Date: 2013-03-28
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.4

Was out of the shelter at 0800, breakfast was Pop-tart on way-out. I immediately started to break trail, drifts up to 3.5 ft deep, it was not difficult staying on the trail, the blaze here visible. About 4 miles in the feet started to get cold, I decided I will stop at Cosby Knob Shelter to check my feet and eat lunch. I arrive at the shelter 1145, good-time for all the work I put out breaking trail. It was sunny and warming up. I take shoes off, feet was very wet, both big toe looks grey, let them dry out in sun, while i ate lunch.I change my sock to a warmer but damp pair, I had in my pocket. The trail from Crosby North was already broken by hikers staying at Crosby so the hiking was easier. Pass a Section Hikers heading South. Past a family of three on the climb to Mt. Cammerer, taking a day trip to the Mountain (day for view). The Summit is 0.6 miles off the AT (camera battery died so I didn't go.On the way down to Davenport Gap my right toe stared to throb. I stopped to look at it, was looking bad, try to poke it with needle, nothing came out. I wrap some take, change socks and continue on.I cross the Smokie Northern Boundary about 1515, sweet. I survived the Smokies, storm and all, took me 2 extra days (zero), life is good. I saw sign for Fresh Ground Trail Magic, I didn't think he will be there. I had an happy surprised to see him. I had two Hot Dogs, Gatorade and Fresh Fruits. We talk for a while, he said I was the first Hiker in three days (guest the other Hiker did the right thing and stay in town). He walked with me to the Tricky I-40 Bypass and my 1st Triple Blaze (sharp turn). I had an easy mile to Standing Bear Hostel, was not planning to stop but used up 2 day of food in the Smokies. I opt for the $20 room over a brook (you can hear the spring rippling over the rock under the room. I spoke to the Original Owner, Ex-Marine Corps so Brothers in Arms. I showered, laundry (old school by hand brought back memories of growing up in Guyana, ate and bed. I highly recommend future Hiker stopping at Standing Bear Farm for short resupply.Thought of the day:I think it was some Psychologist (Shrink) who decided where to put the Blaze on the AT. Every time I started to worry that I am not on the trail I would look-up and see the Blaze. When my motivation starting to wave on climb, there is a Blaze to keep me pushing.When you think the shelter in not getting any near, there is the Double Blaze.I looked at my feet at the Hostel. I was able to drain my left big toe. I think my toes were conducting, the cold from my shoes. The reason for the discomfort (thanks SFC Grainer my Hard Nose Platoon Sergeant in Korea, always make us change sock and carry the damp one inside your Field Jacket to keep it warm.The last 2 days were the toughest and also the best days on the Appalachian Trail. I have seen the best of Nature. I will never forget the Hawks Floating on the Thermal in the Sun.I did not even think of quitting. The AT is everything I thought it would be and more. I absolutely love being out here.Saber.P.S When I exited the Smokies at the Ranger Station - I shouted out loudly with a laugh, like Will Smith in Independence Day."Elvis Has Left The Building!!"