Date: 2017-06-05
From: Campsite at 898.3

To: Campsite at 911.0
Miles today: 12.7

I woke up about 5:00am expecting the sound of rain on my tent but oddly it was all quiet.  I turned on my headlamp to see if it had rained overnight.  The only moisture seemed to be the dew!  I was excited that I wouldn't have to traipse through the woods in the rain to retrieve my food bag.  It seemed as if that exact moment, it started to sprinkle. I put on my headlamp and shoes and got up as quickly as I could and hobbled on stiff sore ankles and feet to get my bag before the "real" rain started.  I safely made it back to my tent without falling. I made coffee and breakfast in the light rain. I waited as long as I could but finally packed up and starting walking.  Within a couple of minutes of walking, A huge downed tree blocked the trail.  It looked like several people had gone over but I tried to figure out a way around.  I glanced down and saw a shiny object on the ground.  It was an iPhone.  I turned it over and the screen was intact.  I pushed the home button and it came on.  It was locked but it still had 26% percent battery and wasn't in airplane mode. It didn't have a signal though.  I figured it had been lost the day before.  I added it to my ziplock with my phone and kept walking.  At the top of the first hill, I turned on my phone and checked the found phone.  It had service.  Notifications started popping up and I took note of the names.  I used Facebook to try to let someone know that I was turning in the found phone to a ranger.  I kept walking in the light rain. The day just seemed to be overcast and my head just seemed to wonder around. I also got a message from Dew saying he was going to come up and hike with us for a while.  I was very excited at the possibility of seeing him again. At the top of the next hill, an excited young man came running up and asked about the found phone.  I had let everyone know that passed in either direction about the phone.  Apparently someone who passed heading north as well had came across the owner and he was waiting for me.  I returned the phone and was happy I didn't have to take the side trip to the ranger station!More up and downs.  The clouds prevent any views at all but it was still a beautiful of course.  I crossed Skyline Drive a few more times.  At South River Picnic area, I meet Goat and we loaded up on water.  We walked another mile or so and found a campsite.  I had gotten a message from Dew that he wasn't going to be able to join us after all.  His Achilles had swollen up and just decided to head back to Arkansas.  I was heartbroken that I wouldn't get to see him again.   I was hoping on this trail to finally make a good friend or two to kept in touch with for the rest of my life but those odds are definitely dwindling.  I have never made friends easily.  My shy and introverted ways have not at all changed out here.  I have pretty much determined that I am "a party of one" type.  Whether I like it or not, it is just the kind of person I am.  It's probably for the best though.  Expectations only produce disappointments and hopes only exacerbate failures.   Oh but anyway...  the evening ended with dinner and some much needed rest. **Photos and Videos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)