Date: 2005-10-21
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

The morning light makes everything better! My leg is fine today. I don't know how something that hurt so much could be totally gone the next morning, but I was sure glad it was. It gave me no trouble on today's hike. My headlamp also seems to be working again so I can spotlight the mice if need be. Last night, once they checked me out, they all went to bed. The wind blew really hard, making me glad that I had pushed on. With my leg as sore as it was yesterday, I was afraid I was just being hard-headed to go so far, but I was glad that all the pinecones, branches, and whatever else, was falling on the metal shelter roof and not on my little tend. It's taking a long time to get daylight in the mornings--almost 7:30 this morning. The shelters tend to be kind of dark anyway, and then it takes a while for the sun to get up over the mountains. I was on my way by 8:30. Standing Indian Mountain was the big climb this morning at 5,498 feet. It was actually a very gradual and pleasant climb. I took the time to take the sidetrail up to the actual summit. I've passed it by on 2 previous trips, but I figured I had the time today. There were 4 men about my age, and also from Florida, enjoying the view. I visited with them for a half hour or so, and then headed on down the trail fo Standing Indian Shelter. There, I was able to get a cell service connection and touch base with Bob, who is dealing with the prospect of a hurricane coming to Florida in the next few days. I also called Fred and Julie, and they will pick me up at Dick's Creek Gap tomorrow and take me home for the night. They are such dear friends, and very good to me. Fred said it might rain today (it didn't) or tonight. It was much cooler today. I had to keep moving in order to stay warm. I was passed by 3 sobo's (southbound) thru-hikers, Tugboat and Little Debbie (a guy who likes Little Debbie cupcakes!), and Blaze. I had met all 3 just outside of Harpers Ferry as they charged up the mountain past me back in September. Later, Blaze spent the night in the same shelter that I was in, in Shenandoah. They all remembered me and my name, which is amazing to me since no one ever remembers or recognizes me at home. Of course, I'm wearing the exact same clothes as when they saw me last. Blaze showed me a bottle of champagne that he is carrying in his pack for a celebration on Springer Mountain in less than a week. I'd love to see these kids as they celebrate the completion of their journey! What a great experience this has been for them! I arrived at the shelter at 3:00, allowing me plenty of time to organize, clean up, cook supper, etc. It looks like I am alone again tonight. The thru-hikers are all doing 20-plus mile days and were going to the next shelter. There is plenty of trail traffic and I talk to lots of people every day, but I always seem to be out of sync with everybody else's schedule. It's sort of nice to have a shelter to myself, but it will sure be nice to be with Fred and Julie tomorrow night. I hope it rains tonight and not on my hike tomorrow. North Carolina has provided some challenging climbs, but the treadway has been mostly smooth, allowing me to walk at a good pace and still be able to look around and enjoy the scenery. Just today, the terrain has suddenly gotten much more rocky. I must be almost to Georgia! The fall colors have really started to pop out. It is a great time to be in the mountains!