Date: 2014-04-15
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 100.0
Weather: light rain

First, I want to thank my friends and family for all the support and prayers. They are helping because I am still out here on the trail. Now, to let you know how things are going...Well, as I was leaving Greasy Creek Hostel, Money Maker, said "Hey, I can be ready in five minutes, will you wait for me?" I said sure. Money Maker is a 19 year old that is raising money and awareness for a disease called Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. His grandmother died from it and he and his father have tested positive for it. His hiking partner went home and he has been solo for a week or so. We left heading for Overmountain shelter. It is a really nice place that was used in a movie a few years back. We had to cross Roan Mountain to get there. Roan, at 6,200 ft. is the highest point I have crossed. The views there are supposed to be spectacular. When we crossed, the visibility was 80 or so ft., the wind was 30 mph and it was in the 20's. The fog was condensing on the trees and freezing. It was pretty cool to see it like that. Overmountain Shelter had a big group but there was room for more. It was where I had my first fire.The next morning, Money Maker and I left about 8:30 to cross Hump and Little Hump mountains. Again, less than 100 ft. visibility This day the winds were near 50 mph and it was sleeting or freezing rain. Whatever it was, it hurt. I covered my face and made some good time getting off that mountain. Later that day, the sun came out and I was in shorts and a t-shirt. As I crossed U.S. 19 E there was a white van that was my first trail magic I was offered fruit, snack cakes and sodas. We went on to Mountaineer Shelter. This was a three level shelter that, I guess, would sleep 15. there were 9 of us that night I think. That was an 18 mile day. The next day was sunny and we headed to Kincora hostel for a shower and a resupply in Hampton, TN. Bob Peoples is the owner and pretty famous among the AT hikers. He is responsible for more AT trail maintenance than anyone else. That day was 15.9 miles.The next day we headed past Laurel falls and Watauga lake. We then climbed almost 2,000 ft to Vandervent shelter. This place was pretty small but had an awesome view and I had phone service and 4G. The hike to the water there was a grueling 30 minute round trip with about 400 ft elevation change. No one liked it. That was a 17.5 mile day (not including the trip to the spring). The next day was also sunny and hot. Money Maker was still with me and we headed to Double Springs Gap. The first few miles were spectacular. It was on a ridge with views on both sides. Around 2:00 I found a green, steel box next to the trail that had a sign from a local church saying to help yourself to drinks and snacks. I looked inside and there were Iced sodas and snack cakes. I dropped my pack and delighted in a frosty Mt. Dew and a little Debbie. 15 minutes later, I found Mike from Charlotte, NC. He had the most awesome trail magic yet. I couldn't believe he bought all that stuff just to give to the thru-hikers. I sat in a chair and waited 45 minutes for Money Maker. He was smiling when he walked up. After another 30 minutes we continued the 3.5 miles to Double Springs Gap. There were scouts there but they gave us the shelter and offered us food. :-). Later that night, I met Runaway and another Grasshopper. She is fun to be around because she is so positive. That was a 14.4 mile day. The past few days everyone was talking about this Taco Feast that Mariposa's family was sponsoring. Money Maker wanted to go but his feet were bothering him. That would be an 18 mile day. We got up really early and were out by 8:10. That was the earliest I have hit the trail. I made it to the Abingdon Gap shelter before noon and ate lunch. I had a really nice 45 minutes alone. I had a can of sardines, a peanut butter sandwich, a hunk of cheese and some summer sausage. Money Maker showed up and I gave him some extra water I had so he wouldn't have to make the half-mile trip to the water. Later, Squirrel, Listen and Chef came. Money Maker said he was feeling good and wanted to make it to the tacofest. I did my usual hop and disappeared. I was in Damascus at 3:05. I went to the Blue Blaze cafe and got a beer then went to the cabin Tamara had reserved for me and showered. I went to the taco fest at 6 and saw 20 or so hikers I have met over the past 2 weeks. Later a bunch of us came back to my cabin and built a fire by the river and drank a few more beers. Today, I had an easy day. Tamara was coming so I wanted to be here but she was not going to be here till 3 or so. I did 11.5 miles past Damascus instead of zeroing like some of my new friends, Tamara is making Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and steamed squash while I write this. Plus a giant 20 item salad. She has been so great and supportive. It is a full moon tonight. But, the weather is not looking good for tomorrow so most hikers will leave town late. I want to do a 5.2 mile day but we will see. I almost forgot. Two more things happened, I passed the 200 mile mark and just entered Virginia, the longest state on the AT. I will be in Virginia for a month.