Date: 2018-04-05
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 30Cold last night, but both of us slept surprisingly well, probably the miles we did yesterday. Note to self, no more out of date "whole grain" Pop-tarts for breakfast, we could barely choke them down. Not sure how you get a "whole grain" Pop-tart, but that is what they say. The plan today was to get within 4 - 6 miles of Hot Springs so we would have an easy day into town tomorrow. Nice start today, unlike most days, with a long, gentle downhill to nearly flat trail. Soon though we got warmed up with the climb up over Walnut Mountain. Nice grassy area near the top where we rested and ate a few snacks. Steep down into the gap only to start a longer climb up to the top of Bluff Mountain. We took our time today knowing we didn't have to be anywhere in particular. Now that we are out of the Smoky Mountains we can camp wherever we want. Had lunch near the top and finally made it down the long downhill to a sunny gap. Mary's knees and feet were very sore, so we took our packs and shoes and socks off and lay in the sun for 40 minutes or so. Felt better once we got going again and planned to stop at the next gap with Tank and Tagalong. By the time we checked the map again we realized we had been through the gap and had done the majority of the final climb. We decided to just eat dinner beside the trail at a small campsite and then just move on to the next shelter which was also the next spot for water, which we needed. So we cooked instant potato and summer sausage mixed with Lipton cup of soup at the campsite near the ridge and then hiked down to the shelter. This only leaves us 3.2 miles into town tomorrow, so we will skip the Pop-tarts and eat at the Smoky Mountain Diner instead! I've waited 7 long years to get back there for their skillet breakfast. Pretty nice shelter with good tenting. Tank and Tagalong didn't like the camping at the gap area and are here along with Beach Bum and Irish, Jake (formally "Cool Guy"), and a few other hikers. On a side note, thanks to "Bags" and her trail magic, whenever Mary and I are having a tough time we call out Bagheera!, like in Jungle Book, in hopes that she will appear to brighten our day again. Off to bed dreaming of food and a shower tomorrow. We've seen May Flowers along the trail I believe in all the states so far. There are lots of small wildflowers starting to bloom along the trail, including Trillium in several colors. When we hike in areas with Spruce trees the smell reminds us of home.Mary here: On another note, Alan & I are working on a little AT song as we hike along the trail. It is sung to the tune of the Pina Colada song, and goes like this:I was tired of the rat raceand living life in a dazeSo I logged onto Trail Journalsand on to White BlazeAnd there on a forumwhat did I seeIt was a note from a hikerlooking for someone like meIf you like Amicalolaand setting up in the rainIf you're stoked about hikingfrom Georgia to MaineIf you like going to bed at hiker midnightand getting up at sunriseLets hike to Katahdinand maybe lose a full sizeIf you don't mind Monkey buttafter 4 days on the trailThen we'll hike into town, and enjoy a good AleZiploc Baggies and Hand Sanitizer will become your good friendThey'll help you avoid norovirus from the start to the end(Have to finish the song, it's a work in progress...)