Author Archives: donsbrother4

Even though I didn’t go to bed until around midnight last night, I awoke at 6:00. When I remembered that today was a rest day, however, I went back to sleep until 9:00. At that time I got on the phone to set up a shuttle back to the trail for tomorrow. My first try was the legendary Miss Janet, a wonderful lady who has been helping out hikers for many years in the Erwin area. Even though she was booked for the early morning, she said she could drive me at around 11:00. Wanting to do another 20 plus mile day, I took her advice and called Tom “10-K” Bradford instead. Tom said that he would be more than happy to pick me up at 7:00 in the morning for the shuttle back to Devil Fork Gap. Still, it was truly an honor speaking with Miss Janet.

With my shuttle set, I walked back to McDonald’s for a hotcakes, sausage, and coffee breakfast. Then I meandered up the Main Street of Erwin to a Dollar Store and Food Lion. Since I’m going to be doing some slack packing over the next two or three days, I decided to invest $3.00 in a very light day pack. Also since I’m only carrying about 15 lbs. in my ULA Circuit, the 3 or 4 oz. extra weight will be negligible. Then as I was walking back toward my motel, I noticed two hikers of about my age on the sidewalk headed toward me. They asked how far it was to the grocery store, so I gave them directions.

While we were talking, a gentleman in a pick-up stopped and rolled down the window (it was an old truck). Noticing that we were hikers, he asked if we needed a ride anywhere. I too advantage and accepted his offer of a ride back to the motel. In the brief span of 5 minutes I quickly discovered much about trail angel, Robin Sullins. Having originally been from Detroit, Robin rattled off the starting line up for the Tigers of the late 60’s just as easily as if he had been doing play by play. When I told him I had seen my very first major league game at the old Briggs stadium, we immediately established a rapport.

But then as Robin pulled into the Super 8 parking lot something else happened. Before departing his truck, I told Robin about Don. When I mentioned ALS, Robin removed his sunglasses, revealing the beginning of a tear in his eye. Almost choking up, Robin stated, “My mother died of ALS.” So for another ten minutes or so Robin shared how he had taken care of his mom after she was diagnosed at the age of 68. Here was a man who truly understood the horrendous conditions of the disease. Robin gave me his cell number, offering to help me in any way he could while I’m in the Erwin area. As my new friend drove away, I sensed that each of us had helped the other in a small way. We never know what person might appear in our lives who brings with him some degree of understanding and comfort.

For much of the afternoon I simply rested in my room. I did plan out the next five days tentatively. It’s always good to have a plan, but it’s also wise to be flexible. Well, I think I’ll walk over to town for some supper before a little TV and hopefully another comfortable night’s sleep in a bed before I resume my hike northward tomorrow on the good ole Appalachian Trail.

I’m finding it extremely difficult to write about my hike today because my thoughts are on the Boston Marathon, a race I have had the privilege of running nine times. This was the 117th running of the oldest marathon in the US. Oddly, I thought about running often while hiking today and had already thought about alluding to Boston in today’s post. Of course, out in the woods I had no idea of what had happened until I noticed a text message from my sister-in-law, Lisa, as I finished my hike today.

Not only had I thought about Boston, but I also reminisced about my first sub 3:00 marathon at Callaway Gardens in 1982. What made that marathon even more special was that Don was there to share in the excitement with me. He is even in the background of my finish line photo. So for much of the hike today I thought about running, a sport that has been an integral part of my life for over thirty years. Come to think of it, I miss running.

Getting back to the hike, for most of the morning I literally walked in a fog, at times so thick that I could only see a few feet in front of me. For the first two hours or so I saw no other thru hikers. I did meet a group of southbound section hikers from Florida, including Mayor who sported a top hat. Then I came across a hiker I had seen yesterday but not met. Pigpen is another 20 something hiker from near Dalton, GA. He proved to be an asset on two occasions today. First, he happened along when I was staring down about a ten foot rock face, trying to figure out how I was going to get down it. Pigpen managed easily and then held my poles as I followed the path he had taken. Later in the day he topped off my nearly empty water bottle with his Sawyer squeeze filter, which saved me a trip down a path to a spring. There are some really fine young folks hiking the trail.

The highlight of the day was a climb up an exposed section of trail to Big Firescald Knob. The sun had come out by the time I reached this section of trail, which made for some more spectacular views. This is one section that even offers a blue blazed alternative trail for bad weather or for those uncomfortable with exposed ridges ( where there are severe drop offs on both sides). The 360 views along the ridge definitely made the challenging navigation of the rocks worthwhile. At the best vantage point for views, I came upon Nick, another young hiker who was taking a break on a ledge. I took his pic before moving on up the trail.

Before leaving the rocky area, I had lunch myself on a rock outcrop. After lunch I passed Say What for a second time today and met City Slicker, a young man from South Boston, when I stopped briefly at Jerry Cabin Shelter. We talked about today being the Marathon, oblivious to the events which were unfolding. City Slicker, a runner himself, said he had completed
Boston in 1992.

Later in the afternoon I again stopped briefly at Flint Mountain Shelter where a large group of hikers, that I had not met before, were taking a break. Among them was Candy Pants, a young lady from Tuscaloosa, AL, who hiked with me for the next couple of miles. I introduced myself to the group and told them about Don and the reason for my hike. Again my words were met with compassion by all.

When I reached Devil Fork Gap I ended today’s hike at 18.7 miles. I had arranged for Hattie’s son to shuttle me into Erwin where I plan to take a day off tomorrow. On Wednesday I’ll shuttle back to where I left off and walk the remaining 32 miles back to Erwin. I’ve been on the trail for 24 days and have hiked 23 of them, so I felt I owed my body a day of rest.

When I got to Erwin I checked into the Super 8 motel. After a hot shower, I walked approximately a mile to the Country Scrub board Laundry where I enjoyed chatting with Judy, the proprietor, and Melissa as my clothes washed and dried. Judy commented that many hikers had stopped by the past few weeks. So I told the ladies about my hike and shared my web page with them. I also showed them some of my pictures on my phone. Again, it’s always fun talking to the locals. After leaving the laundry I stopped by McDonald’s, one of only two restaurants nearby, for a bite to eat. Today was a tiring one in many respects, but all in all it was another beautiful day to hike on the Appalachian Trail.

This is my journal entry for April 14. I didn’t have cell service last night; therefore, I could not post. I’ll post today’s entry later this evening, probably after ten.

For the past ten minutes I have written and deleted four opening sentences for today’s journal entry. Nothing seems to want to flow. I’m physically tired, probably more so from cumulative mileage than from the 16.3 miles I hiked today. I think, in fact, that second day off is a bit overdue. So after tomorrow’s hike, I think it will be time to regroup. After all, I can’t continue to do the big mileage days without occasional rest. That settles it. Tuesday will be a zero day.

In many ways today proved to be a carbon copy of yesterday with a couple of exceptions. The trail out of Hot Springs took an immediate right after crossing the French Broad River. For about half a mile the trail ran parallel to the river before heading back up the mountain toward Lovers Leap Rock. I saw no lovers as I passed the outcrop. The trail leveled briefly before becoming a roller coaster for much of the day. None of the climbs were particularly difficult; however, every uphill preceded a downhill with the scenario continuing for many miles. Rarely did I walk on level ground.

Early in the hike I passed a female thru hiker whose name escapes me, but I did remember her little dog Koko. Every time I see a dog on the trail I think of my brother. Shortly after, Buffalo, a young man who was also staying at Elmer’s last night, shot by. Buffalo, from Buffalo, hiked around 1200 miles two years ago before having to leave the trail with an injury. Now he’s back giving a thru hike another try.

At some time in the late morning I came upon the first pond I’ve seen on the hike. I don’t know if there were any fish dwelling there, but just the thought also brought Don to mind. He would not only have been able to tell if there were fish, but he also would have speculated on what breed. Since there was also a bench by the pond, I took a brief rest before moving on up the trail. While sitting on the bench, Rocket and Whiskers passed by. I shared with Rocket, a native of Minnesota, that I was listening to last night’s re-broadcast of “A Prairie Home Companion.” Just like last Sunday, the folks of Lake Wobegon accompanied me up the trail.

With my radio as my only companion, I again hiked alone throughout the day. Twice I took breaks to eat pizza that I had left over from last night. I even brought a coke in my pack today to better enjoy it. As I’ve said before, my philosophy is to always bring along some town food if it’s available. Since I had had a pancake and fresh granola breakfast at Elmer’s, I maintained my calories well throughout the day.

Having seen very few hikers all day, I finally passed some late in the afternoon. One was Bulldog from Dawsonville, GA. Bulldog had a fire going at his stealth campsite. I saw two other hikers tenting alone but didn’t stop to chat. I merely said hello and kept on walking. It seemed like there were more single tent sites today than at any other time since I started. And other than Buffalo, Rocket, and Whiskers, I saw no other hikers that I had seen before.

When I reached Log Cabin Rd., I left the trail to walk about a mile down a gravel road to Hemlock Hollow Inn. Both a cafe and hostel with a quite comfortable bunkhouse, the establishment has become a popular destination for hikers between Hot Springs and Erwin. After registering with Hattie, I walked through the cafe to see Rocket, Whiskers, and Say What, a hiker who had been at the last shelter I stayed at in the Smokies. After settling in and showering, I returned to the cafe for a chef salad and grill cheese sandwich. The last one in the cafe, I sat and chatted for a while with Hattie, who owns the property and business with her husband. She filled me in on the history of the place. I always enjoy talking with the locals.

So even though it’s only 9:00, I think I’ll turn in. Like today, I need to do one more big mileage day in order to take Tuesday off. Even though I’m indoors tonight, I can hear the stream that runs behind the bunkhouse. There’s not a much better sound to go to sleep by after another tiring day on the Appalachian Trail.

When I’ve section hiked on the AT with my good friend Alton, we have often talked about the sameness of the trail at times. Alton has said on such occasions, “If you didn’t know what state you were in, what state would you say you were in?” Today was one of those days when the trail was a path through the woods of ups and downs with not much variety until the town of Hot Springs first came into view. Still, the sun shone throughout the day, a cool breeze appeared just when it was needed, and the difficulty level of today’s 14.4 mile section would probably be classified as a 2 or 3 on the old 1-10 scale, with 10 being the most challenging.

It was tough to say goodbye to my good friend Brad when he dropped me back at Lemon Gap around 8:30. I will be forever grateful for the time we had to spend together over the last two days. Parting, however, was a little less sad because just as I was embarking from Brad’s SUV, who should be hiking up the trail toward us but Rocket and Whiskers. I had not seen my two Cambridge friends since the night before Newfound Gap. They had begun their hike early today from near Max Patch in order to log big miles with a slack pack. The timing could not have been more perfect because Whiskers was able to take a couple of pics of Brad and me.

Brad wished me well as I headed up the trail in the footsteps of the two. Within a mile, however, they began to pull away, hiking at a faster pace than I was able to maintain. So again for the remainder of the day I hiked solo. But unlike yesterday, I saw few thru hikers today. I did notice Waffles and Enoch, that I had seen late yesterday, breaking down their campsite. Just before I stopped for lunch, I paused to chat with an older gentleman, Where’d He Go, from Baltimore. After that I only saw three other hikers all afternoon. For some reason I didn’t feel very social today, so I didn’t even ask their trail names.

I’m not sure why, but early in today’s hike I reminisced about watching Saturday morning television with my brother when we were little. Donald and I would rise early enough to watch Roy Rogers on Western Theater and follow up the cowboys with cartoons. Somewhere in between we would join our parents at the dining room table for a large country breakfast. Then we would head to the backyard for an afternoon of play. Times were so simple then.

As the afternoon waned, I finally spotted Hot Springs from the ridge line. When towns are first sited, however, it’s usually at least an hour before the trail winds down to the road. Hot Springs is the first trail town where the trail actually goes down Main St., or in the case of Hot Springs, Bridge St. As I walked into the town I headed straight to Elmer’s Sunnybank Inn, built in 1840 and the oldest house in town, according to Elmer. A thru hiker back in 1976, Elmer returned to Hot Springs in 1978. A B &B of sorts, the inn caters to thru hikers, offering clean accommodations at a nominal cost. Elmer even offers work for stay options.

So once again I’ll be sleeping in a bed tonight. I’ve showered and plan to go out in a short while for a meal at Smokey Mountain Diner, which is located across the street. I had originally planned to take a zero day tomorrow; however, I think I’m going to wait for Erwin, which I should reach in four or five days. Someone is playing the piano in the music room, so I think I’ll mosey on down the stairs and share some camaraderie with others who each day take another stride toward Maine on their journeys along the Appalachian Trail.

It would only seem appropriate that my good running friend , Brad Dodson, would play a major role in my first 20 mile day (21.4, to be exact). After all, during the four years I had the privilege to coach Brad in cross-country and track at Shaw High School, we logged at least a couple of thousand training miles together. So when Brad offered to let me slack pack today by driving me back to the trail this morning at Davenport Gap and then picking me up in the afternoon at Lemon Gap, I knew from the outset that big miles were on today’s agenda.

After a hearty breakfast at Bojangles, we headed up I-40 shortly after 8:00. By a little after nine I was hiking. What I had not anticipated about the early part of today’s hike were the water crossings. During the first two miles they occurred often. Since the rushing water required a concerted effort to cross, the beginning of the walk was a bit tedious. Taking my time for fear of slipping on a wet rock or taking a tumble in the chilly streams, I managed to stay upright for each of the crossings; however, I did slightly lose my balance once, which resulted in a wet shoe.

Bu the time I finally reached the I-40 underpass, I was beginning to move. While walking across the bridge, I noticed a car headed toward me at a very slow pace. Looking through the driver’s side window was Piddling Around. All cleaned up after finishing his section hike from Springer to the northern terminus of the Smokies, he looked excited to be going home to Alabama. It was a pleasure to meet Piddling and hike with him for the past five days. He wished me well as I hiked away in a light rain that would continue all morning.

Just before beginning the climb that would extend for over six miles, with a gain of about 3000 feet of elevation, I met two German hikers, Restless Cowboy and Fresh Coke, who had been treated to a stay at a cabin by Joe and Debra (or Deborah), a couple from Florida. We took some pics before I began the ascent. On the way up I passed several thru hikers, including Mustard Plug, Oops, Private Snowman, and Chicago. Chicago was wearing a shirt with Wrigley Field pictured on its front. The reference to the “Friendly Confines” immediately brought my brother to mind. Twice Don and I had the opportunity to watch games at Wrigley. On the second occasion we were joined by Don’s son, Brent and my son, Sam. I wrote about the first trip on my web page under the heading, “Don Loved Baseball.” I told Chicago how much Don and I had enjoyed Wrigley.

As the climb continued I met and hiked with for a short while, Twix, a young lady from Phoenix, who is sharing the experience with her mom, Salsa. Having corresponded with Salsa on TJ, I told Twix I was looking forward to meeting her mom, who was a few miles up the trail. Sure enough, a couple of hours later I came upon Salsa who had stopped for a break and was talking to Twigs. It was good to meet someone from trail journals on the trail.

When I finally reached the apex of the ascent, the hike became one of the less demanding of the first three weeks. At times I was practically running on the level and mildly downhill portions. Even though I was hiking at a very good pace, I still regularly paused to introduce myself to other thru hikers that I had not met previously. Among them were Red Knees and Guru, and later on in the day, Wooden Spoon and her dog, Gaia. Just before wrapping up the day’s hike, I stopped to chat with Waffles and Enoch, who were cooking up some chow by a stream before heading on up the trail to find a campsite.

The highlight of today’s hike by far was crossing Max Patch, a bald that affords 360 vistas. With plentiful sunlight that had arrived in the early afternoon, the views were again…. well, OK, they were breathtaking. I just can’t think of a more appropriate adjective right now. With the wind practically blowing me horizontal, I remembered last fall when Linda and I had visited Max Patch by car. It was especially poignant to be hiking up today.

When I finally reached Lemon Gap where Brad was scheduled to pick me up, I was a full hour ahead of when I had expected to arrive. For the half hour I had to wait, I began journaling in the rather isolated area. Since I was getting a little cold, it was good to see Brad pull up. Today’s hike was indeed special, but not as special as the quality time I was able to share with my old friend on the ride to and from the trail. On the return trip it was especially meaningful to discuss how some of Brad’s former high school teammates are doing these days. It seems hard to believe it’s been 25 years since I coached them. In fact, I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to another beautiful day on the Appalachian Trail.

When the first hint of daylight crept through the skylight of the shelter, I quietly exited my top floor accommodations as rapidly as possible. Piddling Around was having some breakfast before being the first out of camp. I ate two oatmeal pies and drank as much water as I could hold before following Piddling on up the trail. Having perused today’s terrain in my Thru Hiker’s AT Guide last night, I was looking forward to a very comfortable last day in the Smokies.

Like the Guide had indicated, today’s trail was among the easiest. What I was not expecting, however, was more ice. Although not for any long stretches, on several occasions I had to slow down considerably and navigate around or over very dangerous areas. I fell once when I stepped on what I thought was a safe place to step, that proved otherwise. Still, I quickly recovered, paying even more attention to where I stepped. Many times I was able to step on the footfall of a previous hiker, which allowed me to get a good pace going.

As I hiked throughout the morning, I saw only one southbound section hiker, 8 iron, from Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Breeze and Windy passed me before noon as did the trio of Gumby, Riley (now Wiki), and Ryan. These young men all hike at a faster pace than the “old guy.” When Breeze and Windy came by, I was stopped at the site of an old airplane crash. A small piece of twisted metal is still visible just off the trail.

Hiking strongly, I arrived at the Crosby Knob shelter, where I planned to stop for lunch, at around 11:30. All the hikers who had passed me were there having lunch as well. I only stayed briefly, wanting to get to Davenport Gap before 3:00 where one of my old cross-country runners from Shaw was going to pick me up.

So after a brief climb of about 800 feet after the shelter, the remainder of today’s hike was downhill. I met one other hiker heading south in the afternoon, Nick, who had recently moved to the area from Montana. Just after passing Say What, a hiker about my age who apparently had left the shelter this morning even before Piddling, I spotted a runner in a gold T-shirt headed up the trail toward me. “Hey, Coach!” my former student athlete and now good friend Brad Dodson shouted. Brad lives outside Waynesville, NC and often runs with friends on the AT. Today, however, he was combining a run with driving a weary hiker to a room at Lake Junaluska for the night. A very talented potter, Brad has a pottery studio, Muddabbers, just off the parkway and also does a little cross-country and track coaching himself.

As I reached Davenport Gap I could officially say goodbye to the Smokies. The views have been spectacular, and I could not have had better weather for enjoying them. So now I’m about to partake of dinner with Brad and his oldest daughter Cora, before getting a restful night’s sleep. Tomorrow I plan to slack pack to Max Patch where Brad will again meet me.

Today was another day when I paused often to think about my brother and just how much enjoyment he too would be getting from these mountains. It was again a day that allowed me hours of solitude for memories and reflection. And it was also yet another day on the Appalachian Trail when I thought again how much I loved my brother and how much Don loved the woods.

Seventeen years ago today, my dad died, exactly eleven weeks after suffering a massive stroke. My mother and I were at Northside Hospital in Atlanta with him. When his condition had become grave, I called my brother. Don and I consoled each other at a difficult time. So today I thought of my dad and my brother often as I hiked alone for all of the day. Remembering special times a father had shared with his two sons seemed appropriate while walking through a majestic forest with vistas as far as the eye could see.

After a home cooked egg and sausage casserole with toast, juice, and coffee, Bennett and Lynda drove me back to the trail at Newfound Gap. Bennett even walked a couple hundred yards up the trail with me before shaking my hand and wishing me well. I felt truly blessed to have been able to spend time with these good Christian friends. It’s definitely the folks who offer their kindness and hospitality that keep the weary hikers moving along.

As I walked away from my friend I immediately noticed the gentle climb out of the gap. Time passed quickly. When I reached the ridge line I was treated to the best views that the hike has afforded thus far. At about the 3 mile mark I filled my small water bottle from Ice Water Springs. The water was the coldest I’ve tasted on the trail. Shortly thereafter I arrived at a 0.1 mile trail to Charlie’s Bunion. I walked out by myself to admire the views and take photos. Them I retraced my steps back to the AT.

So for the entire day I hiked without passing anyone, nor was I passed by any other hikers. I did meet three trios of southbound section hikers. One group was from Cincinnati. They have been making annual visits to the Smokies for 14 years, one said. Another group was from the local area. A sweet lady in the group said she recently lost a good friend to ALS, when I told them about my hike in memory of Don.

As the day wore on I ate and drank often, stopping twice to enjoy the turkey sandwich I had made at the Massey’s this morning. I also took numerous short breaks just to enjoy the views. Late in the afternoon I had to again deal with ice on the trail, although the trail was not as treacherous as yesterday. There I was hiking in short sleeves and shorts, with temperatures in the high 70’s, walking through ice and snow. Many times, however, I was able to walk around the more difficult stretches. Fortunately, I was able to stay vertical all day.

When I finally reached the Tri-Corner Knob shelter, there was only one space remaining. Already there were Piddling Around, Gumby, Riley, Ryan, Breeze (from Lagrange, GA), Windy, Say What, and a group of eight teenage section hikers from Ypsilanti, Michigan. They are part of a hiking club at their high school. Erica, a teacher at their school, and Julian, a former student , are chaperones. And least I forget, my buddies Grinch and Kermit arrived just before dusk.

As I look around at the crowded shelter, I am glad it’s my last night in the Smokies, despite the awesome views and the moderate to easy terrain. If all goes according to plans, I’ll hike to Davenport Gap, the northern boundary of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, tomorrow. Then I hope to be in Hot Springs by late Saturday or Sunday, if I can do some big miles on Friday. Well, the crackling of the campfire beckons, so I’m about to join the other sojourners for some hiker chat before hunkering into my sleeping bag for another night on the Appalachian Trail.

When I heard Piddling Around piddling around at daybreak, I felt it OK to begin packing up even though most of my shelter mates were still asleep. I quickly readied myself for a short 10.8 mile day to Newfound Gap where church friends Bennett and Lynda Massey would be waiting to treat me to a night in a luxurious condo in Sevierville, TN. The thoughts of a hot shower and “real” food inspired me to get on up the trail quickly.

The trail from Double Springs shelter began with a walk through a canopy of evergreen trees. The scent reminded me of Christmas while the scene brought back recollections of the forest in “The Wizard of Oz” where the scarecrow keeps repeating, “lions and tigers and bears, oh my.” I knew I didn’t have to worry about any lions or tigers……I’m still waiting to see my first bear on this trip. I had my camera handy all day, just in case.

Within a mile Piddling Around caught up with me, so we hiked together for a large part of the day. I also hiked for a while in the afternoon with Cabo, a hiker about my age that I had met for the first time last night at the shelter. We took turns leading over the icy slush which still did not make negotiating the trail any easier. I fell three times on the ice today. That ups my total of falls now to five. And in addition to the falls, I also literally skied down one section for about ten yards before coming to a stop still standing. How? I don’t know. I suppose there’s no harm in ski blazing. If not for my trekking poles, I’m not sure I would have ever made it down from Clingman’s Dome. Since the observation tower was fogged in when we passed, we chose not to climb the half mile trail to the tallest point in TN. After all, my top elevation today was over 6500 feet.

After I finally reached an elevation where the trail wasn’t quite so icy, I made good time hiking on to Newfound Gap. As has been the custom every day for about the last week, at some time during the day Grinch and Kermit pass me. So with about two miles remaining in today’s hike they zipped by. I actually hiked with them for a few minutes before they pulled away. I’m looking forward to seeing more of the two young men up the trail.

With about 300 yards until reaching Newfound Gap, I looked up rounding a bend and Bennett and Lynda were walking toward me. They were the first familiar faces I had seen since starting the hike over two weeks ago. When we got to their truck in the parking lot, they had a cold soda ready and even stopped for me to get a burger on the way to the condo in Sevierville, TN. By far, these are the beat accommodations I’ve had thus far. Now they are about to take me out for dinner, so I’m hoping all this town food will lead to a strong day tomorrow when I continue the Smokies on the Appalachian Trail.

Today was one filled with many ups and downs……in more ways than one. While eating my two blueberry pop tarts for breakfast, I couldn’t help thinking of an old saying by one of my kinfolks, “if I had any ham, I’d have some ham and eggs, if I had any eggs.” Needless to say, a trail breakfast never stacks up to a town one. And as a result of poor nutrition from the onset, I struggled for much of the day.

A climb over Rocky Top awaited me shortly after today’s hike began. The views at the top were among the most spectacular I’ve experienced up to this point. Looking back toward the west, Fontana Dam was visible in the distance. I only paused for a minute, however, due to the high winds. So after a couple of pics, I hiked on. For the entire day, I hiked solo.

Throughout the morning my energy level quickly dissipated. Within the first two hours I was passed by Rocket, Whiskers, Postman, and Puffy, who had all stayed at the shelter previous to mine last night. A little later Grinch and Kermit also sailed by. By the time I reached the Derrick Knob shelter, I was definitely struggling. I took a break to eat and try to rehydrate. Apparently, however, the food was not enough. About a mile after hiking on up the trail, I had to stop for another rest. While sitting on a log, drinking water and eating peanut butter, Grinch and Kermit stopped to check on me. Grinch gave me some jellybeans and both hikers refused to move on until I assured them I was OK. I’ve hiked in the vicinity of these two young men from Marietta, GA for over a week. They are a good representation of how folks on the trail look out for each other. Before hiking on they encouraged me to make it to the shelter where they were staying.

Well, after the break I began to feel much better. I just have to keep drinking all day, especially when it gets warm like it did today. As I continued up the trail, the uphills were relentless. None were that long; they just never seemed to cease. And every uphill was followed by a downhill which led to another uphill. I walked on flat terrain very little of today’s hike. Still, the often panoramic views more than made up for my difficulties.

By the time I reached the Siler Bald shelter, I was feeling much better. After another short break I hiked on to Double Springs shelter where I met up with Rocket, Whiskers, Grinch, Kermit, and several hikers who I had not seen before. The campfire is going and everyone is huddled around as sundown approaches. After a difficult 13.5 mile day (due to how I felt, not to the trail conditions), I have a shorter hike tomorrow into Newfound Gap. I’m definitely looking forward to a town meal again.

The Appalachian Trail presents all hikers with a variety of challenges daily. As I hiked slowly at times today, I could imagine my brother offering encouragement with every step. I made it through some difficulty today, but tomorrow quite probably will provide another day filled with great vistas, fellowship, and opportunity, as most do on the Appalachian Trail.

What a day for a hike! Blessed with a beautiful sunny Sunday, I covered 17.9 miles for my longest day so far. But before I comment on the particulars of today, I want to add some info regarding last night. My evening at the Hike Inn was truly memorable.

Nancy, Jeff’s wife, drove Rocket, Whiskers, Piddling Around, and me to Robbinsville for a meal and re-supply for the Smokies. I shared a table at a Mexican restaurant with Piddling Around, a retired postal worker from near Wadley, AL. When I was about finished with my meal I experienced a wonderful surprise. Into the restaurant walked Prayerwalker and her husband Nick. Prayerwalker, a member of the trail journals community, and I have been corresponding since late last year. We had discussed where we might meet on the trail, but at a eating establishment outside Stecoah Gap was never a consideration. I think the excitement over finally meeting was mutual.

After arriving back at the Inn, I was finally able to watch a Braves game on TV. When the Braves rallied for the walk off win, I texted Brent and Sam to share in the victory. On so many occasions when the Braves won with ninth inning heroics, Don and I would replay the last inning over the phone. I even was able to watch some of the Final Four. It was a special ending to the day.

Today at 7:30 Nancy drove Rocket, Whiskers, and me back to the dam. They were starting at the visitors center; however, since I had ended my hike yesterday at the marina, I had a little over a mile to cover to get to the dam. When I did got there, Piddling Around had just arrived, so we hiked together over the Fontana Dam and into the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, the most visited park in the US and the one with the greatest black near population. We hiked together for a mile or so, but then I pulled ahead.

Once again, my legs felt fresh all day. Even though the climb up to the ridge ascended over 3000 feet, ample switchbacks afforded a comfortable ascent. I stopped to rest briefly twice, but waited until I found a comfortable tree to sit on to have my lunch. While I was enjoying a Subway melt that I has brought from Robbinsville, I realized that I had a cell signal, so I called Linda. Then I hiked on strongly for the remainder of the afternoon.

Not until after lunch did I see any other hikers. Johnny, a southbound section hiker from Chattanooga, stopped for a brief chat. Shortly thereafter I met a ridge runner, Carl or Greybeard, who gave me some information on available spots in shelters. While we were talking, I noticed two trail maintainers headed toward me. One said, “hey, it’s Don’s Brother.” It was Hopeful that I had met my first day on the trail. His fellow worker was Amy. You just never know who you’re going to meet on the trail.

For the remainder of the afternoon I saw no one else until I reached Mollie’s Ridge shelter. Walker T was taking a break for lunch. I retrieved some water from a spring behind the shelter before moving on up the trail. When I arrived at the Russell Field shelter, Whiskers and Rocket were there and going to stay the night. I rested for a bit, but then decided to hike on. Kind of like Forrest Gump, I just felt like hiking. A re-broadcast of The Prairie Home Companion escorted me to the next shelter where I arrived before 5:00. Garrison Keillor was at the Town Hall on W43rd St in Manhattan.

When I arrived at the Spence Field shelter, Zeus already had a fire blazing. Also there were two other hikers I had not met, Double Dare and Spicoli. Also here tonight are Grinch, Kermit, Head Bones, Molar Man, and Piddling Around.

Well, it’s been another remarkable day on the trail. I did big miles, met some more new hikers, and have a good spot in the shelter tonight. Tomorrow I have two options. I’ll probably choose the shorter one. So after the first day in the Smokies, all remains well on the Appalachian Trail.