Date: 2003-06-06
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

A very long and very good day. I am camped with Deacon and Kris and E-psi at Double Springs Gap Shelter. I had intended to stay at Siler Bald Shelter, but it was pretty full, plus I was afraid tomorrow¢s planned hike might be too long if I didn¢t hike to here tonight. I got up around 6:20 this morning, did my morning chores, and was hiking by 7:15. I had a good hike to Spence Field Shelter where I stopped for a rest and snack, and to sign the shelter register. The grassy clearings in that area were beautiful. While there I saw a tame deer and got a picture. He posed for the camera and was not afraid. After that I had some pretty rugged miles over Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mountain and beyond. I got a small stone and a picture of myself at the summit of Rocky Top to give to a friend who is a rabid Alabama football fan. I thought I'd harrass him a little with some mementos from the inspiration for the fight song for the arch rival Tennessee Volunteers. I hope he appreciates it after I carry it 160 miles! There were beautiful views, some tough ups and downs, and my feet were a little sore. It seemed to take forever to get to Derrick Knob Shelter. I had lunch at Starkey Gap with five guys from Illinois and the Tampa area and they were very interested in my Pepsi can stove. After Derrick Knob Shelter I figured I could make Siler Bald Shelter by 6:30, and if I did, I would decide about going further to Double Springs Gap shelter at that time. I arrived there at 6:20, had a quick supper and loaded up to hike here. Siler Bald Shelter was pretty packed, and the open grassy field looked almost eerie in the dusky mist. Shortly after I left Siler Bald it began to drizzle, and I had some light rain as I neared Double Spring Gap Shelter. I prayed that the Lord would hold it off until I got here, and the bottom fell out 10 seconds after I came into the shelter. Very heavy rain ¢ thank you Lord! The others seemed surprised to see me, and I think Deacon was pleased since he was expecting to be alone once Kris and E-psi speed ahead. I have finished preparations for the night and plan to take some Tylenol PM¢s to help me sleep ¢ last night I tossed and turned for several hours before daylight. I phoned Marlene and Charlotte from the summit of Thunderhead Mountain. I could only leave a message for Marlene but did talk to Charlotte and gave her the information on my progress so far. She is keeping up with my hike for the gang at the office. She has photocopies of my elevation charts strung out on the wall, and marks my position and stopping points as I move along. It has been a good day. Over all, I feel very strong, even with the longer miles early in the hike. Getting through the Smokies will require some longer days if I want to make good time in my plans for getting to Erwin, and staying at shelters means either very short or very long days for me, through the park. Having some views today makes me realize how much I am missing when I hike in a cloud across these ridges. The mountains are beautiful, but I am sometimes enclosed in a mist. The clouds blow by and my view is limited to a few yards as I move along - very unusual feeling when you do it for a few hours straight in dim light. I am tired and hope I can sleep. I wish I could have talked with Marlene. She left a message to let me know that she got home safely yesterday, for which I¢m thankful. Thanks to the Lord for a good and safe day today. Goodnight Sweetheart. dp