Date: 2006-06-06
From: Zero Days

To: Zero Days
Miles today: 0.0

June 6, 7, and 8, 2006 ZERO DAYSDay 20, 21 and 22.We had several goals for the next three days. The primary reason for this break was to move the motor home to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and then take Denley to Knoxville to catch his bus home.In addition, I hoped to meet up with my Grandson, Nick and hike up to the top pf Blood Mountain. However, Nick and his Dad left Indiana a day late and they decided to stop and spend a few days in Gatlinburg, Tennessee instead of continuing to Hiawassee to meet me. I will call when we arrive in Gatlinburg, but I imagine it will be too late.We did make a final trip to Neel¢s Gap and the Walasi-Yi Outdoor Center. They had ordered a pair of shoes for me to try and Denley wanted to buy a few gifts to take home. The shoes still didn¢t fit, so I will continue my search when we get to the Smokies.On Wednesday, we drove the motor home up and over the Smokies into Pigeon Forge where we set up our home base for the next several days. We took Denley into Gatlinburg for the evening and stopped for supper at our favorite Mexican restaurant, No-Way Jose¢s. They have an ¢outrageous burrito¢ that is unbelievable. It is big enough for two or maybe just one hungry hiker. From there we continued to the Pepper Palace, which is the largest store specializing in hot sauces, spices and other items meant to ¢light your fire¢. Denley over-tasted one listed as the hottest sauce in the world and regretted it for a couple of days. PS I already have a bottle of it and it is unbelievably hot even mixed with food.On Thursday morning, Denley and I went to the National Park headquarters where I got by backcountry hiking permit. All hikers are required to have these permits and everyone must stay in shelters in the backcountry. The shelters have four spots reserved for thru hikers each night until June 15th. If more than four show up, the extras can tent near the shelter. Permit in hand, I am ready for the Smokies.On the way back to the motor home, we stopped at the Happy Hiker store. As I mentioned at the beginning of this narrative, I stop in this store every time I visit Gatlinburg, but now I am a real hiker. I looked at some shoes and will probably return later this week with my hiking socks and insoles to try them on again and make a final decision. My old shoes just aren¢t going to make it.Then, our final task for the day¢¦We were off to Knoxville and the bus station. Now, let me tell you about this bus station. It is not in the best area of town and that is an understatement. We found it and there was a sign posted that said in the event of problems contact the ticket agent or the deputy sheriff that was on guard. Deputy sheriff on guard???? What kind of place is this? Denley assured us that he would be okay. So with lots of concerns, we left him to await his bus and his trip home.When I started out, I named this story, ¢Taking the Right Path¢. By now I have learned more about what that means to me. The most important thing right now is that I must enjoy the journey. For me this has become a more leisurely hike than I had originally planned. Instead of meeting Ris« in the evening and then getting back on the trail the next morning, I have been taking a full day off between each segment. Frequently, my body needs this time to get ready for the next segment. But the rest of the time, it is part of the enjoyment of the entire journey. We have nothing but time, so let¢s enjoy ourselves and our journey.