Date: 2006-04-09
From: Sassafrass Gap Shelter, NC

To: Cable Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Day: 23Date: 4/9/06Start: Sassafras Gap Shelter, NCWeather: Blue skies, spring-likeFinish: Cable Gap Shelter, NCMiles: 15.2Cumulative A.T. Miles: 156.0Clay: Today Harley Hogpit, Kit, Mom, Wind Talker, Branch and I got up around 6 AM and were out by 7:15 to start our 15.2 mile trek. We climbed up the 5062' Cheoah Bald in the first hour and the views were amazing. On the canvas of a cloudless blue sky, the new-day sun painted shadows on the mountains and puffy fog filled some of the gaps. We stood at the overlooks for a while and praised the God that made such awe-striking views. Like objective morals, I believe that there are objective aesthetics as well. While I have never heard arguments for objective aesthetics, I believe that a good case could be made for them after seeing the views we saw today. There are some things that are beautiful regardless of whether perceivers believes so or not. Following the moral argument for God's existence, the aesthetic argument would go something like:1) If God does not exist, objective aesthetic objects do not exist.2) Objective aesthetic objects exist.- Therefore, God exists.Of course, the two premises of this valid argument would need to be defended to make the argument sound. However, seeing those mountains this morning painted with light, shadow, and wisps of clouds was an aesthetic meal for my hungry eyes today. I believe that it was for all who saw them today.After the bald, we found Tattoo and Pigeon at Locust Cove Gap (3690'). They expressed that they would also be going to Cable Gap today.At Stecoah Gap (3,165'), we were greeted by a surprise. Mom's mother and father were at the gap with a bunch of goodies for their daughter and the other hikers. I ate a banana and an apple. The fresh fruit was great. Thanks Mom's mom and dad!After eating the fresh fruit, we ascended the long, steep mountain after the gap. It was amazing. What a climb. Previously, we had been dreading that climb for years but today we welcomed the challenge it offered.We had a great lunch with Tattoo and Pigeon at the Brown Fork Shelter. It has been nice getting to know this charismatic Christian couple from Colorado. Today we had PBJ with flax seed, natural royal jelly, and a Power Bar. We have been trying to pack on the calories in order to offset the beating our bodies take on the trail.I am dying out here for intellectual conversation. Today I attempted to have a conversation with a former electrical engineer about numbers being mind-independent entities. The conversation fell flat. The hiker was not interested. I can see why. When the body is in pain, why suffer brain pain as well? Oh well, someone will be interested in topics like the someday soon I hope.We rolled into camp around 6:15 P.M. along with a number of other people. We did all of our chores and laughed at Kit's jokes. After doing over a half-marathon today, socializing, and doing chores, my eyes are crossed and now I must sleep. Good night and God bless you.Branch: Today's a day of praises and new new prayer requests. First I have a praise to shout at the top of my lungs: for 3 hiking days now, my hip and knee have not bothered me! I've done two 15+ mile days and I've done the dreaded climb out of the NOC and its not hurt at all! God is good. However, I seem to have been struck by a new ailment. At the NOC, I began to feel a tickle in my throat. Last night, it turned into a full blown cold. Tonight, as soon as we got into camp, I became really sick. I was sneezing, coughing, my head was pounding, and my throat felt dry and cracked. This is not a pleasant state on the trail. Once, again, I began to question God. Can't I go through one day and feel well on the trail? I felt a little like I didn't belong and that my body was rejecting our new hiking life style. I was frustrated that my illness was keeping me from being able to be a servant to others. I was prepared for yet another tough night of sleeping with the cold, when Harley Hogpit handed me a packet of Theraflu! Wow! God's provision is great! As soon as I began to drink the wonderful medicine, I began feeling loopy and sleepy as the cold symptoms began to melt away. I don't know why I am sick, but I know I am doing what God wants me to and that He will enable me to do His will. I know that I will sleep well tonight knowing that God has a plan and that we are in His will.