Date: 2015-04-28
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter

To: Stealth Campsite, TN
Miles today: 14.8

The day began at 7:30am as we all slowly prepares ourselves for another cold start. My cowboy camping with temperatures in the high 30's was great. I slept snuggly in my sleeping bag under a bright moon The crew today would consist of of Moosehead, Burnsides, Hobbel, Cotton, Nala, and me. I would quickly fall behind as the weight of my newly-stocked food would limit what my legs were capable of doing at first. However, I would quickly find my legs within the first 4 miles as we cruised into Indian Grave Gap where a gentleman named B.T. would treat us to our first on-trail trail magic since Newfound Gap back in the Smokies. Sitting in lawn ch loopairs - a luxury in itself - we had our share of apples, bananas, oranges, brownies, banana-nut bread, coffee, and sweet tea. B.T. shared with us that he provides trail magic 5 days a week during the hiking season. Super kind guy and just what we needed to get our day rolling.The next few hours would be spent traversing upwards over 1,400ft over the next 5 mikes. Our second break of the day took place at Beauty Spot Gap - a vast, rolling bald providing a 360-degree view of Tennessee flat land to the west, towering North Carolina mountains to the east, and the town of Erwin, TN nestled in a valley below. We spent 30-45 minutes enjoying the views, the warmth of the sun, and sprawling in the wind-blown grass. Nala spent her time enjoying the same as well as playing fetch and getting free belly rubs from anyone who offered.Afterwards, we would begin the toughest climb of the day - 900ft of elevation gain over the next 2 miles where we summited at 5,180ft atop Unaka Mountain. After ~30 minutes of non-stop, legs churning, heads down climbing, we were awarded by a summit covered in a thick spruce forest. We found a cozy spot in a sun-drenched clearing in the forest and enjoyed another much-needed 30-45 minute lunch. Bala quickly scarfed down her own lunch and was soon snoozing.The remainder of the afternoon would be spent traveling downhill with the exception of a handful of minor bumps along the way. Onwards through Low Gap, Cherry Gap Shelter, and up over Little Bald Knob, we would make camp at an unmarked location along a ridge, about a mile short of Iron Mountain Gap. I quickly polished off dinner - 3 PB&J tortillas, oatmeal, and a honey bun - and am now journaling and enjoying the company of the group as the sounds of a crackling fire, Michael Jackson, and what I think is the light snoring of Nala fill the air. She worked hard today, as we all did. Sleep will be well-deserved.Tomorrow's weather is calling for rain and high's are to top out just shy of 50 degrees. Looks to be a cold day spent sloshing through the mud. However, weather in the mountains is very hit-or-miss and a good day may be in store. How far we get will be determined by the weather and/or our spirits. Cotton leaves us tomorrow morning as he prepares for the next chapter of his life in Knoxville, TN. He's been a pleasure getting to know both on the trail and back in Asheville. He managed to keep pace with month-hardened thru-hikers for a day and a half, so props to him for that. He also brought along a portable charger and everyone was able to charge their phones a bit. I was able to call my mom for the first time in 10 days, leaving me very appreciative.For now I push on with the hope of my next Coke coming again soon.