Date: 2008-06-18
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

2-Day Report: 18 & 19 JuneOn Wednesday morning we packed up early, and yes I did have to check the calendar to see what day of the week it was. Our goal was to hike out the 2.5 miles over the mountain to Stecoah Gap by 8:30 to meet Tim and Anastasia.Now that we are in North Carolina where we have heard so much about the steepness of the trail over the mountains we are a little unsure of what to expect of our pace for hiking. But so far we haven't found the trail to be difficult at all. As a result we ended up at Stecoah Gap by 8:00. Luckily there was a nice picnic area for us to hangout and wait.The wait was worth it. They showed up with hot coffee, peaches and ice to fill our water bladders. My plan was to leave with Anastasia in order to meet my Dad early in the afternoon to pick up Roo. The rest of the gang would continue on hiking 13 miles to the NOC. Tim had decided to hike along with the crew. They all set off at a fast clip.Anastasia and I headed back to the cabin they had rented for the week. I mentioned that I would like to find a place to do laundry before meeting my Dad. Anastasia said there was a washer and dryer at the cabin. Turns out 'cabin' may be a little misleading. This place is gorgeous. Our biggest problem is working out a schedule for the jacuzzi tubs. :o) Yes, once more we are spoiled.I got the laundry all washed up and we headed down to the NOC to meet Dad. He arrived around 1:30 with Roo. I'm not sure who was more excited, me or her. It is so good to have her back. Dad hung around and had some lunch while we waited for the hikers to come in. They arrived about 3:00. Roo got even more excited to see Owl, Soaring and Tigger.The rest of the day was spent doing the usual sorting and reorganizing of packs. It was so much simpler with a washing machine right here. We got it all done quickly except for the grocery resupply.I'm putting two days journal together this time because day two was my turn to hike the same section. At 9:00 Thursday morning Anastasia dropped me and Roo off at Stecoah Gap to hike south to the NOC. Soaring had told me that it was a very routine hike. Nothing really interesting to see except for one amazing mushroom that they all talked about. About three quarters of the way through the hike I came upon the mushroom. It was HUGE! Someone said it was the size of a coffee table, but not really. It was a good foot tall with all sorts of layers. Very interesting. But that was about it. Just chalking up the miles.The rest of the gang took the opportunity to spend some time on the river. Since I wasn't there, I'll let Owl tell the rest of the story....Owl: So the rest of us went whitewater rafting. Soaring, Sasha and I were in one boat with a guide and the others were in a self-guided raft. Sasha and I were in the front of our raft. Matt, the guide must have been pretty bored since he had us spinning down rapids, going down backwards and trying to jump over nearly every rock. Needless to say we were very, very wet.Oh yeah, and there was that little thing about everyone trying to splash each other.It was my first time river rafting, it was fun. We bought the 'Photo Finish' pictures from the last and biggest rapid. I wonder who looks the most upset? Hmmm...I guess that's it from the river rafting report. I'm sure the story will grow with time as such stories do. Tomorrow is a short slackpack day with an early start. Feeling a little bit pampered here. And loving it!Rabbit, Owl and RooJoshua 1:9