Date: 2010-04-01
From: Cowrock

To:  Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

So, I forgot my journal with all the details of my experience so far. It's back at the hostel. So this isn't going to be as detailed and interesting. I'll fix it later. So I'll start with the good stuff and work backwards. So, there were signs everywhere back at Neels Gap warning of B-E-A-R activity in the area. I hiked out of Neels gap with a full stomach and twinkle toes because "Squirrel" (Walasi Yi/Mountain Crossings) dubbed my pack as the best one he'd seen all year. Anyways, I hiked until right before sunset to Cowrock and met "Postcard". He told me there was a better place to came further down. The campsite below was a ridge line with cliffs on either side facing East and West. The spot was lined with soft fluffy grass patches. Plenty of nice level ground. There was a bunny bouncing around through the brambles. I threw up my tent and got my bear bag rope out. The next few minutes were hysterical. The evenings entertainment consisted of me trying various methods to hang the rope over a suitable limb. The first time I tossed my sock w/ rock inside combo, the rope flew off the sock because I didn't secure it properly. With the sock/rock properly tied to the cord, I made my second attempt. I aimed, with utter concentration and right before the weighted sock made it over the limb it stopped I laid the string out in front of me and tossed it again with way to much enthusiasm. The rope was now tangled 5 feet above my intended limb. That would be okay, if the twig it was dangling from would support my food bag. This will not do, I thought to myself. When I tried to pull it down, it became entangled and I had to yank the rope to free it from the twig. So, I pulled. I yanked. I cussed. And when it freed itself, it fell so rapidly that the sock/rock weight hit me in the face. Disgusting! I ended up spending the better part of my evening watching the sunset out of the corner of my eye while trying to hang my bear bag. It was poetic! When I finally got it right...I lassoed the limb behind me by complete accident.The next morning I awoke at sunrise! I met "Postcard" just as he was leaving so we decided to hike together. He allowed me to lead. Big mistake! Just as he was beginning to tell me that he'd thru-hiked twice, I took a wrong turn and faced a dead end! We shared brief life histories. Talked about creative art. Discussed advertising psychological theory. He saw me twist my head at the sound of a squirrel scampering through the woods and told me about someone he met called, "See's Bears Everywhere". I guess he thought I was alarmed. I learned about how to take lots of breaks while thru-hiking.We took a break by a stream for a while. The weather has been fantastic! Hot, but no complaints here! I was lounging with my feet up, admiring the way the fuzzy stuff hanging off my toes was floating around in the breeze when Grasshopper and Break Man appeared. They're Alumni thru-hikers. I'd seen them three times on three different days. They've been cleaning up and picking up trash. Wonderful people! We left the spring and headed up to Blue Mountain Shelter for my longest day yet. When I got there, the sound of snoring was immediately apparent. The tallest guy I'd ever seen hiking was there. His name, rather appropriately was "Bigfoot". His friends were Terry and Frito. Frito was from Chapel Hill and he bore a striking resemblance to my grandfather. He even had the raspy nasaly breathing pattern. We discussed the basic theory of hitchhiking. I suggested purchasing a dress. Although, I think my beard would give me away.So, I've got my journal now. Here's how it read...it's the same as the above except more detailed.Fantastic sunrise! Wow, got up at 2:55am ready to rock! Laid back down and enjoyed the turbulent winds up here. Slept okay. Apparently a dog or similar creature must have a habit of taking dumps right where I chose to camp. Eating blue berry granola for breakfast! Talked to Lish on the phone as I watched the city lights twinkling in the distance. Full moon last night. Arrroooo! Met up with "Postcard". www.theartfulhiker.com Saw my first chipmonk! Giant poison ivy EVERYWHERE! Hiked 13 miles to Blue Mountain Shelter. Took break at a Spring near Low Gap Shelter. Ate crackers and apples. Saw Grasshopper and Breakman for third time. They're awesome, they've put in lots of hard work for GA. Got lost leading the way with Postcard behind me, within minutes. He's thru-hiked 2 times. Talked about breathing exercises, advertising pyschology, and his book. Met Baltimore Jack. He was using a wooden match for a toothpick and had a gigantic pack. Taking break in hot sun by spring. Stretches and drying feet. Admiring all the fuzz floating in the breeze coming off my feet, when Grasshopper and Breakman walked by again. Number 4! Rocky knob = lots of stumbling. Felt tired by Blue Mtn. Chilling with Bigfoot, Frito, Terry and Postcard at the shelter. Talked about buying a dress for hitchhiking. So many people in the shelter that I camped out instead with Jason, Evan, Amber the dog and her family...the Baynon's. Scout, is from Florida. Matt's former military. Shared turkey with Bigfoot and discovered the best way to make couscous is to use the freezer bags instead of my pot. No cleaning! Just Doug and Peaches came in later. Learned that the best way to apply moleskin is first thing in the morning when my feet are dry, right out of sleeping bag. Wet Poodle gave me stretching advice for my knees and hips.