Date: 2010-04-09
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC via Wallace Gap
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning to frozen ice on the tent. I stayed cozy in my 15 degree bag and was reluctant to leave it since I had minimal warm clothing to wear. Opus went and grabbed the food bags and we cooked out of the vestibule of the tent from within the warmth of our sleeping bags. Food and coffee really helped me warm up and I was motivated in no time to start packing up and hitting the trail. We heard Tin Man leave out at 7:30am like usual. He always leaves earlier than the rest of us. He¢s a great guy that makes an effort to get to know everyone. We have been hiking with him since day one. He is planning to get off of the trail at Hot Springs, NC though. I sure hope I can hike like him when I¢m his age (60?).Everyone else was up too and stoking a fire up for warmth. When I finally crawled out of the tent, nearly half of the 13 hikers were gone. EVERYONE was headed to Wallace Gap to catch a shuttle to the town of Franklin, NC.So after leaving, Dead Man Walking caught up with us. This guy had numerous blisters on his feet as well as fracturing/bruising the hell out of his ankle just 3 days into the hike. He muscled up and kept going though. Hence, the name Dead Man Walking. Very nice guy.We were quickly passed by Will and his dog, Max. Max is a black Chow that looks like a black bear. I made fast friends with Max. Will seems nice as well. I hope I see them down trail. We nicknamed Max ¢Hopeful¢ because he always stares at you so hopeful to get hand outs of food.The day¢s hiking was easy; easy terrain, nice weather, and easy miles. We hiked 12.8 miles in about 5 and half hours. We made it to Wallace Gap at 3:30pm and fourth in line for the afternoon shuttle. We got to ride to Franklin in the back of a pick-up truck on a blue bird sky day. Very awesome.Once at the hotel, we caught the shuttle to the outfitter to re-supply. I traded in my Big Agnes pad for a Z-lite pad because it is lighter and you don¢t have to blow it up. I also replaced my broken Platypus water bladder and grabbed a few dry sacks for my food, sleeping bag and journals. I¢m also sending my raincoat home and replacing it with a poncho.Next stop was the Wal-Mart and grocery store. Here I replaced my all leather Iowa boots with a $50 pair of New Balance all terrain trail runners. We¢ll see if this was a good purchase. Stay tuned¢¦And, of course, we picked up more snickers bars and a six pack of beer. ?During all of our stops, Ron Haven regaled us with stories of his childhood. He is a very grand storyteller that you need to experience to understand. He seems to have a love for life and all the people in it. The sense of humor doesn¢t hurt either. ?Once back at the hotel, we took showers and then headed for pizza at a local pizzeria. It was nice to eat and relax.We then organized gear, posted photos and called home to loved ones.All in all, another great day. It¢s nice to be in a warm bed on such a cold night in the mountains. But, we are looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow. ?New people we¢ve met:        -LandfillWeather: Sunny and cool. Great hiking weather!