Date: 2005-04-29
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Bucks Place hostel and maildrop- Roan Village
Miles today: 8.9

Didnt want to move. Did I mention that it is extremely HARD to sleep each night. My hips hurt, my back hurts, farting in your bag about kills ya- all that stuff- and then mice and people noises...It's hard to sleep, needless to say. But, with weather outside...today it was hard to get moving. We had major Balds to cross and the weather was HERE! Town and maildrop lie ahead..which is always good. Went over numberous balds with clouds, rain and wind sticking my jacket to my face and almost blowing me off my feet a few times(only stumbled once...but it was good). Didnt know where I or anyone else would stay but got to Hwy 19 and the word FREE on a sign sure caught my eye. Started to thumb in with Sunshine when we noticed Jack- Bottom's Up's Dad- standing by his car...I remembered that he was to meet him there at 2PM and was holding up to make sure that he got to the gap when his Dad got there...it was 12:50... I told Jack that right after BU told me the entire STORY I missed last night, he told me of their timed meeting and such...therefor, he had time to run me to the Post Office and then back to FREEEEEE, yes folks, BUCKS place is an incredible upstairs apartment over his restaurant and next to his "watering hole" called the BEER WASH. Wow, another nice mail drop....I was early for it so if you have sent something and I missed it, I am very sorry.The three packages I did get were from Janet Metz, my dear friend and fellow event/recreation planner that works for the Town of Jupiter, FL... See sent food goodies, stamps and a great thing...BUBBLES! Very cool, I shall have other's enjoy too. She also sent a nice poem thatwas very appropriate. Krista, who was gracious to also host me for the Country Music Marathon last year, sent me a crazy package from Nashville that included, of all things, Blueberry Cheesecake that can be made in the field, a nice card, lots of food goodies that included pasta shaped like Spongebob Squarepants and others like Scooby Do.; what I really liked was that everyone thinks I need ALCOHOL. Hmmm...these small bottles go fast. And..the BIG wow was the A little envelope that said "Since I couldnt be send you a COLD beer, I'll buy you one." I openned it to find a $20. I was short of cash in a cash only situation(alcohol wise) and so it was perfect timing. FREE roof over my head and semi Free beer. WOW..well worth a miserable hike. She is a hasher...so I knew a beer was neant to be (ON ON- Gator). And Carol Knight (from Knoxville, fellow CHILIHEAD and mother of my good friend Candi in Florida- who also put in a great word for me in with Nashville Parks and Rec.-THANKS-) sent me ...you guessed it ...MORE booze in the small bottles, re-supply, TP, BROWNIES, and many other goodies...plus a WELCOME TO TENNESSEE card. Ah baby, I am actaully finishing my forth bottle as I refill my cup with different fountain flavors while using Bucks computer in the restaurant...while also watching SPIDEMAN.I just was introduced to BILL. Bill was stuck by a Brain aneurysm 8 years ago. He cant remember people or things that have happened. He cant recall many many things. He retaught himself how to walk. Buck told be that most people mistake hin for the town drunk, because he hangs out at the BEER WASH. Buck says that he was one of the smartest men around back then. I was sadden. I made sure to talk to him abit and get a pic(which will come soon). I told them all of www.bafound.org and anuerysm awareness. Buck gave him a Huge Jar of Smoked Sausages. When Bill started yelling "What do I owe you..I'z gonna pay fer these..." Buck said.."oh Bill, I'll just bill you triple the cost...you'll forget about it anyway.." Buck seem to be a fantastic guy and a much needed trail angel for us all...even his community. You wanna know something? The stange thing about Bill was that he looked JUST like my Pappa, with a full beard. His face was so familiar. Hey Pappa, hope you are doing great.Oh, Buck gave me a sample of his chili to give him feedback on...it was very good. (Buck, cut out the beans so we can taste that spicey meat and sauce...visit www.chilicookoff.com and look up some of the winners recipes).Storms go away. I want to get on Hiking soon.Everyday is a new adventure!"If it all falls down, falls down, falls down...if they solve my life if they find me out...never thought to keep all I have found, I have had my fun if it all falls down." Jimmy Buffett IF IT ALL FALLS DOWN(Oh, I sign a Jimmy Buffett quote in each Shelter Log to inspire.)