Saturday, May 6, 2017
I've mentioned before a saying often used by hikers, "The trail provides." The expression refers to the uncanny way in which we are given help just at the moment we need it.
That saying was proven true again today, though this time I didn't know at first I needed help.
| Weather | Freezing rain overnight, then cloudy, breezy and chilly |
| Trail Conditions | Wet and muddy |
| Today's Miles | 2.3 miles |
| Trip Miles | 318.1 miles |
Rain continued off and on overnight. As the temperature dropped, it became freezing rain. Fortunately, the rain stopped just before dawn.
Several tents were scattered around a large area at Hogback Ridge Shelter, and the shelter was also full of hikers. Because of the rain, the ground was now mostly mud.
The conditions made packing and getting back on the trail this morning unenjoyable. The worst part was putting on clothes still soaked from yesterday's rain. They were now frigid after the temperature dropped to near-freezing.
For the last few days, much of the trail has hugged the state line. That was true again today, though as usual, there was no way to tell when it crossed into Tennessee and when it was in North Carolina.
After a minor climb to a spot called High Rock, the trail began a 700-foot descent to Sam's Gap.
On the way down, the trail passed a large granite marker. I was annoyed yesterday when I saw a small marker for a deceased hiker. My feelings when I saw this marker were far greater.
This was large, self-congratulatory monument erected by the family who donated the surrounding land. The U.S. Forest Service regularly and rightly preaches about Leave No Trace, and yet this monstrosity was allowed to be placed here.
When I saw it, guessed why it was here, and later, I confirmed it. The family made the placement of the marker a condition of their donation of the land.
Interstate Highway 26 goes through Sam's Gap. There is an underpass there, but no exit for vehicles to reach the gap from the highway.
As I approached the highway, I could tell there was some sort of activity on the other side of the underpass. Was it trail magic? My attitude immediately brightened at the possibility.
Yes, indeed it was! And it was excellent trail magic, at that. Lots of hot food was spread across a couple of tables, including pancakes, chili dogs, chips and other snacks, coffee, and beverages of all kinds.
I chatted with the trail magic hosts and learned the forecast for tonight was not looking good. More rain and dropping temperatures were predicted. Up to a couple of inches of snow were expected in higher elevations by late evening.
This news was not the kind of incentive I needed to leave the trail magic and get back to hiking.
Finally, after enjoying more food, I decided to suck it up and put on my pack. Just as I reached for it, another hiker turned to me and said, "I just called a shuttle to take us into Erwin. Want to join us?"
It took me less than two seconds to consider my options and say yes. Within ten minutes, three other hikers and I were squeezed into a subcompact car and on our way to Erwin.
When we got in the car, I said to the group, "I don't know any of you yet. I'm Gravity." The other hikers, I learned, were Skittles and Jeff, who were hiking as a couple, and Tentpole. It was Skittles who called the shuttle driver and invited me to join them.
After the introductions, Tentpole turned to me and said, "Do you want to share a room?"
"Sure!" I answered.
And such is the way of the Appalachian Trail. Within minutes of meeting complete strangers, you are friends and sharing motel rooms.
Our shuttle driver, Marie Bradford, took us to a Super 8 Motel.
When I Iooked outside from our motel window, the view wasn't exactly a sweeping panorama of nearby mountains. Nevertheless, I wasn't complaining. The weather continued to be dreadful, and the accommodations certainly beat what I would have had otherwise for tonight.
After doing my laundry and relaxing, I decided to get some dinner and resupply for the next few days. I had enough food to continue another couple of days, but now was a good time to extend the time before my next resupply.
There were no options for resupplying near the motel except gas station convenience stores, so I walked a couple of miles to a grocery store.
As I walked along a busy highway, I saw Bluestem, Uncle Puck, Wahoo, and a hiker I had not met before named White Beard. They were leaving a Chinese restaurant, so I stopped to catch up with them. I had not seen them since Franklin, N.C.
Although I took eight days off after finishing the Smokies, they were now just one day ahead of me on the trail. They got off where the trail was closer to Erwin than where I exited today.
The day turned out nothing like I anticipated it would be. It was a lesson to go with my gut and not hesitate when an opportunity arrises to join other hikers. I should not be afraid to say yes.
One long party from front to end
Tune to the whistle going round the bend
No big hurry, what do you say
Might as well travel the elegant way
Might as well, might as well
(Might as well, might as well)
Might as well, might as well
(Might as well, might as well)
Might as well, might as well
(Might as well, might as well)
Might as well, might as well
(Might as well, might as well)
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