Date: 2018-03-05
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap - Baltimore JackÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Place Hostel in Franklin, NC
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up at 5:30 AM after broken night sleep.  Only few tent sites available at Rock Gap Shelter and my tent probably at at least 10% grade from the foot to the head.  Better than side to side grade I had 2 nights ago, but my sleeping pad and bag kept sliding to the foot end of my tent where some condensation forms on that side of the tent. At times during the night I also could not fully straighten out my legs, so I would then pull my sleeping bag down some, then slide pad and bag back up toward the head end of my tent.  Needless to say, not a real restful night.  Of course I also had planned a nero into Franklin and had made reservations at a hostel. Anyways, about 5:45 AM I began to pack up - while still in my tent and maybe 10 degrees warmer than the 25-26 degrees outside, I stuffed my sleeping bag into its stuff sack, deflated and rolled up my sleeping pad, then brought all my gear down about 20 ft to the shelter¢s picnic table.  Of course during this time perhaps half of the 16 or so hikers there (5 in the shelter and the rest in tents and hammocks) were awake and also packing up their gear (all quietly so as not to disturb still sleeping hikers).  I then prepared and drank another Carnation instant breakfast, used the privie, then started hiking about 7:30 AM. I was only hiking 3.8 miles today, up and over a 650 ft ¢hill¢.  It was still sunny, probably 30 when I started hiking and warming to about 45-50 by mid morning. I reached Winding Stair Gap at 10 AM, joining several other of the hikers already there and waiting for the shuttle.  More continued to arrive and when the shuttle did arrive, l think 16-20 of us boarded.  This was a free shuttle provided by Ron Haven and he took us to his hostel - those that weren¢t staying at his hostel still were not charged for the >10 mile ride.On arriving at Ron¢s Baltimore Jack¢s Place Hostel, he showed Rick ¢Gaddabout¢ and myself to the double room I had called ahead to reserve (while on top of Albert Mountain the day before).  It has a bedroom w/ 2 Queen beds, separate living area w/ couple lounge chairs, small kitchen table and 2 chairs, refrigerator, microwave and private bathroom w/ shower.  For $40 for the 2 of us/ night, better than staying in the hostel bunk room for $20/person/night.  We are staying here for 2 nights (due to weather), so doing nero and a zero.After being shown our room, I took my shower and then Rick took his, I threw our laundry in the washer (coin operated - $2 wash and $2 dry), then we unpacked and hung up gear (e.g., our sleeping bags) to dry. About 1:30 PM we took short walk to gas station/ convenience store nearby (~1/4 mile) and each bought chips and cold drinks, then returned to hostel and relaxed and ate/ drank our snacks.Finally at 4, Ron shuttled us and 3 other hikers to a Walmart and a AYCE Chinese buffet - was pretty good and even had some decent Sushi. At Walmart¢s I bought a few things for breakfast and lunch tomorrow and just couple things to complete my hiking food supplies.  Got shuttle ride back at 5:30.  Since then, been working on my trail journal - will get caught up w/ entries and photos tomorrow.Interesting hiker by the trail name ¢Footprint¢ I met and talked to on the shuttle trip to Walmart¢s.  He is from the former Czech Republic and is here on a 6 month visa to hike the AT.  He is 34 and already hiked the PCT and CDT in last few years.  When he completes the AT he will have completed his ¢Triple Crown¢.  He has his own business and has a wife and 9 month old baby at home (Czech).  He is trying to hike the AT in 3 months and so far has averaged 20 miles/day.That is it for today - will try to catch up on the last 2 days entries tomorrow as well as upload photos.16,280 steps today.  One step at a time.