Date: 2003-04-16
From: Nolichucky Gorge Miss Janet's Hostel

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 34   AvgMls/Day 10.4I'll pick up where I left off yesterday. Left the library and went back to Miss Janets to hang out until dinner. Songbird was waiting for her husband, De Ja Vue to return from trying to find their $400 camera. Seems they left it in the truck that gave them a ride to the hostel. Finally, De Ja Vue shows with camera in hand, and boy is Songbird relieved. The 3 of us head out to a local reataurant (forget the name) for dinner. I have a nice rib eye steak. Afterwards, we go to the Sonic Drive In for hot fudge sundies. We get back to Miss Janets and Tunnel Vision shows; he has hitched a ride into town. He plans to go back; get is brother Noah; and walk on in to stay at Miss Janets, even though they'll get here late. I sit around shooting the s... with Just Do It and Itchy Foot. These are 2 guys about my age that I have met on the Trail many times. I call Julia but have to make it quick and do remember to wish her a Happy Birthday tomorrow. We turn in around 10:30.In the morning, De Ja Vue, Songbird and another hiker get early rides to the Trail. De Ja Vue & Songbird are slackpacking from about where I am tonight back to Erwin. They will stay another night at Miss Janets.I see them off in the kitchen and wake up Bodie who came in late last night. He and I start cleaning up the kitchen and doing the dishes. I go ahead and make coffee and fry some bacon and let the dog out. The place looks pretty good when in walks Miss Janet with a load of groceries. She solicits some help and procedes to prepare a fantastic breakfast...Steak and eggs. Not just eggs, but eggs with asparagus, feta cheese and onion. I make 3 kinds of toast (Texas, whole grain and muffins). We also have fresh strawberries and tomatoes. I tell you, this woman doesn't skimp on anything! If it was me, I'd be buying day old bread and the meat on sale. We all introduce ourselves and had to tell who we would want to have visit us for a week if we were stranded on a deserted island (non conjigal). I was going to say Julia, but then realized I didn't need anyone to iron my shirts on an island. So, without anyone particularly clever, I chose Virginia Woolfe author, Edward Albee.   The hikers at the table besides myself were, Itchy Foot, Bodie, Just Do It (He was the one who requested steak & eggs), Noah, Josh, Skittles (Still here after one week), and Tunnel Vision. BTW, Noah and Tunnel Vision got in around 2 a.m. Another friend of Miss Janet's and another hiker were here from PA...Bag of Tricks with a friend who has the AT map going through all of the States tatooed on his back. Huum, I think I'll do that when I'm finished. His name escapes me, but he is working on Miss Janet's van. Nice guys! Bag of Tricks asked me to look him up for some trail majic in Port Clinton, PA. I almost stayed another zero, but hell, I'm out here to hike. Miss Janet took me, Just Do It and Itchy Feet out to the Trail at 10:15.Let me say this about Miss Janet. She is a special person. She does what she does because she loves the hiker community. I heard about her through JC last summer and am so glad I did. She certainly doesn't do it for the money; and this sets her apart from the other hostels. You immediately are welcomed and become part of the family. There were hikers that had been there for days... even a week. When I'm through, I'm going to return with a visit and some Trail Majic.The hike went really well. Coming into Erwin the other day I was sore and tired. Today I was refreshed and climbed easily. The Trail climbed around 1,300' the first 3 miles. It was gradual...not bad. Got water at Curley Maple Gap Shelter around 11 or so with Just Do It and Itchy Foot. Met a nice young couple who I hiked with a piece...Chicken Feet and her boyfriend. Also passed and got passed by Cosmo Kramer and Nick all day long. They are staying in the shelter that I'm tented next to. Near day end, climbed Unaka Mtn (5,180') and felt no pain. I really felt good today and was back on a "hiker high." Got to Cherry Gap Shelter around 5:15, about a mile after passing Cool Foot who was camped along the Trail. Did water, set up the tent and ate a cold supper...8 ounce beef stick & crackers with dried fruit & nuts. Took my Chorella and vitamins. Chatted with Cosmo Kramer and Nick and turned in.Personal Message: Happy Birthday Julia! You are one in a million and I love you!Thought for the Day: It's thinning out.