Date: 2014-03-25
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap - into Franklin
Miles today: 7.3

We woke to about an inch of snow. It was very pretty, with a blue sky peaking through. This could be a great hiking day, as long as it doesn't involve slippery rocks! We're only going 7.3 miles to get into Franklin, NC. There's a couple big hills, but they look somewhat gentle.One of the women who came in last night had a dog, Luna, a medium-sized mutt and great dog. She said that the hike today would be gentle. I need it to be gentle!We are planning to meet Katie (Doodles) and Stewart in Franklin. They are going climbing, but are taking a side trip to rendezvous with us for the evening. Buffalo had been texting with Katie for a time and destination. He told her that we could be at the Winding Stair Gap trail head at 4pm.As we were hiking, it was obvious that we might get there sooner, so he texted her that information. They could not get there any earlier, so told us to get a hitch and let them know. Heading down into the gap, (and I was concerned as to what the "winding Stair" might be like) it started snowing. Buffalo asked me if it was snow blowinng off the trees or if it was fresh stuff. Looked like all the snow had blown off the trees, so this was new snow, and it was blowing and swirling arounnd. It got worse as we got to the trail head. Oh, dear Lord, I hope we can get a ride soon!As we stepped into the parking lot, we saw a tree service truck turn around on the road and pull into the parking lot. The truck pulled up right by us and Manny, the Trail Angel got out. He didn't even have to ask where we were going. As he walked to the back of the truck, the back window rolled down. It was The Tortoise! I let out a happy scream! They were going to press on but Tortoise's shins were bothering her, so they were heading into Franklin for the night.Buffalo had asked Katie to make reservations for us, so we had a place, but Tortoise and Paul did not. All the way into town, he was calling to secure a room for them! He took us to Outdoor 76, the local hiker outfitter and hangout. Manny was STILL at work. He had brought in three hikers previously who were going to share a room at one of the motels, but somehow figured out that the hotel reserved three separate rooms. The guys were still at Outdoor 76 so Manny put them on the phone with the motel to confirm the one room, making rooms available for Tortoise and Paul, and others! WOW! That was some fancy phone work! Apparently, he works closely with the folks at the outfitter to try to not only accommodate hikers but also to make them feel welcomed. They all seem to go to the same church, and I don't know if this is the church, but the local Baptist church does a DAILY FREE pancake breakfast for hikers, like March 15th through April 15th! Double WOW!!!Oh yeah, at Outdoor 76, they have a little room where they have local micro brews on tap and a signing wall! Quite a gathering place for hikers. Great place and wonderful people. The guy at the outfitter gave us a ride to our motel, telling us how they'd like to set up a free shuttle for hikers.Buffalo sent a text to Katie to let them know we are at the motel. They arrived in about 20 minutes! We chitchatted for a while, then they wanted to go to the outfitter store, then out to dinner.Back at Outdoor 76, Buffalo commented that Greg, the Australian, was in the 'pub' area. I headed over to chat. It was great to see him. He's taking a double zero here, ordering a warmer sleeping bag to get through the Smokey Mountains! If it's THAT cold, we're going to bump ahead sommehow, then come back to the Smokey Mountains.It's so much fun seeing people we've previously seen on the trail and various points. A couple guys we met way back at the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega keep popping up - Alex, Dodo Bird, and occasionally Mark.Buffalo, Katie, Stewart, and I walked from the outfitter's, almost back to the motel, but turned to go to a Thai restaurant. It had to be a mile from the motel. It took a log time to get our meals but they were good. Not having much of a breakfast of lunch, I scarffed mine down and was still not "stuffed"! It was quite yummy - tofu and vegetables with chili jam sauce!A fun evening with good friends! Thanks Katie and Stewart, for making us part of your trip!Good night all!-The MumBuffalo says: It has been less than a year since we met Katie and Stewart on the PCT, and now they are trail angeling for us back east! They're on a climbing trip right now, but they took the time to visit us. I made several lifelong friendships on the PCT... I wonder who we'll meet on the AT! Know what's awesome? Waking up to snow, while in a new shelter! Know what else is awesome? Sleeping in a hotel room when it gets down to the teens tonight!