Date: 2010-05-10
From: Spivey Gap

To: No business knob shelter
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Everyone was still hurting from the long day so we all decided to make it a short day and only hike 4.9 miles to the first shelter, No business knob. The start of the hike was a long uphill paralleling a waterfall. It lasted about 1/2 a mile switching back and forth across the waterfall, stream. It was beautiful. Wild Poodle took off first, while Half Left and I decided to eat our lunch before the start of the hike. Red Baron stayed with us for a few minutes while preparing his pack for the hike. We made PB & J, Fritos and downed a gatorade while discussing the climb. I still felt congested, so I knew it would be a problem for me to start the day uphill. Half Left hikes fast and without any trouble, I had to take it slow. As we climbed up the mountain, I settled in to a decent pace. Once we reached the peak, it was a wonderful level hike, meandering through the forest. We were able to talk to each other which sometimes is difficult because of breathing. About 3 miles into the hike we spotted a tent perched on a ridge, we peaked around the corner and the hiker said, "good afternoon!" His name was Cast Away. He seemed happy with his site, we continued on our journey. Around the corner, not far was Wild Poodle, she had most of her stuff spread out on a log, just snacking away on something. Hey girl, you look comfortable! Poodle always makes these strange noises, cooing and cawing. Smiling she says, "Wow what a wonderful hike compared to yesterday!" "Wait up, I want to hike the rest of the way with yall." We said okay and she packed up her stuff. I looked briefly at the book to see how much longer it would take and I also remembered the water was before the shelter about 1/4 mile. Yep, the shelter was a 250 foot climb in a quarter of a mile and the water was before the start of the climb. As we reached the stream, Half Left said, go ahead up to the shelter, I will get the water and bring it with me. I gladly said, thanks! Wild Poodle stayed with him and got her water too. I started the climb glad to hike it at my own pace instead of trying to keep up with him. As I approached the shelter I could see Red Baron, getting his stuff unpacked.We all were glad to be at a stopping point. This shelter is concrete block and out in the middle of nowhere. I always wonder how they build these things and bring all the building material up these mountains. We hear mostly the materials are helicoptered in and dropped, while the people hike up to build it. This is the first block shelter I have ever seen. It sleeps about 6 people and it perched atop a really nice mountain. Large Hemlocks and Razor Magnolias surround the area. Red Baron and Half Left gathered firewood as another hiker showed up, her name was Jay Bird. She is also a middle aged women, petite and very soft spoken. She placed her sleeping bag in the corner and went to it early. We all surrounded the fire, gazing at it like we were in a trance. Fires have a way about them. Lint, a strong looking man comes moseying up to the camp, almost skipping in. I said, dang you look pretty light footed for just hiking up that hill. His pack look like it weighs about 15 lbs. He says 13 to be exact. He asks for the register, signs it and coninues on, skipping away into the distance. Castaway also comes into camp. He decides to tent in the area. He gathers wood and joins us around the fire. It was a nice evening.