Date: 2004-04-22
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Guess it was a bad day. Very tired and although the path was smooth, it was straight up.But the day was intermingled with good things. For one, I finally spotted the first stile at Devil Fork Gap. I remember seeing a picture of this particular stile on Medusa's (1996) wall. So I took another picture in hopes of sending it to her.Even though it was steep after that, the trail went through some of the most beautiful greenery, like an enchanted forest. Budding flowers and ferns were emerging. There was a cascading waterfall into a bubbling stream. Nice breeze too.I also met a SoBo who started in August and took the winter off. Now he's finishing the rest of the Trail. The fact that he seemed intrigued with all the NoBos' adventures enticed me. I wanted to follow him back to Springer. His name was Spoon--makes you wonder.But the miles from the day before and the elevation gain took its toll. I was pooping out sooner and reflecting on how I didn't spend enough time in Hot Springs.Fortunately, I got some trail magic hanging from a tree in the form of a banana. Potassium--yeh.I finally reached the first shelter by lunch where Hawk, Coyote, Saltlick, Catdog were eating with the maintenance gang who were responsible for the trail magic. They also told us that the ridge walk we traversed the day before was just opened this year and took five years to complete.I had carried a bottle of denatured alcohol left behind at Flint Mtn Shelter. Turned out it belonged to Hawk. He didn't know he left it and was in debt. I asked if he could spare some since I was low.So, what was bad? Well, things are starting to fall apart. My filter decided to quit on me today with no warning. I cleaned it but I believe I will be living off tablets till Erwin.And the backpack is biting my left shoulder. The waist band that my sister so carefully fixed after I tore it on my Wildcat hike is holding by a mere thread. Now the other side is also beginning to rip at the seams.But trail magic comes in many forms. Lefty and Michigoose were waiting at Sam's Gap for Lefty's sister to pick them up. I decided to take a breather and showed them my pack problems. Michigoose immediately offered to mend it for me with some tough thread she carried. She went right to the task after I unloaded my bag. I also enjoyed relaxing with some pleasant conversation. It forced me to slow down.As I left them, I noticed the backpack felt better. I really hope I see them again soon. They were leaving the trail for a three day visit to family. Michigoose and Lefty are the type of people that make you feel good about yourself and everyone around you.Although late and tired, I caught some great views of Big Bald for the next day from a field on the crest of a hill. The Trail still pleases you while it drains your resources. I was living on iodine water pulled from the ugliest sludge puddle and my feet were aching again. And all I wanted to do was find Catdog and Hawk. I had heard that Catdog was going to camp at Low Gap that night. It took me forever to get there.I knew that Saltlick and Coyote had gone ahead to the next shelter. We will probably separate soon. I can't keep up with them because I'm not in my mid-twenties despite what I say. And I understand why they would not want to slow down as well. I'm amazed that Saltlick has stuck with us for this long. I wish them well and appreciate the jokes and conversations we had. It was a great first month on the trail.