Date: 2007-04-12
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

alright...go ahead and say it...we know you are thinking it....we are getting softnot really...let me explain...the 15 miler we had to the NOC took its toll....especially on our beloved feet....we took a zero day yesterday (wednesday i think)...seems my heel strike on my right heel still sucks...and you all KNOW how tight i am...another pair of boots...from an outfitter....like shopping for clothes at the pro shop of a golf course....so cujo went to work...she got her UNsharp trusty needle...alcohol (non-beverage)laid me on the bed face side down...and went to work...digging...gouging...finally piercing the blood blisters that developed UNDER the calloused skin on the bottom part of my heel...after rmoving this non-life-giving fluid, i did feel better....went to the outfitter....gave them $$$...and got a full gel insole along with additional gel heel pads...put them in, and it did feel better..time will tellthe off day though caused us to have to take another one today (thursday)...here is why...we made such good progress out of franklin, there was no way for us NOT to be at fontana dam for our mail drop AND bounce box....the problem being the post office is open only from 10 to noon...it is only 30 miles, but it looks pretty tough...so instead of risking it, and not making it....thus HAVING to spend a day at fontana, we adhered to the guide book's advice and stayed another day here at the NOC where we have a nice set up...coffee maker that kicks butt...and nice folks staying here also....oh yeah, a pub next door..so clothes are washed....cujo refreshed..and we shall blast off tomorrow morning, get to fontana dam on sunday, pick up boxes (thanks to our most favorite daughter)and advance to the SMOKIES!!!everyone has said the smokies will be wet, cold, and bears...thruhikers must register before entering them, and are assigned spaces in shelters..i think only 4 thruhikers to a shelter...(giving space to the section and and weekender sillies i guess)..pretty easy to spot the weekenders...they smell nice...have sparkling appearances...let their dogs drink directly from the springs...play music and listen to whatever sports team they root for on the radio...and the only weapon i have seen was strapped to the leg of one of these brave young men...so shelters have fence type gates that close at night...for bear protection...but if shelters are full, you tent around the shelter...kinda like bear-bait...lol...we learn as we go..last night was enjoyed by us and friends soko, keymaster, dj, ib, whiskey joe, a conglomerate of atlanta, new york, indiana, and kentucky folks...and also "so quiet"..so quiet hiked for a while with the dude who started at springer with the dolly and all the canned food..i think he said he was actually wanted by someone...like the irs...and his thoughts were "let them find me"...he has a point...hope hangman and sneaker are doing good...if mrs hangman is reading this, tell him to slow down and see the mtns every now and then...lol..and we shall be close enough to them in june to attend sneaker's sarah's wedding...rain yesterday afternoon and evening...my old pal carrol always said when you are in the woods, and dont have a shot..take your medicine and just pitch out...dont try to make a miracle shot ..if you were THAT good you wouldn't be in the freakin woods!!!...so we take 2 zeros in a row...one our decision, the other the post office's...funny, i remember my dad working ALL day saturdays when he was a postman..no tv here at all.....it is great...except the weather channel would be nice..the building is like a dorm style...with little bedrooms all over...and a general meeting area with microwave refrig and coffeemaker (a double bunn....just like home)everyone is encouraging us to leave for fontana today to make it for the hiker blowout this weekend...thank you, no...here it is quiet, peaceful...and the noises restrained to the pub...thru hikers are cool, but like most others, loud when mixed with alcohol...cujo is having a problem with her clothing...seems her pants wont stay up (hmmm..)so instead of buying a $30 belt, she resourcefully bought a strap used for cinching down things..with a plastic snap/release...and has a nifty $2 trail belt now....hard NOT to lose weight out here....you try walking up and down mtns for 8 hours a day...eating oatmeal, gorp, and mashed potatoes with stovetop stuffing....mmmmmmmso knee feels ok....foot verdict to come soon...cujo's pants secured...ready for tomorrow...oh yeah...when on the trail, there aren't many mirrors....so now when i glance at one..it is shocking...forgot to get a haircut b4 leaving....and all this crap on my face...a test of love for cujo