Date: 2017-04-16
From: Mooney Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap 
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

What a day for Easter magic on the trail. I got off to an early start and said farewell to Tristan, Annie, and Annie at 7:45. I made good time to the approach trail to Albert Mountain and was able to talk with Sandy and Becky to wish them a Happy Easter. I also called my mom and got to talk a bit until we lost service. I also received an email from my son, Greg, that included a perfect picture of my grand daughter, Rose, in her Easter dress. The approach trail to Albert Mountain was incredibly steep and rocky. Several times I had to crawl up on hands and feet over solid rock. I was impressed with how alone you can be on the trail. I spent over 30 minutes on the top of the mountain and never saw anyone ekse. It makes you extra careful as the trail can be quite challenging at times. The view from the top of Albert Mountain was cloudy but amazing. It was windy, but I went ahead and climbed to the top of the fire tower. I set some of Beau's ashes free into the wind. I then sat on the foundation for a bit before heading for Rock Gap, where Jose told me there would be eggs for hikers at 2:00. Just a little past the mountain, I crossed the 100 mile marker. Only 2,091 miles to go! I made good time and arrived at Rock Gap at a bit before 1:00. Several other hikers arrived soon after I did. A very nice woman named Ginny passed out colored hard boiled eggs and candy to us. I told her she was my Easter Bunny. I thought this was the eggs that Jose told me about so I prepared to hike on. Several of tbe other hikers told me to wait. I enjoyed visiting with several "old" hiker friends and made some new ones. A bit after 2:00, several cars, trucks, and a dump truck full of furniture and stuff pulled up. The Omelet Angels had arrived! These wonderful people put on a feed that had to be seen to be believed. Everyone pitched in and helped set up dining flies, tables, and chairs. There were cookies, candy, and fruit, and perhaps the best hot chai latte in the world. Then the cooking began in earnest. Everyone received a menu to order our personalized omelet and trail sandwich. There was so much food and fellowship that I was completely awed by it. A special thanks to Tarheel, The Cook, TAA (Trail Angel Assistant), Repeat and Di (who was there with her grandbaby), Weatherman, Black Hawk, Emory, Janice, Tom, and Jae. I hope I didn't leave any of you out. You guys are the best! After the feed, a few of us decided to hike on to Winding Stair Gap, 3.7 miles away. Trail Mix, who ate two omelets and his sandwich, decided to stsy at Rock Gap. I are one omelet and saved my sandwich, so I decided to hike on. I hiked along another area that had been greatly affected by last November's forest fires. I again was struck with how alone you can be on the trail. After all of the camaraderie of the past few hours, I was again alone along a somewhat difficult trail. I met Deogenes when he passed me about 1.5 miles from Winding Stair Gap. He was setting up his hammock when I arrived at a campsite near the roadway. I joined him, and we had a nice long chat while setting up camp. He is from Oregon and has already hiked the PCT. We headed for bed around 9:00, when it starts to get dark. This is called Hiker Midnight on the trail. I plan on taking the shuttle into Franklin tomorrow morning and will take my first zero day. I hope everyonehad a happy and blessed Easter!