Date: 2009-04-11
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Gap
Miles today: 6.0

"I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud and your sins like a heavy mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you." - Isaiah 44:22Couldn't help but think of this passage today as we summitted Siler Bald. The views were suppose to be spectacular and the weather in Franklin, NC. was forecast as sunny and 65 - but not so in the mountains! At the top it was very cold. Cloud and mist soaked everything, chilling to the bone. I was a bit unprepared because I had packed for a sunny day. How badly I wanted to see the horizon and feel the sun on my face. How greatful it would've been! I suppose there is a lot of "cloud" and "mist" in all of our lives.. Thankfully there is Christ, the One who has wiped it away. Thankfully our hearts are His.We woke up this morning and joined our fellow hikers on a shuttle to the hiker breakfast at FBC. Got to catch up with Daddy Long Leg and Sassy Sunshine, Bonesy, One Step, Matchstick, Cogito, Heather, and some others. The volunteers at the church served us some wonderful pancakes and bacon, fruit, juice- all you could eat. They had several new books for hikers to take for free. We all signed a "class of 2009" poster and took a group picture. The hiker breakfast has been going on for nearly a month, everday! Every morning they pick up hikers at the local hostels and motels, and then shuttle them back to the trail. Wonderful hospitality! Berry and I said goodbye to everyone and then headed out with Flatlander to do the short hike up and over Siler Bald. While on the descent we met some lady's who were handing out Easter candy to hikers - made our day! It was a short hike and we're back in Franklin tonight to catch up with everyone who was caught in the storm last night. Apparently there was hail along with heavy rains. While Berry and I have had some bad weather moments, we seem to be blessed by *just* missing the worst of it. At the bottom of Siler we saw "the gray hair gang" We keep running into these lady's. They drive to a point every day and hike a section of the trail. Berry took a picture with them. All of our other friends arrived today in Franklin. The Miles' enabled Berry and I to help out B, Itah, Jedi and Jessi's Girl. We all rode in the back of their truck to the Laundry Mat where they dropped me off to stay with the laundry. While I watched laundry, Berry went with them to the outfitter before it closed. Clay came and picked me up, then we grabbed Flatlander and Otter (who arrived earlier in the day) and we all met up for dinner. The gang heard about how awesome Fats Cafe was so we all ate there. The eight of us had a blast.. great conversation and fun times!The Miles' picked us up for dinner and then let us borrow the truck to shuttle our friends to the grocery store for resupply. Berry stayed at the motel to pack up while Otter, B, Jedi, Jessi's Girl and Itiah went with me to the store. I enjoyed a good visit with Otter while he rode shotgun and we waited for the others in the parking lot. The day was filled with activity. Most of all, we're just thankful for the opportuntiy to grow in experience and friendship with our fellow hikers!