Date: 2007-02-27
From: Mt Collins Shelter, NC/TN

To: Icewater Spring Shelter, NC/TN
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up to another beautiful day. My upper body was a little sore from having to use my poles nearly all day yesterday with the ice walking. Got moving around 11am and hoped to get to Peck's Corner Shelter which was 15 miles away. I started out pretty fast. I am in better shape now. I dont need to take a break to rest because of lack of energy, until after 2 hours of hiking. I am really trying to eat enough when I run out of that initial burst of energy to last throughout the day. I saw that to maintain that intensity would be tough again today. The ice was not as bad today; but, it was still around and I fell once on my right elbow again. This elbow has not healed since out of Carter Gap Shelter. There were also several blow downs that were very difficult to climb over, under, and around. I can tell my knee is just about totally strong. There were times yesterday and today where I had to "pogo" on it and it was fine. That means that it supported all of my body & pack weight w/o giving out or hurting. Also, I have saved serious falls with all my body weight on one hiking pole. I saw a group of 6 older gentlemen that were heading over Clingman's tomorrow & they were smart. They all had "Cramp-Ons". I was excited to get to Newfound Gap because that is where there are alot of people. Usually, I like the solitude; but, not now. When I got there, there was no one around. So, I used the porcelain and headed up to Icewater. Oh boy was it tough and icey. All the day hikers with no packs were turning back! It was funny. I could zip right past them with my pack and all. I also was really dirty and stinky; so, I tried to stay way in front of folks. Right before I got to the shelter; I met 2 guys who had done the section from Davenport Gap. They told me to go way up high over Icewater Spring and stay high until you get past the ravine. Oh man! I got to the shelter, which had a tarp in front of the shelter and a plethera of wood to burn. With this, how worn out I was, and the impending Icewater Glacier; I decided to stay here. It was just a beautiful afternoon. I could see all the way down into Cherokee, no wind, the sun shining, and about 50 degrees. I laid out all of my stuff to dry out and went to get some water. I also wanted to scout out the Ice fall. When I got there, I could not believe it. This was the real deal. Even if I went up high, I did not see where I could move through the trees. Oh well, I'll deal with this tomorrow. I went back and basked in the sun for about an hour. Two whole days of this awesome weather in February and everyone is missing it. I ate and was beginning to light this big fire when I heard some guys coming. I went to building the fire. You could tell they were having fun because they were talking "a mile, a minute". Two guys around 20 years popped their heads in the shelter with big grins. I smiled and said, "are ya'll thru hikers?". They said they were and I said I was too and that I was "Zero". One guy lunged towards me and stuck his hand out and said,"let me shake your hand...I've heard so much about you...about being snowed in this year and in 2004 in the Smokies!" I have to tell you reading this: I was totally shocked. I have not had anyone that interested to meet me in awhile. Their names were "Music Man & La Mas". They asked if we saw the other two guys with them. I said that I had not. They said they wish this was their destination; but, they had to meet "Nighthawk & BonAdventure" at Peck's Corner Shelter & they were gone. It was nearly dark and they had about 8 miles to go. It would be an awesome hike. As I built and watched the fire, I thought how much fun those guys were having. They loved doing big days and had a crew. That is what the trail is all about. I have hiked big days and with a crew before & probably will before this trip is over. Went to sleep quick, watching the fire.