Date: 2018-03-10
From: Rock Gap 

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: few clouds

Our Trail Angels returned us to Rock Gap at 9AM, bellies filled with bacon, eggs, toast, and fresh fruit. The two primary launch points from the A.T. to Franklin are Rock Gap (mile 105.6) and Winding Stair Gap (mile 109.2). From the parking area Al and Susie walked a little over a mile north on the A.T. with us. Then Al doubled back to the vehicle and relocated to Winding Stair Gap, as Susie continued hiking this section with us.When we began our hike, the conditions were perfect ¢partly sunny, calm, and temps in the mid-40s. This section of the trail was hit hard during the fires that ravished the area in 2016. The forest was nut brown, with sparse undergrowth, and was full of the remnants of charred trees. However, the resilience of nature was evident, as life was winning the battle over death and destruction.  We passed another hiker, Slosh, along the way. Slosh, a 60ish free-spirit, started her trek on Valentine¢s Day. Another young couple, Eddie and Kat, would pass us just before we hit the Winding Stair Gap. Al had walked south from there, meeting us about a 1/2 mile out. When we hit the parking lot, it was time to say so long to our new friends. We gave Susie and Al a big hug (yes, Al too) and watched as they offered a young hiker named Josh a ride to Franklin. Wisely, Josh accepted their generosity. Good move!Which Way and I crossed US 64 and, shortly after slipping into the woods, came to a nice waterfall, where we paused for a snack and did our morning stretches. We took a quick look at Guthook¢s AT Guide App, and saw that it was a steady ascent over 3.7 miles to the blue blaze trail leading to Siler Bald Shelter and then another 1/2 mile to the shelter. What? That is less than 8 miles total for the day. Yep! We have decided to slow our roll for a while to give WW¢s knee a chance to heal. Since we are in this thing to win it, we have to play the long game. Marathoners will tell you that you can¢t win the race in the first mile, but you can lose it in the first mile. I liken that to the A.T., we can¢t make it to Katahdin in the first month, but we can lose our dream in the first month if we don¢t listen to our bodies and take what the trail gives us. We came out of our break in short sleeves, not wanting to overheat during the long climb. As we gained elevation, the weather began to shift. The air cooled and clouds began to envelop the nearby mountains, incessantly marching our way. Our hands feeling the bite of the cool moist air, we donned our hiking gloves, pressing on in hopes of getting to the shelter before the inevitable rain started. The forecast showed rain moving in today and continuing through Monday, mixing in with snow at times. After an easy hike for us and PAIN FREE day for Which Way, we glided into the shelter at 1:30PM. Surely there would be two spots available. No joy! The shelter was already full with a group of folks who had apparently been communing together for some time. On the bright side, the rain held off until after we pitched our tent, on not so level ground. After a quick lunch at the shelter and a trip to a near-by stream to filter water, we retreated to our tent, where we took a shivery nap beneath the cold damp air.We woke up around 5PM with the chill still in our bones. The rain receded long enough for us to cook dinner and finish our remaining hiker chores. With our tummies full and bones feeling a little warmer, we have retreated to our tent for the night. Now the wind is picking up and the rain is once again pelting the outer wall. Nonetheless, we are warm, dry, content and living in the moment. The adverse weather that awaits us tomorrow can just wait a little longer. - Next Step  Elevation Data:Ascent ~ 1,860Descent ~ 950Grade ¢ 7.3  Weather:Day ¢ 45 degrees / ShowersNight ¢ 40 degrees / Rainy  P.S. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to sign our guestbook. Not wanting to take your kindness for granted, I try to respond to each entry and answer any questions you might have. To that end, I caught up on all outstanding entries early this morning. However, there are a number of entries I was unable to respond to due to ¢invalid email.¢ If this was intentional on your part, no worries. I just don¢t want anyone to feel like they are being ignored. Anything worth doing, is better done TOGETHER--Which Way and Next Step!