Date: 2013-05-07
From: Mountain Harbour B&B and Hostel

To: USFS 293
Miles today: 14.1

Had another wonderful breakfast at Mountain  Harbour B&B and Hostel. What energy Mary has to get up so early (3 AM) to prepare incredible breakfasts for hungry hikers and people who visit the B&B. Terry, her husband drove me to USFS Rd. 293 and I walked back South 14.1 miles to Hwy. 19. Rain was in the forecast for afternoon and evening and I could not handle another wet day and night on the trail so I slack packed to give me a dry night at the hostel. Overall the trail seemed flat compared to what we have come through. I walked beside a stream most of the day and I always enjoy that sound. I saw this beautiful waterfall and got my feet wet because the trail crossed directly through it and there were no rocks high enough to walk on through it. Towards the end of the day, I walked near a raging, rain swollen river. All the rain has swollen the creeks and rivers and it is a muddy wet mess. The river had risen above its normal banks and flattened the grasses for 30 or more feet. There was no way to avoid wet, mud covered shoes. You sink into mud that comes over the top of your shoes and sometimes it feels like your feet are stuck in the mud and they may be pulled off. Water crossings (normally you can walk over rocks and avoid squishy shoes) temporarily wash the mud from the shoes but they soon become mud caked and so it goes all day long. So I squished along and welcomed the water crossings to wash off some of the mud. Rain threatened off and on and the sky looked ominous. I heard thunder in the distance several times and hoped the storm was moving the other direction. It did not rain on me and I was grateful.  I took some great pics of the storm as it approached the mountain  Stopped at Mountaineer Shelter for a snack break. It looks new and is very nice and is situated in a beautiful spot. There is a wood carved 3 ft. tall bear and someone put a small cross in its paws. Visited with Wolverine who had  been at Mountain Harbor Hostel as he sat on a bench and enjoyed the view. I met Elwood on the trail and we talked a few minutes. He is a retired Air Force meteorologist and came through the tempest. He said the winds were 70 mph and he struggled to stand and move forward. He took two rest days to recover. Makes me feel a little better because that day was so difficult for me. I saw Joanne and Frodo and they were surprised to see me on the trail. They waited a day at Overmountain Shelter before venturing out. They said the wind was still bad the day after. I saw Pink Lady and Subaru; they walked together through the tempest. She said she was glad I made it through alone. I saw Lobo and Ash and Dorothy (she has red crocs that sparkle).I tripped on a root within 1/2 mile of finishing and fell forward landing directly on my left knee. Got my skirt really dirty with mud. I have never thought of myself as being a klutz, but walking the Appalachian Trail has proved to the contrary. Arrived at the highway about 3:45 and did the .3 back to the hostel. Took the 5 pm shuttle to town and had a pulled pork sandwich, cheese fries (first time ever) and lemonade. Delicious. It was raining as I walked a block back to the shuttle. It has been pouring rain ever since. My first bed here was a single bed in the loft area of the hostel. The second night I was in the Amylea room of the B&B; that room was so bright and cheerful and the bed was super comfy. Tonight I am back in the hostel in what is called the king semi-private.  I have a curtain that separates a king size bed from the main living/kitchen area of the hostel. I won't be on the trail tomorrow. It was a mess today and after all the rain of tonight, it will be a river tomorrow. I have learned that I am a fair weather hiker. However, to be a thru-hiker you accept what you are given. It is way past hiker midnight. Nite.