Date: 2003-06-16
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a very long and tough day. I awoke at Jerry Cabin Shelter at 5:45 and did morning chores and was ready to go by 7:00. The hike this morning was mostly level and easy except for one significant climb. I was able to get phone service up on a cleared bald a little over a mile from the shelter so I talked with Marlene and picked up messages at work and gave Charlotte the information on my progress for the last couple of days. The trail followed an old road for several miles and it gave me a sense of safety as I was concerned and had asked God to give me a broad trail so I could see well ¢ remembering the snake incident from yesterday. There were several harmless snakes out, so I knew conditions were right for them to be along the trail and I didn¢t want to walk up on another large rattlesnake unable to see clearly. So the wide trail was appreciated. I made it to Devil¢s Fork Gap by noon but it was raining so I continued on, hoping to find a sheltered spot or that the rain would end. I found neither and decided to eat tuna, pop tarts, granola bars, and beef jerky to avoid cooking. I snacked several times on granola bars this afternoon to keep up my strength. After Devil¢s Fork Gap it seemed like the trail went straight up all afternoon. It was wet and raining and I struggled a lot. It was one of those times when you seem to hike for a long time but make little real progress. I came across a bear up on a ridge above the trail ¢ I could hardly see his head above the undergrowth. It sounded like the bear was tearing up an old log. He did not see me and I kept moving ¢ no real chance for a picture due to heavy underbrush. A minute later I heard this tremendous crash, and a large dead tree began to fall, taking several other trees with it. I never saw the bear again but I assume he was fine. I finally arrived at the shelter around 5:00, and it was occupied by a group of six CREW members, including two adult leaders ¢ a group of scouts between the ages of 14 and 21 who do special activities, they said (this group was probably around 18 years old). Their gear was spread all over the shelter, table, and hanging from every conceivable place, trying to dry it all out. They were very noncommittal about whether they were going to make room for me in the shelter. Meantime another man hiked in and began to also inquire about space in the shelter. They just stared at us. Finally I said something about making room for us, to get some reaction, and the man said that they would make room and just move over toward one end. But no one moved to clear a space or stow his or her gear. So we were left to stand around until they eventually decided to move their gear. I felt like the leaders were doing a poor job of training young backpackers on hiking etiquette by letting us stand around in the rainy weather with no place to sit or get comfortable. However, there are now eight sleeping bags laid out, and everyone is starting to cook. The water source is over half a mile away so I am trying to get by with what I have until I get more, about three miles down the trail tomorrow morning. We shall see. I am tired and hoping for sleep to come. Tough day. I hope tomorrow and Wednesday are easier ¢ they should be because the distance to hike each day is shorter than I normally do. It¢s tight in here, but I hope to sleep well. I guess it is expected to rain overnight and during the day tomorrow. Today has been my hardest day. Can¢t wait to see Marlene on Thursday. I should hit Erwin around noon. That will be a good time. Goodnight Sweetheart. dp