Date: 2006-04-14
From: Gatlinburg/Newfound Gap

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: few clouds

Whatta trip in Gatlinburg! Bama got up at 6:00 and had breakfast in her room. She and Oly were going to try and get out at a little later around 8:00, but Piper came by Bama's room at 6:45 and said she wanted to leave early, so Bama, Oly and Piper went out on the street to try to hitch a ride. Bama had made a sign last night that said "Newfound Gap - Thru-hikers." It probably helps when in Gatlinburg not to be confused with homeless people (Ha!). Sure enough, luck was with them and a really nice lady and her family who were on their way to the Alum Cave trailhead stopped by in a SUV and picked them up. She took them that far where they met another family that were on their way to the Boulevard trailhead which is at Newfound Gap! What luck! Maybe God was a thru-huker once - Hmmm - that'll make you think.Oly took off and hiked ahead of Bama and Piper. As they were nearing the Icewater Spring Shelter area, they heard this loud commotion coming down the trail. It was this really noisy woman and noisy members of her family that had spent the night at Icewater. Bama said you had to imagine this group "flopping and bumping" down the trail - not seasoned hikers. I have this hilarious cartoon image of a cloud of dust with arms and legs sticking out of it from every direction. The woman was something else, "Gollleee, they got one of them outdoor bathrooms and everythang up there (at Icewater Springs Shelter)!" she said. "I didn't git no sleep last night - there was too many snorers," she went on and on. Bama and Piper looked at each other and gave silent thanks that they had to stay in Gatlinburg last night or they would have been stuck in the shelter with this big mouthed woman and her brood. Two young men (Seth and Clint from SMU, doing the Smokies on their break) were hiking up the trail behind them about this time and the woman said one of her boys was lost up the trail. The boys told the woman to sit down and be still and they would go find the boy. Thirty minutes later they found him and got him back to his mother.Bama and Piper got to the Icewater Springs Shelter to take a lunch break, but Oly wasn't there. The shelter is hard to see and Oly may have just passed it by. She said the view from there was beautiful. Bama met another Ridge Runner, Mark (trail name Shatter) working his section. The Ridge Runners do not have "police" authority, but are indespensible for keeping a look-out for sick and injured hikers, and if need be, they can summon Park Rangers and/or police by radio. It's a great volunteer service. She also met a 60-year old man named Powerstroke who had started the Florida Trail on Jan. 1, hiking on thru Alabama and finishing the Pinhoti only to start the AT on April 3 (behind Bama's March 26). After completing the AT, Powerstoke intends to move on to the Canada Trail. What a man! Bama said he hiked on ahead of her like she was standing still. I'm surprised Bama got him to stand still long enough to talk. Another great (and interesting) day on the trail. On to Peck's Corner Shelter. .BillPS: Thanks to all the family, friends and others who have send notes to Bama. She has read them all and is touched and appreciative for the support.