Date: 2004-05-06
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: few clouds

Alex & TriggerStart: Big Spring Shelter @ 0930Finish: Hwy 64 - Winding Stair Gap @ 1330Miles: 9.1Weather: Beautiful. Sunny, few clouds, low 80'sBreakfast: Choclate poptarts, StarcrunchLunch: Trailmix, Bannana Chips, Lemon Lime GatoradeDinner: Fat Buddy's (more to come on dinner)Trail Conditions: n/aAnimals: Millipede, Mouse, Robin, German ShepardPeople: Carrie (gave us a ride to Franklin), Jim McCoy (gave us a ride back from Fat Buddies), John (biking across the U.S.), dayhikers, John & AmandaIt was a warm night last night and I slept kind of lightly. I woke at 0755 to Trigger licking my face. That dog is so awesome. Trigger busted her paw up hiking yesterday, so I gave Alex my athletic tape & pre-wrap for her paw. I hope it works. They were pressing on to Standing Indian Shelter. White TrilliumI hiked with Snatchy & Monk (John & Amanda). The hike started very and easy and we covered 5.3 miles in two hours. We snacked for a bit at Rock Gap Shelter and pushed on to US64 for a hitch to Franklin. This half of the hike was a bit slower going due to the hills and heat. I got to US64 about 20 minutes before S&M, and when we met up we started thumbing for a ride. After about 30 minutes a white truck slowed down and in the passenger seat was none other than Simon, who had blue-blazed into town a day earlier. He cracked a grin and we all laughed. The driver of the truck offered us a ride after she got done dropping off Simon. However, another driver offered usa ride into town. Carrie, an environmental specialist for the State of North Carolina, brought us to the Haven Motel in Franklin. Thanks Carrie.And now a few words about the Haven. If you are a hiker or a traveller, and are in Franklin, you have to stay here. Ronnie, the owner, is a great man and truly makes every effort possible to help out hikers. He gives discounted rates to hikers, has the internet, and fives free shuttle rides around town and to the trailhead. His motel is a simple, fun, and clean place to stay. A group of us were sitting around chatting and Ronnie and his wife came down and talked with us for a good hour. He picked away some great tunes on his banjo and also played his guitar. Ronnie, thanks for all your hospitality, my stay at the Haven is one I will not soon forget. A.T. Sign at GapAfter unloading at the Haven, Ronnie gave S&M and I a ride to Fat Buddy's BBQ. I had been talking about this joint for the past five days, so we were totally stoked to finally get there. S&M when lightweight and ordered some pork sandwiches. I on the other had ordered the Pig-out for Two Dinner Platter. This friggin' meal was enormous! A full rack of baby back ribs, 1/4 pound pork, 1/4 pound roast beef, 1/2 Chicken, 8oz coleslaw, 8oz baked beans, 2 slices of garlic toast, and at least a pound of french fries. After eating 1/2 an onion loaf we ordered as an appetizer, I proceeded to destroy my meal eating everything except the Chicken and half the fries (which I wanted as a meal the next day) and had two glasses of chocolate milk. It was by far my finest and most glutonous moment of my life. Needless to say I was very proud of my stomach.After our grubtastic meal we caught a ride back to town with Jim McCoy (owner of AB&C fencing Co. in Franklin) and his wife. There son is currently deployed in Iraq and will be returning in the next couple of weeks. We all piled into their performance Mitsubishi and zipped back into town. Thanks guys! Snatchy and I proceeded to buy some suds at the corner store and we made our way back to the Haven.Back at the Haven we loafed on the sidewalk in front of our rooms, drinking brews and smoking home rolled cigarettes (an art I have yet to master). Kick The Rocks (KTR) was there, he has some back problems ans has taken a slew of zeros to recouperate. John Herman was there too. It was John's birthday and he turned 45. John is a real nice fellow and somewhat eccentric. He did a thru-hike back in 1985 (trailname Yellowjacket) and since has been riding a bike all over North America. Snatchy and I joined John in his room and celebrated his birthday by eating crackers with summer sausage and cheese, drinking beer, and enjoying good conversation. John, happy birthday and best of luck and safe travels as you journey on. Take care.Feeling a little buzzed, and still full from Fat Buddy's I made my way to bed. It was another great day on the Appalachian Trail.