Date: 2007-05-03
From: Roaring Fork Shelter 

To: Hot Springs 
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

 I realized that I got so wrapped up in talking about our huge feast at Standing Bear, that I forgot to mention anything about the trail or the hike yesterday. It was a great day hiking, maybe because my spirits were still high from the trail magic! I stopped for a lunch break at Groundhog Shelter and met Roadrunner,a section hiker from Pa. We talked for quite a while, we seem to have similar views on a lot of things. Yesterdays hike included climbing up and over Max Patch Bald. The way the green grass met the blue sky and the sun shinning through the clouds, it was breathtaking! I would have loved to have camped on top, but there was no water and I really need to get a little further so my hike into Hot Springs wasn't so far. Last night I had planned on sleeping in the shelter, so I could get an earlier start. I had my pad and bag out, cooked dinner and was chatting with Frank (Roadrunner), who was also at the shelter. There were a few other hikers, Bonnie and Clyde, Dude, and one I didn't know, tenting near the shelter. The mice were scrambling all around us. They were bold, usually they wait until it's quiet before they come out. I dont mind mice, but they chew holes in your pack, make nests in your boots, and occasionally find there way into your sleeping bag. I finally decided enough was enough. I set up my tent and left Roadrunner to fend off the mice on his own. I was on the trail this morning by 8am. I woke around 630 and laid around in my tent until 7ish when finally got up and got motivated. I have been waking up earlier lately. I thought it was because I was sleeping in shelters going through the Smokies, and there is so much movement it's hard to sleep. But I think my body is getting use to the typical hiker hours. Actually, this morning the birds were singing so loud it woke me. It is kind of nice to have it so quiet the birds wake you. I stopped around 10:00 at Walnut Mtn Shelter to eat some trail mix and air my feet out a bit. The shelter is very old and small, but it's neat because it is one of the original ones. It was threatening rain all day, but was holding off. I thought I might make it to Hot Springs before it started...No such luck!!! It started to pour about 3 miles before town. When I made it to town all the hostels were full. I had a shuttle scheduled in the morning to take me to Newport,Tn, the closest rental car place, so I could drive back to N.Y. for Francie's 1st communion this weekend. I dreaded the thought of going back out on the trail and setting up in the rain. I was also affraid I might not wake up in time to get back to town and catch my shuttle. I stopped in to Bluff Mtn Outfitters to inquire about lodging. The owner made some phone calls, and found me a bunk at a B&B just out of town, that has a hiker bunkroom above the barn. Not only did he find my lodging he gave me a ride to The Duckett House Inn. The bunkhouse was nice and very clean. The bathrooms were in the main house and I ran into Roadrunner(he was staying in the B&B), when I went in to take a shower. He is going to try to get a ride back to Standing Bear tomorrow to meet up with his friend so they could drive back to Pa. I suggested he take the shuttle with me because it goes by there. A hot shower sure has a way of making you feel human again!! I can take showers every day again, well at least for a few days. It is a 13 hour trip home, so 2 days will be spent traveling and I will be home for 2. I should be returning to the trail on tues. Happy Trails!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!