Date: 2013-04-30
From: Unaka Mountain stealth campsite

To: Ash Gap
Miles today: 18.8

When you reach the top, keep climbing Zen proverb   What a day.....perfect temperatures, views and trail magic. I started nice and early, passing by sleeping hikers in two camping locales. I stopped for water a lot, as it's warmer and humid and I needed to stay fully hydrated.    Around 10 a.m. I approached a road crossing at Iron Mountain Gap, just as a white van was pulling up. Out jumps Puffy and Nutella. I'd last seen Puffy at the Aquone hostel. I thought he'd be way ahead, as he is a strong hiker. Turns out that his shoe rubbed a sore spot on this foot and it became infected. It developed into a staph infection and his foot became grotesquely swollen. He was treated in Hot Springs and is still finishing a course of antibiotics.    The van driver, Rob, is another local trail angel. He offered me fruit, cold drinks and the best--a stool to sit on. I enjoyed a banana and a strawberry soda. It was getting warm and I'd been sweating, so it was wonderful to have these treats. Actually, he said the fruit was from Honey Badger and her mom. Thanks, ladies!!!! Very much appreciated.    I had nice views a couple times today. As I left Clyde Smith shelter after lunch, the guide indicated a steep up. I did a little up, and thought it wasn't too bad. Figured I was really getting stronger. Well, this is now how I amuse myself since my crazy crew is gone. I'm delusional, laughing like crazy as I soon start the REAL up, which was straight up rocks for 400 feet. Hahaha, joke is on me. That. Hill. Kicked. My. Butt.       At Hughes Gap I saw a sign for a hiker meal today at Carver's Gap, 5.5 miles ahead. I had planned to go to Ash Gap to camp for the night, three miles further. It was 2:30. Could I go the extra miles for food?      The next three was all up. It never seemed to end, up up up up up. Where the heck is the top? The trail was twisty, rocky and rooty. I was tired from the days miles. The campsite was just over the top, if I could just get to the top. Nimble blew by me in there somewhere. He must be going for the food. I envy those young legs.    Finally, after many false hopes, the last little hill was behind me and I had the campsite in view. A lot of hikers were there, but most headed out for the free meal. Not me. Food is not a motivator. The climb outta here is steep and I need fresh legs for that. I'm done.    Puffy and Nutella are here, plus another couple. Ash Gap is a beautiful high meadow of tall trees and is awash in yellow and white wildflowers. Everywhere you look. Just atop the steep climb tomorrow is the highest shelter on the AT, Roan High Knob shelter at 6194 feet. I'm camped higher than last night at 5350 feet. It's getting chilly but I'm in my tent and am warm.       The group I've hiked with for many weeks is no more. Camel's son decided he missed his Mom and friends and went home three days ago. Camel misses him so much. He will start putting in 20 mile days as he is a strong hiker. I'm ahead, so he'll catch me in a couple days. Capt. Dan and Tank are a day out of Erwin, doing lower daily mileage. Maybe we will cross paths when I return to the trail after the graduation is over.            This is the way of the trail. I loved that experience but everything changes. I will miss Capt. Dan, just as I miss Jolly. I laugh out loud many times daily when a memory surfaces. And, I have enough of them to keep me laughing all the way to Maine. We all have to hike our own hike and see what is in store for us on the way. For me, I have fun every day and I just love hiking. I'm in the right place for that.    It's all good. Tie Dye.