Date: 2013-04-20
From: Sams Gap

To: Erwin, TN. 
Miles today: 24.1

Yesterday I stayed at Mother Teresa's brother Kent and wife Joan Cole. Kent picked us up at SAMs Gap after a 10.9 mile hike and brought us to his home where we were taken care of like our own families with a nice meal and accommodations for the evening. I truly miss that home feeling and wished Alison and the kids were here with me. Today I hiked 13.9 miles hiking over Big Bald at 5516 ft and had excellent views. After to more peaks we trod in and set up camp at Spivey Gap. I filtered my water and jumped in my tent just in time for the rain. I was able to cook under the vestibule without trouble. You have to be careful that you don't catch your tent on fire, or spill any food or liquid as this is a attractant for bears and mice. I'll post a picture of my stainless steel mesh food bag, guaranteed to keep the rodents out. It's not bear proof but I am opting to keep my food in my tent because I use an odor proof food bag. The augmentin is working on my chest and my wind is improving. My groin pain is Gone again and I'm still trying to figure that one out but no pain is good, right? My feet have been really sore but no blisters thankfully. Lot of hikers have constant issues with their feet so I feel I'm going about it ok. Tomorrow we hike 10.7 miles down to Erwin, TN. and stay at Uncle Johnny's Hostel and get my push box I sent from Hot Springs. We'll get a bunk at the hostel for eighteen dollars to include shower and kitchen. 4 $ laundry and resupply food for the next few days. I only carry three days of food at a time which helps keep weight down in the pack. If we go out three days then I only need two days of food. The idea is to go into town empty and hungry to be most efficient. Also, tomorrow I will be out of North Carolina for good as I make my way closer to completing the Southern Mountains. Damascus, Virginia is less than 140 miles now and I can't wait. The Southern Mountains have been a tremendous challenge for me as I have not been in great shape for a long period of time. It's taken a bit for me but I have improved my cardio and am pushing myself more and more as I hike myself into shape. Basically you have one commitment daily, hike ! The tough part really isn't the walking, it's the process you go through on a daily basis. Everything I own, I'm carrying on my back. Every day you utilize everything in your pack and if you aren't using gear, you need to rid yourself of the weight. When I get to Virginia I'll send my thermal wear home and my liner for my bag, this will cut out another 2 lbs almost and make me faster in the next great challenge,the Virginia Highlands!!!! 552 miles of relatively fast paced hiking that should help me make up my daily average and put me in line to complete the ultimate goal, KATAHDIN!!!!!!!!Wait a minute, wait a minute, one step at a time. This morning was a wet wakeup outside the tent and nice and dry inside. The temperature was about 35 degrees and everything I touched was cold. After the morning ritual of breaking camp and getting on the trail, I received a text from my brother Marty that my uncle Eddy passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. I will miss you and will see you again someday. Uncle Eddy was my godfather and will forever be remembered as one of the most gentle and kindest people and will be sadly missed.