Date: 2005-06-04
From: Watuga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: light rain

The Road to Damascus - Day 7!I got a relatively early start this morning - 7AM - knowing that I was facing a 14 mile day, and wanting to get into camp fairly early. When faced with double-digit days, my minimum standard, I try to think of them like my old "two-a-day" football practices during August back in high school. I pick a spot to aim for by noon, ideally at least half the distance to my destination, and preferably a shelter where I can take off pack and boots and get in out of the weather if necessary. Then, I simple tell myself to pace myself so that I have enough of an energy reserve for the afternoon "practice". I have fond memories of my high school football days, and especially the coaches and the guys I played with, so the associations just seem to make hiking for 8-12 hours (with only a half hour for lunch and shortam and pm snack breaks) bearable.Today's scheduled lunch stop was Vandeventer shelter - at 7 miles, almost exactly half way. The morning involved a bit of a climb, but I was still able to average almost two miles an hour, which is good for me. After lunch, I had understood it would be "clear sailing", but I wasn't sure what that meant. It turned out to mean a trail with very little in the way of either up or down. As a result, I did almost 14 miles today in about 8 hours, and arrived here a little after 3PM.As an added benefit for the afternoon "practice", it stopped raining and the sun came out. After hiking all morning through Rhodendendron bushes and high grass, my clothes were totally soaked. With the afternoon sun, I was nearly dry by the time I got to my home for the night.When I arrived, a young couple was already here having lunch. They were hiking with their dog, a large, male boxer, who greeted me with a bark and a growl. The girl assured me he was very friendly, but the message I got from his growl was a different one. I asked them to please keep him on a leash, and they were a least good enough to do that without complaint.I asked if they were planning to stay here for the night, and was relieved when they said no, they were going to find a campsite. I felt obliged to alert them that the one about 3 miles south was already occupied by another young couple, with another large, male dog, who had been forced to leave Kinkora Hostel and camp near the river two nights ago because of the poor behavior of their dog. I noted that, when I passed their campsite, he was not on a leash....Don't get me wrong - I love dogs. When I fully retire, I intend to havea dog again (hopefully, a bloodhound). I just have a problem with irresponsible dog owners who refuse to recognize the behavioral issues of their beloved pet and, as a result, threaten the peace of mind of other hikers. I have no problem whatever with well behaved dogs, and have seen many on the trail that are a joy to be around. But then there are some....After they left, and while I was setting up my tent, Jason and Cooter, two very nice young men from Kingsport, Tennessee, showed up. Cooter was obviously in charge of the expedition, and turned out to be a Boy Scout who has just met the requirements for Eagle Scout and will have his ceremony in just a couple of weeks. (Way to go, Cooter!)Jason was anxious to do his part, however, and all I had to do was mention that it would be great to have a campfire, and - in a flash - he was off gathering firewood.As I type this, sitting at the picnic table in front of the shelter, I can look up and enjoy my favorite after-dinner activity: staring into the flames of a fire. Soothes the soul, somehow.Mike, the British hiker has just shown up, and I suspect that Gene isn't far behind.The highlight of my hike today were the rhododendrons, with the local variety in full bloom. As a result of last night's downpour, however, the trail itself was strewn with blossoms that had been blown off. My first thought was that it would be a shame to step on such beautiful flowers. My second thought was to pretend that they were flowers that had been strewn on the path in advance of my arrival in honor of my having climbed successfully to the summit of yet another mountain. "All hail the conquering hero - Longhaul the Magnificent!" Today's hike is dedicated to those noble blossoms who gave their all to honor my accomplishments...Ok, it's time for bed.Stay tuned, Longhaul------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com