to give me a place on theprogram.They already have a guest speaker lined up.I tell him all I need to 5minutes.He eyes me suspiciously.Of course,everyone looks at me strange.Afterall;I do look like a homeless woman,with my mismathed pants and top and my blueplastic camp shoes!!I think I have died and gone to heaven as I get in line forthe dinner!Sliced ham,stuffed pasta,mashed potatoes with gravy,fresh bread.Andthe desserts,oh my!Pecan pie,carrot cake,chocolate cake,chocolate dipped freshstrawberries and sliced pineapple.Sure beats the Subway sandwiches we have atour Rotary meeting!I try my very best not to fill my plate and eat like a thruhiker.But it is soooooooo tempting!! This club does not have an active polio plus program,so I am hoping for adonation from them.Like,I promised ,I only took 5 minutes of the program.Peoplelike a speaker who knows when to sit down.The guest speaker was the athleticdirector of the East Tenn State University.From what I gathered,last week animportant announcement was made concerning the funding of the football team.Heran overtime,and my ride was waiting,so I had to go before getting a committmentfrom the club.I did pick up a sponsor,and handed out several business cards.So Iam optimistic. I had wanted to stay at Miss Janet's Hostel,but she had a full house,so I wentback to the Holiday Inn.There is just something about a hot tub after you havehiked 9 miles!That and the fact that hikers get a pint of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream free each night you stay.I did not eat a full pint by myself,but I cameclose.It was the first time I had ever had that brand of ice cream.Mayfield icecream,watch out!! I have got my pack ready,heading out in the morning,no matter what theweather!Yuck!!More rain forecast. bumpkintotal miles 8.3