Date: 2014-05-20
From: Laurel Trading Post/Devil's Fork Gap

To: Sam's Gap/U.S. 23
Miles today: 8.4

This is not the hike I want. The day started great. Mark cooked me bacon and eggs. They were wonderful. My shuttle arrived on time and I was back on the trail at about 7:45. Three days more of just over 10 miles per day and I would be in Erwin. The stairs over the fences are iconic on the AT. This is my first. Best I can tell they indicate the trail has access over private property.This would be a day of ups and downs. A long downhill stretch to Sam's Gap would precede the final climb to where I would find a camping spot. About two hours in my right foot and now leg began to act up again. By the time I got to Hogback Ridge Shelter above Sam's Gap I was extremely uncomfortable. And the uncomfortable was now joined by depression as I thought the foot issue was finally under control. Something has to be done. Thankfully Cathy had already sent some additional inserts for my heal, where the pain mostly resides, to Erwin my next stop. In Erwin I would also be taking my next Zero Day. Facing the question of whether I could even make it there...over two days and 25 miles away... a decision had to be made. The decision: get off at Sam's Gap, get a shuttle to Erwin, and get to those inserts so they could be tested. The hitch woukd be that there would now be a short section of trail to make up. That said I determined that it was better to have a make up section, hopefully successfully address the foot, and maintain my schedule. I will deal with the make-up in the future.At Hogback Ridge Shelter I called for a shuttle to meet me at Sam's Gap. That was 2.5 miles away. Marie the shuttle owner/driver said she'd meet me at two. "It's all downhill" she said. I said it would take at least 30 minutes longer as the downhills is what really hurts. On the way down a few areas of the trail were exceptionally steep and thus slow and uncomfortable for me. The shuttle took me to Uncle Johnny's in Erwin. This is one of the most liked hostels on the AT. Located immediately off the trail on the banks of the Nolichucky River. The offerings are many, supplies and accommodations, including tent sites, bunk house and even private rooms. Nothing fancy at all but priced right and with shuttle service three times per day 3.5 miles into Erwin. Thankfully I had my mail drop sent to the hostel not the PO. At the PO it would have been the next morning before I got it. I was anxious to try the orthotics Cathy had sent. I took a private room. They are only a few more bucks per day than the bunkhouse and I wanted privacy. Here at Uncle Johnny's one can immediately see the hum of activity and younger hikers warrants privacy for those of us beyond the "stay up late and party hearty" phase of life. I also knew I would be here a few days resting my foot, testing the inserts, and just plain resting. It has been several long days made longer by the return of foot issues.Settled in to Room D, showered...ah, always nice even after only one day on the trail. Lots of people were already here that I had met along the way; Butterscotch to whom I helped out with food as I headed into Gatlinburg; Animal and Cat, two recent college grads hiking before starting careers, and Michael who I may have mentioned before. He is a monster hiking athlete...long miles, no off days, and super nice young man. I first met him in Hot Springs and at the pace he hikes did not figure to see him again. And I would not have seen many here if I had not come in from Sam's Gap.Took the 5 pm shuttle to dinner. Tonight was $1 taco night at the mexican restaurant. Uncle Johnny's is a regular here. We had a long, long table ready and help prepared to serve about 15 hungry hikers. Even after a disappointing day the end was enjoyed.Tomorrow I will once again tackle the foot issue and make decisions about the future of my AT hike this year.Blessings,