Date: 2003-04-12
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

start Cold Spring Shelterdestination Nantahala Outdoor CenterPushing Up Daisies wakes me up early.She has been freezing all night and is going to get on the trail to get warm.It is 7:00.The sun has not yet made it over the mountain.I roll over and go back to sleep for a few more minutes.When I finally get up and get going, all I feel like doing is gulping down some dry cereal that I have previously mixed with dry milk.The morning routine,which usually involved sweet talking Mudbutt out of her tent,is changed now.I still feel out of sorts and miss her and Silver Lining and Hiker Biker Babe.I am wearing my rain gear.The trees have a snow ball fight with me as I walk down the trail,pelting me with wet snowballs thrown gleefully from nimble arms above my head.Walking the trail this morning is as slippery as trying to walk through boiled okra.For those northerners who aren't familiar with how slippery boild okra is,well just trust me,there is nothing any more slippery.By noon I have had to take off a layer of clothes,ten minutes later,it starts to sleet.I put my rain gear back on. I stop for lunch at a dismal cold and dark fire tower.There is no view,so I eat quickly and get back on the trail. I cannot wait to meet up with the rest of the fab four.We are to meet up at NOC and start out again on Sunday. I finally get to NOC and Pushing Up Daisies is waiting for me.The first thing I do is head for the restaurant to eat a late lunch while I read through the news from home.I had 2 packages and 2 boxes waiting for me.I find out which bunk house Hiker Biker Babe is in,and with some room changing,we both get a bunk in the same bunk house.There is one gentleman in here with us.He feet look like raw hamburger,and he is miserable.He also makes me feel right at home with his snoring!I throw my clothes in the laundry which happens to be in the mens shower room.I get some really strange looks as I do my laundry.I then go take a long warm shower and sit down to catch up on my journal entries while my clothes dry.I have a bit of fun with a boy about 9 years old,who steps into the men's room,steps out and looks up at the gentlemen sign above the door on the outside.He steps back inside and gives me a strange look.I just smile at him.He os oblivious to the washer and dryer right in front of me.    I use the pay phone to call home and see how the 5K Run went.I had to relinguish the directorship of the race to my husband.Every thing went prety smooth and no one had to call 911 like I did last ear.Suddenly,I am very tired.I get to meet Hammock Hanger for the first time.She is really great.I am too tired to make conversation with her,but we do talk about how plans change and things do not always work out the way we want them to.I have to leave quickly,before the tears start again. Today was my highest milage day,and my feet are telling me about it. Our bunk house does not have a bathroom in it. You have to go outside and down to the base camp to go.I pray silently that tonight I don't have to get up and go.I am on the top bunk and do not want to get dressed to go.Life on the trail is not quite as good as in days passed. total miles 11.5