Date: 2012-03-27
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Sprngs Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Got up today just as soon as it was light enough to see. Everyone in and outside the shelter was getting up. I could hear all the normal morning sounds made by me and other hikers such as:groaning,talk about a good or bad night's sleep,mice activity during the night,air being released from sleeping pads,stuffing packs, camp stoves firing up, water boiling, food bags opening, eating,early hellos and goodbys from hikers who got up while it was still dark and now were leaving to meet a new day, etc.I packed all my gear except my food. I then had an energy bar, a pack of crackers, and a quart of water. I always try to drink at least a quart before leaving camp. I finished packing up, spoke to all around me telling them I was heading north and might see them on the trail, or tonight at Big Springs Shelter, and off I went.The trail went down hill for about seventy five yards and was level for a short distance and then I came to the base of Standing Indian Mountain,elevation 5,498 feet. The climb was not bad; the trail was switched backed, which helps a lot on big long climbs. I made it up and over and walked for about eight miles stopping for water at Carter Gap Shelter. There was no one around. I had been there for only about ten minutes when Mouse came walking up. She had to have been hiking real fast. She was not even packed and was about to start cooking when I left camp. She asked me to tell Macon who was behind her that she was going to be stopping at Mooney Gap for lunch, and she went on. Mouse is fifty years old and is through hiking to Maine. She started on her birthday. She is a small woman, but she really seems to be a good strong hiker.A few minutes later as I was about to leave, Macon came up. Macon is in her twenties and is also a through hiker. She took off a boot and has a very sore leg that is causing her trouble. She also seems to be a good strong hiker. I admire both of them, especially knowing first hand what all lies in front of them. I know they will face mental and physical problems at points along their way. The trail will take away a lot before it starts to give back. It's a special person who does what they are attempting, and I wish both of them well. I tell Macon what Mouse asked me, and off I go.I hike on and I really enjoy the beauty of the forest. The sky is blue, the sun is bright and the woods almost all brown. The trees have no leaves and I can see all through the woods as I walk. A while later just before the base of Albert Mountain I came upon two hikers. One is sitting on the ground and the other on his side, asleep on the ground. The one sitting had a full grey beard, and looked realy rough looking. He asked me if I was smoker. I said sorry, no I have never smoked in my life. He said to me " You are a real lucky man". I said, "see you up the trail", and I walked on.   I soon stopped to finish my water and lighten my load before climbing Albert mountain which was just in front of me. At this time the two hikers I just left came walking by and went on in front of me. I finished my water because I knew the shelter and water were only about six tenths of a mile away, and because I knew the climb would be very steep. Albert Mountain's elevation is 5,250 feet and I was at 4,790 feet. Only a 460 foot climb, but the climb is straight up. This climb is climbing up rock faces just as some I have climbed in NH, and in Maine; on top of that, I had already hiked 14 miles today. I had to stop a few times, but for an old man I made it to the top without much trouble.I went down the mountain to Big Springs Shelter and no one was there. Took my pack off and was resting when the two hikers came in. We talked a few minutes and learned that the one I had already spoken with was Scavenger (trail name)and his friend was Brett. It didn't take but a few minutes and I knew why scavenger had his trail name. He was diging around in the fire pit looking for cigarette butts. He found several and proudly came over and showed them to me, and then he and Brett both shared smokes a they sat back and rested. I realized then why Scavenger told me earlier that I was a real lucky man when I told him that I had never smoked. It also showed me another example of how powerful addiction to drugs, legal or not, can be. I was glad he found the butts; he could now realax for a while and enjoy being in the wildnerness.A short time later, John who I met at Standing Indian Shelter, came in and also a couple from Germany who were here doing a through hike. They only stopped for water and were on their way. Later a couple who called themselfs the Honeymoon Hikers came in. They got married on top of Springer Mountain in 2010 and started through hiking that same day. They completed that trip and were back now two years later doing it again. They started this through hike at Springer Mountain on their wedding day.We all talked for a while, everyone ate dinner, got ready for bed, Sundown.Days end.