And I didn't even know it. It was a little stream were I sat for a spell and had a cool drink of water. The days are melting together so much that many times I have to really think hard about what the date is and even more so about the actual day of the week. I believe this was yesterday!??!
Since Hiawassee, some of the "Dream Team" has fallen behind mainly because we have been doing 12 mile days: Bison on the first day; Rusty, Goof and Flossing Bison (Chris) on the second. I bet 2 poptarts either 1 of them would catch up and make it to camp. I have yet to know the results.
Another phenomenon of the trail are the registers placed at every shelter. These detail the travels of the hikers who pass through with as little or as much detail as one could imagine. It has become my bible (King James bibles are abundant as well) and I enjoy taking a break during the day to read the entries of hikers I have met and of those whose names I have heard of from passing hikers. I slowly get to know others still whom are a few days ahead, whom I have not met but whose entries catch my eye.
I just spend the night in Franklin on an impromptu dash into town. Ian and Kendra (from here on in Iken) and I were pushing forward a bit looking for a campsite since the shelter was far too crowded for anyone to be comfortable; one guy seemed happy to be able to sleep on the table. We came to a road crossing when a little red pickup pulled up and told us he was taking someone into town already. Well, we jumped in the back and split a hotel room, load of laundry and pizza. Showers were seperate and individual.
I don't have much time to write this morning because I want to run to Kmart to get some cheap walking poles(they really do make a huge difference) and a bag liner to keep warm in the Smokies. The next town I hit is Fontana Dam about 50 miles away. That town will be the last point of revitalization before heading into the unpredictable and capricious Tennesse Smokie mountains. The elevation will be the highest I have climbed at more than 6,000 ft.
Onwards and Upwards.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Enjoying asphalt for a while!!
ReplyDeleteHave fun in NC!!
A bientot electroniquement,
Fred... I really want this blog to have a thumbs up, "I like this comment" option.
ReplyDeleteonly 1,106 left... onward and upward!!
ReplyDeleteSending you all my strength and admiration. FG
Wow Fred! It sounds like you are having an amazing time. You are totally in your element! I love the blog! Count me in as a follower...I most likely will never register though. --Abbey
ReplyDeleteBonjour marsouin, continue, très contente des nouvelles. Gros bisoux. Mamie
ReplyDeleteBravo mon fils à moi, comme dirait Achille Talon ! Nous sommes zen avec toi. Je suis un peu jaloux de ton aventure merveilleuse ; j'ai quand même commencé à nettoyer le terrain, la neige est presque fondue.
ReplyDeleteHugs papaman
I enjoy reading your journal... Nice... - Ivy
ReplyDeleteFRED! I can't believe how far you've gone in such a short time. It's so good to hear about what you're doing. It sounds like you've made some friends along the way. Have a blast my friend and good luck climbing the mountains. Love ya!
ReplyDeleteHey Fred, Hope you've had a good week on the trail. Looking forward to your next post! -Melis
ReplyDelete