Date: 2013-04-22
From: Log Cabin Drive

To: Devil's Fork Gap
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

It is unfortunate that the pleasure is inseparable from the pain. AWOL/David Miller      How can I have the very best and the absolute worst on the same day?It's all hard to sort out.       This was a perfect day in every way, until the very end. I enjoyed every part of the walk back to the hostel. The trail was piney and smelled so good, had fun rock scrambles, views on the high ridge portion and tadpoles in a big puddle. The blankets of tiny white and pink flowers were back, along with beautiful violet flowers at the trail's edges. It seemed that all the fun parts of the trail were mixed together on this section.    I'm running out of words to describe my happiness level, but it's way beyond exponential now. I skipped and jogged down the flat parts of the trail, singing along to my music and loving every moment. The weather was perfect, sunny and warm, and I hiked mostly in my Tee shirt.            I saw so many hiking friends today, some of whom I hadn't seen in weeks. Right away I crossed paths with O.B. (Old Bastard) and Pathfinder. I hadn't seen O.B. since Gatlinburg. Next was Blue, last seen in the Smokies. Then Hamster, also from the Smokies.   I ran into Violet Beauregard for the first time and I know I'll see her up the trail tomorrow.       The rock scrambles were fun. I really had to look for the blazes many times during today's hike, but never lost my way. I love hiking by myself because I can set my own pace and take breaks sparingly.    I reached the ridge walking portion of the day and went up and down many rocky areas until reaching the peak, which offered 360 degree views. I had service so spent half an hour there on the phone. I was passed by all of those from the hostel last night (Mother Theresa, Army Ant, Jacko and the Invisible Man (a father/son team from Australia) and Wilson).    Not long after leaving the peak, I ran into Green Blaze and Shade.   Green Blaze had recognized me in Hot Springs. We'd met last summer while I was in Maine helping Polaris at the end of his journey. He'd done the section from Mt. Katahdin to Hanover, NH before running out of money. Now he's back doing a NOBO thru.       On the last part, I ran into Jeff and Nicole. We had camped together way back at Betty Gap and I'd last seen them in Franklin on Easter. They were doing well and had acquired the trail names Laces and Brook Trout. I also saw Siren, who was at the Aquone hostel the first night of my stay there.       Then I saw Sole Sister, whom I'd met yesterday. She was struggling to find a rhythm after having been off trail. I gave her some Advil for a headache and a Kind bar. She is part of a larger group of women hikers age 50+ that organized a Facebook page this year. They call themselves the Summit Sisters. Some are hiking together and they will rendezvous at Trail Days in Damascus in May.    When I got back to Hemlock Hollow, Camel had arrived. He is such a strong hiker and was way ahead of the others. They had not left Hot Springs until 11:30. All their packs were here, so we took them to the bunkhouse.   I got cleaned up and Camel and I ate dinner while waiting for his son, Capt. Dan, Tank and Jolly.       An hour passed before they came down the road. So happy that they are here, but Jolly is in constant, excruciating pain and has decided to call it quits. The pain is preventing him from doing anything other than focusing on it. Rest has not helped. Pain meds aren't effective at all.       I know he is making the best choice--the only choice--but I am heart broken. We've been hiking together since the first day and have conquered cold and snow, met the best, crazy people, have shared rooms and dinners (Ok I admit it now, I should never have downed that second shot of tequila at Fontana because I snored big time all night) and have loved this experience together. When he showed up at Aquone that night, I cried happy tears.   Not now. My friend is hurting and nothing can change that. Oh how I wish I could. It's hard out here tonight. My heart hurts. Tie Dye