Date: 2003-04-18
From: ?

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 12.8

I have to say, as of 400 miles, this thru-hike business ranks among the coolest of life experiences so far. It doesn't seem like so much, 400 miles, for all that effort. Even more so when you think that there's nearly 1600 more of this to go! But, you can't think that way, or it will whip you, like it whipped Bill Bryson, author of "A Walk in the Woods." You just wake up and keep walking.With three near-14 milers in a row under my belt, I'm feeling confident about taking up my pack again and walking. Today I do a short 10 miles into Dennis Cove, to finish up my backfilling between here and Erwin.Tendons are healed and stronger. Heels still hurt at the end of the day, but they don't hobble my stride as they did before Hot Springs. I can recommend slackpacking highly. Beats hanging around in town.Former thru-hiker Spyro and his friend Zamboni, spent the night at the Kincorra Hostel and performed serious trail magic this morning: they cooked omelets and coffee for everybody! Dude! Food gets everyone's attention.In the shuttle out, I realize I've forgotten my hiking poles back at the hostel. Briefly, I feel naked. I've become addicted to their support and stability - so much so that when I got out of the truck last night, stiffly, I found myself longing for them as I gimped across the parking lot. Ha!But then I think: it's only 10 miles, only a daypack. I don't need no stinkin' poles! Ha! #2 - I skid downhill on my butt in the first 10 minutes.The air is raw today, cloudy, and it is raining at the start of the hike. Sigh. I'm ready for some serious spring sun. Where are the feather beds, roaring fires and puffy comforters of yore? I want to go back to bed and sleep in. Some days are just like that.The walking today is as aggravating as I remember. I do a little over a mile an hour to Moreland Gap shelter over these infamous PUDS, up and down and up. To make matters more interesting, the start of a cold nibbles away at my energy reserves and enthusiasm. I sit on a log or rock frequently. Today I wish I wasn't doing this section. Some days are just like that.At Moreland Gap shelter, a rarity - the shelter log goes back to January of 2002. I enjoy reading the complaints of fellow hikers. A representative sample:"What is the purpose of all these PUDS, to make sure no one comes back to this section? It worked for me.""Yikes, I'm worn out tonight!""My feet are very angry at me right now.""Feeling wonderfully validated by everyone's complaining about this last section.""An open letter to the TN-Eastman maintaining club - a switchback is NOT a straight UP or Down with a 90 degree turn then straight UP or DOWN again. Ask around for more specifics."Ha! I can't wait to show these to Bob Peoples. Of course, I will duck first.;-)I walk slower and slower, and make poor time. Well, no wonder - when I get to the end, there is a sign that tells me this section is 12.8 miles! What's an extra near-three miles?When I get to the hostel to see who has come in, there are my friends Sandle, and Goldberry and Lemming. Wench, Hotdog, Sonic and Guana, Smoothie and Fly all came in yesterday or the day before. The gang's all here.Tonight, my river paddling buddy Chandler Stewart and his wife Louisa are coming to meet me and hike with me into Damascus. I am thinking that canoes are the way to go - you put your stuff inside, and IT carries.