Date: 2003-05-07
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 55 Avg Mls/Day 12.5Weather: Overcast in morning high ceiling. Partly cloudy in afternoon High temp in 70's.Today was probably the "least enjoyable" hiking day so far. I'll try to explain. I knew it would be a short hike day as I planned to stop at the Four Pines Hostel early where I have a mail drop. So, I slept in a little; got up an hour later and on the Trail by 8 a.m. BTW, Charlie was up at daybreak and gone. I may not see him again as he is hiking on to a shelter today and on to Daleville tomorrow.Now, for the bitching and moaning. I'd say 80% of the Trail today was over jagged rocks and constant elevation change. The guy who decided to put the Trail here must have been sadistic. It was no fun...there were even rock ledges so steep they installed steel ladders. I started out by climbing up to Dragons Tooth on Cove Mountain (3,020') Once on top it was up and down...up and down..up and down over rocky ledges. The Trail must have crossed over a dozen or so peaks. Judging only by time, when I thought I was through, it dropped down to Lost Spectacles Gap. The Trail then climbs back up to Rawies Rest where you continue to fight the rocks and ledges on the way down. Only the last mile or so was easy trail. Maybe it's because I knew I was stopping early, but I was ready to quit for the day. It was 11:30 and I walked down the road to Four Pines. No one was there except the dog. I unpacked; took a shower and shaved; and washed out my shorts and shirt in the laundry sink. There were cold Dr Peppers in the frig which went down well. The sun came out and I sat outside, making over the dog waiting for my clothes to dry.I walked down the road a half mile to the Catawba grocery. There I had lunch...chile dog, bag of chips and a lemonade. I sat outside talking to Sue Bear who was having a bite also and had just finished using the pay phone. As I was walking back to Four Pines, the owner, Joe, picked me up and took me back. Nice guy...let me use his phone to send and receive pocketmail...and there were a bunch. Thanks to everyone for your interest! Picked up my mail...my drop box from Julia and some "trail magic" from some friends. One was a box (felt like it weighed 35#) of candy from an old friend who is CEO of Just Born Inc. They make the world famous "Peeps," Easter and "movie type" candies. It's too bad Goldberry wasn't here cause she loves Peeps. Since I obviously can't pack 30 pounds of candy, I am leaving most of it in the "hiker box" for others. Red and Blue already went for the Zours and Hot Tamales. I just had to eat a box of Peeps..last time I had those was in an Easter basket. Thanks again Sam!An old friend from work sent a nice box with jerky, tuna, Duck tape and candy. Thanks Mike!another former coworker sent some of those hard to find mayo packets. Thanks Celeste! Red and Blue showed up after 2 and that was it until 5:30. Then a father hiking with his two sons (in their early 20's) came in. They are Bob, Mike & Bob. The only Trail name I can remember is Mohawk and that's because of his haircut. These are the same guys that waited for an hour and a half at the Plaza Motel Saturday night. Not long after 4 more showed.. Rebecca and Jason (from the shelter at lunch 2 days ago) Field and Tin Man. The hostel consists of a big 3 car garage with cots and mattresses. There's a shower and bathroom in one corner, frig and game tables at one end. Very hiker friendly. Since the famous Homeplace Restaurant (with its AYCE buffet) was closed we went for local pizza...Field and I bought 4 each and treated the group.I think I'll take two days to get to Daleville. It's an I81 interchange with lots of services.Thought for the Day: Sometimes things just work out...a short day on a rough trail.