Date: 2006-05-24
From: Day Seven-Zero Day to correct equipment problems

To: Day Seven - Zero Day to correct equipment problems
Miles today: 0.0

May 24, 2006 DAY SEVEN ON THE TRAIL ¢ Zero Day to correct equipment problemsDay 7. Fix equipment problemsToday, we set our tent up to determine what happened Saturday night. I think the problem is that the tent is not big enough for two of us and our gear. That bent the sidewalls down and allowed the water to enter. The next time it looks like rain, we will either stop early at a shelter or set up camp early enough to do it properly. Then we headed to the Walasi-Yi Center at Neel¢s Gap to find a solution to Dennie¢s foot problems. I discovered last night that my shoe soles are starting to separate. So I will be looking for new shoes as well. I also need to address several other equipment issues.The Walasi-Yi Center was GREAT!! It is the only spot on the Trail where it passes through a building. There is a hostel as well as the outfitter. The building is a historic old stone building with a very knowledgeable staff. I found a pillow stuff bag made of flannel that will make a great pillow. (I really miss my big soft pillow and my little soft wife.) I bought a pair of camp shoes similar to Crocs. They only weighed 10 oz. Then, I discussed my shoe problems. Despite their huge selection, the Outfitter did not have anything that fit my size 13 wide feet. They suggested I contact the Teva Company and tell them I am a thru-hiker and see if they could quickly ship a replacement. I looked for tip and basket replacements for my ¢cheap¢ Bass Pro hiking poles. I got what I paid for, so to speak. The tip was broken and could not be replaced. So, I bought a new set of Leki poles that are guaranteed for life. Too much money, but working poles are a life saver.I paid for my purchases and went outside to call Teva about the shoes. I explained my problem and that I was a thru-hiker. They were absolutely unbelievable. They said they would immediately ship a replacement pair and I could return the others after they arrived. Sound great, right? Well, when I gave them the model number, I was told they no longer make any real hiking boots, including the brand I bought. But the customer contact man went to the warehouse to personally check to see if a pair might be hiding on a shelf somewhere. After a while, he returned with the bad news. No Luck. However, he had talked to his boss and another manager. They normally cannot give a credit or refund unless the shoes have been purchased directly from them. BUT since I will need to replace my shoes shortly, they will provide me with a direct refund after I return the shoes to them. They even made a note in my file that I can try special glue for temporary repairs without effecting the refund. Now, how is that for great customer service? I bought the glue and returned to the motor home to fix my shoes. During this time, we also developed a plan of attack for the next few days. Ris« will take us as close as possible to the Winfield Scott Recreation Area and then we will hike back to Jerrard Gap where we shall continue on our original path. It will take us to the hostel at Neel¢s Gap on Thursday night and then on to Unicoi Gap where we will meet Ris« on Sunday night. Dennie did buy a new pair of shoes (which should not need a special break-in period). So we will plan one more set of shorter days before we try to increase our pace