Date: 2003-05-05
From: Ms. Janet's Hostel in Erwin, TN

To: Curley Maple Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

I should have written last night but the call of the mattress was far too strong. Yesterday's zero was nearly perfect. I woke up pretty early, and ate an oatmeal breakfast instead of chipping in for a communal breakfast that Boiler Plate was making. I mingled with some folks on the front porch and showered before heading across the street to the Methodist Church for a service. The folks there were very welcoming; I get the impression that not many hikers come to worship with them. I think they really appreciated having someone from Miss. Janet's Hostel come; one even gave me the alter flowers to give to Miss. Janet. When I got back from church Ox was back from picking people up from the party location. (I ended up going to the party night before last - lots of fun, great hosts, nice fire, good sangria, good people to talk with) I got to talk to Hopeful on Ox's cell phone. He was at home for one reason or another. I thanked him again for being a super traildad. I may or may not get to see him at TrailDays. Ox took Brother Ron, Sketch and I to the Pizza Hut in Johnson City for the all-you-can-eat buffet. It was a nice adventure to get away from the constant buzz and activity at the hostel. Ox picked up the tab. Trail Magicians abound. He told us a lot about what we have to look forward to on the trail - lemon squeezer in NY, a boulder climb that may send us straight up instead of around...lots of daunting challenges - at least that's what I heard. After lunch, I promised myself to do my maildrop/food resupply planning. Ox talked to me while I worked. He was feeling bummed about the possibility of having to travel to China for work instead of getting to go to TrailDays. His trail family is so important to him. I enjoyed the rest of the afternoon hanging around Miss. Janet's, writing postcards, and checking email. Then I ate a mediocre dinner at Sonic. Before I knew it, it was 10:30 and time for bead. Unlike the night before I slept well and woke up today around 7:30 or so and had several cups of coffee while puttering around. My plan from yesterday was to get a ride out to the trail and hike at 9 or so to the Beauty Spot. However, I wasn't going to be ready to leave right after breakfast. I still needed to send out packages at the Post Office and order some material to make my skirt. So, I opted for the 2:30 shuttle to the trailhead. I'd have to deal with a four mile hike to the first shelter - Curley Maple. I ran my errands and made it back to the hostel just in time to catch the shuttle. With all the running around I had been doing, I'd forgotten to eat lunch. Brother Ron, Sketch and Takereasy were in the same shuttle as I to the trailhead - also headed to the same shelter. What great news - funny, good natured people headed my way! I know that today is likely to be the only day I see them because they are faster and often hike further than me. The hike today was lovely and fairly even with not many ups. Not having lunch had really taken its toll though because my energy levels were so low. It took me longer than it should have to make it this far. I kept promising myself a snack, then convincing myself that the shelter was coming up just around the corner until I finally arrived. After snacking on some cranberries and cooking up a couscous delight for dinner, I felt very restored. I also met Naomie at the shelter. Spur and Ready joined us for dinner, too. It felt really great to be around so much positive energy this afternoon. It's exactly what I've been needing.They're calling for rain for the next three days. I just might roll in the Kincora Hostel looking like a raisin.