April Journal Entries
April 1, 1998
The clouds cleared off at the top of Blood Mountain and the view was spectacular.
Steep 2500 ft climb to Neels Gap and the ... Hot Shower, laundry, turkey sandwich
and an Otis Spunkmeyer Muffin. Oooowhee!!! Spent the night at Goose Creek cabins
with Rip (dog) Van Ankle, his master, Slow Mo, Draonbreath and his girlfriend
"Ophiliah's Las Stand." Pizza and BEER!!! Dry county by the guy at the
front desk smuggles it in. Slept on a mattress on the floor. Heaven.
Gave my blisters a break. My feet already feel better. The weather looks great
today. Will load up on a fruit breakfast and head out tomorrow. I already feel
revitalized. Got some maps, food and unloaded some weight. Back to the woods!
April 2, 1998
Psssst. That's the sound of *trail magic*. "Even Steven" - 91, 77
years old parked at the Hopgen Gap and handed out Mountain Dews. Dripping ice water.
And, right next to my camp. Am I in heaven or what? Sold my Leki pole
to Joe (Rip Van Ankle) and bought Leki Makalu trekking poles. The are amazing and I flew
up the hills. Really takes the pressure off my knee. Hiked about 7 miles out of Neels Gap today. Tenting real close to a great
spring. 11 people in this really small spot. When I arrived I thought I would
be the only one here. 8 women and 3 men. I am Hugh Hefner. Weather
woman, Tigger, Christine, Frank and Chris, Walkaweek, TrailGimp, Scrabble, Minni Pearl
(still has the price tags on all her stuff... - formerly Lisa) (Scrabble has scrabble and
checkers written into a pillowcase - formerly Jenny) ...remember hiked with Jenny
and Lisa on the first day!!!???) , Katydid. Everyone is cooking and hanging out.
Great day today. Started a fire. Looking for a great night's sleep.
Good to be back in the woods. Orange sunset. Pink shooters... am I in
heaven???
April 3, 1998
Crazy day today... but the most important thing is that I am almost dry
and in my tent at Chatohoochie Gap. Eating an oreo cookie. I am camped up here
with Kadydid, Weather woman (btw - Weatherwoman is 3/3 on the rain predictions) Scrabble,
Minnie Pearl, Tigger, and her sister. Schoolbus and her husband are just down the
way. We woke up to the rain today, packed wet and headed 4
miles to the shelter @ Law Gap. We got there and huddled - 13 of us played
Yahtzee and Scrabble. I made delicious pancakes. We pulled out all our
sleeping bags and set around for about 5 hours. The rain cleared and we headed up
here. Everything is wet but it is still fun fun fun. 9 Miles total!!! Big day tomorrow. Blue Mountain and Unicor
Gap. Huge ups and downs. The knee is throbbing but holding up. Everyone
has aches and pains, but we are all doing great. Maybe we will see the SUN tomorrow!!! Hey, I can dream, can't I? No rain, no
Maine!!!
Cold today. Getting my fleece out. The Blueberry patch in a day or two.
It's been almost a week out here. I've met soooo many cool people. Good to be
away from the grind. Sun is setting and so am I. Hope to stay dry tonight.
April 4, 1998
The rains came last night. Tornados in the area - lightning and it got cold -
brrrrr. Camping with Weatherwoman tonight. Should stay warm. I would
love to see the sun, though!!! Tiggers Mom and Dad met us at Unicor Gap with brownies and
cherry coke. Walkaweeks dad left a whole box of Oreos. Needless to say, I at
way tooo much. Trail magic is so wonderful. MMMMmmmm. Knee still hurts
but feeling really strong. Go up Rocky Mountain today. I'm getting close to
GA/NC border at Bly Gap. I will take a day at Blueberry Patch. No reason to
push. It's Daylight savings and my one week anniversary on the trail So much
has already happened - it feels so much longer. Saw myself in a car window today at
Unicoi Gap. Yikes!! Who is that guy in the window? Well it's freezing, I
am wearing everything I own, and I am tired. Deep Gap Shelter tomorrow - then the
Blueberry Patch on - jeesh, what day is it, anyway??? Boy, do I smell bad! (And
loving it!!!)
April 6, 1998
Here I am at the Blueberry Patch. This Hostel is incredible. Yesterday was an
unbelievable day. I woke up to a fire started by Whiteblaze and Duster, an older
couple from New Hampshire. Packed up slowly while the sun rose to a cloudless sky.
The weather warmed and so did my boots. I trudged up Tray Mountain to a view
all the way back to Springer and Blood Mountain. I troops on down to Try Mountain
Shelter to read and sign the register and was greated by Sue Buak, her husband
"Mailman" GA-->ME 91, all from the Kennesaw Outing Club. More Trail
Majic - hot dogs, Potatoe salad, cole slaw, Peanut butter crackers, and that's right -
Smores. After Thanking everyone ... and hugging Sue, I made my way to Deep Gap
Shelter. About 9 miles today. Met up with
Scrabble, Minnie, Katydid and headed for the dreaded Kelly's Knob. A relentless climb.
We all stopped in Addis Gap to be greeted by a note left on the middle of the
trail. Held down by 6 rocks it read:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
I, Tigger, being of somewhat sound mind and tired body, do bequeath my worldly possessions
to the following:
Weatherwoman
Growler
Katie-did
Minnie-Pearl
Scrabble
In the event of my demise during this ascent, please roll my body into the nearest ravine
and divide my belongings amongst yourselves.
Good luck and see you @ the top,
Tigger
I started up Kelly's Knob, over the top and down to Deep Gap Shelter, a
welcome sight. A great dinner (Lipton's of course) and a spot int he double decker
shelter and a huge roring fire. That night I composed the following shelter entry.
"Ode to Kelly's Knob"
.... Lori will insert the text when she gets someone to decipher it!!!....
April 8, 1998
I'm sitting on the summit of "Standing India Mountain." Two days of
accomplishments: Bly Gap (my 1st state line and standing India Mountain)..and First Summit
over sooo..
After the Blueberry Patch we headed up to the Bly. The hike was tedious, but the
payoff - sweet!. A knarled tree marks the state line and we camped right next to it.
We laughed a lot around the campfire, another great night. This morning I got off to
a slow start after a huge cream of Wheat breakfast. My appetite is increasing.
I devoured 1/2 of my food bag at lunch. I can tell it's going to be tough to
keep weight on. This morning was a bear of a climb up Shoop Top Mountain.
Straight up. Soon we will hit Albert Mountain, our first rock scramble.
Headed into Deep Gap where the Florida ATC had set up a free feeding station.
Cookies, Chili, Chips, soda... The view as amazing as earlier, but now it is socked in -
as I write in the clouds, and the rain begin.
A few sparrows are pecking the ground just an arms length away. Looking for food
scraps, I suppose.
----Knock on wood, I haven't had anymore foot problems for two days. My knee still
aches, but I bought a brace in Hiawassee. Hopefully it will heal. Going to
keep my mileage down around 10 for a day - for awhile. That's what many of the
successful thru-hikers have been recommending. Talked to "Dreamcatcher"
and "Viewchaser" ('93) today at the food fest. Everyone has been so kind,
it is a little overwhelming.
Soon I will leave the group of girls behind, in search of solitude. I have begun my
meditation practice. The woods alone are peaceful and I have enjoyed my days hiking
alone.
Thought of my dad at the Blueberry Patch while I was washing $0.03 baggies. He would
have been proud! You can feel the spirits on this summit, even without the view.
I heard today that the difference between a thru-hiker and a homeless person is ---
Gore-tex. Given the way I smell, believe it!!! The
rains have started ... Till Tomorrow.
April 11, 1998
Saturday morning - much has happened. The 9th was great - did a 13 mile hike alone -
capped off by a rock scramble up Albert Mountain. Got up to the top where there was
a lookout tower. Winds at about 40 mph at the top of the tower. (Yes, I climbed
it!!!) When I got to the shelter, it was full, so I tented out.
I had actually hiked about 16 miles that day, because I got lost for while. Was
heading back south - what a stupid mistake.
Next morning, quick hike to Rainbow Springs campground for a shower - then into town for a
maildrop and outfitters run. The dryer ate my capline pants!!!
Ate at the all you can eat Western Sizzlin' (editorial comment: I'm sure they
didn't make any $$$ on Mike!!!) Then got a ride with "WeatherWoman",
"Tigger" and "2nd Chance" back with a guy from the restaurant.
Everyone has been so gracious.
I heard that "Scrabble" was giving "Minnie Pearl" the
boot. I will bite my tongue about that, but woke up about 6:50am and ran back to the
trail to rescue her. "Tigger", "WeatherWoman" and I are
kidnapping her, helping her buy gear and taking her with us to Fontana.
The abandonmant of "Minnie" by "Scrabble" and
"Katydid" is the first bad Kharma I have felt on the Trail.
When I made it back to Rock Gap, "Minnie" started crying when
she saw me. We will keep "Minnie" safe, and get her up to speed.
April 11, 1998
Sitting outside Three Eagle Outfitters. We have officially rescued "Minnie
Pearl" from the throwes of abandonment. I suppose that the Trail is really a
metaphor for life. On the Trail it is impossible to avoid confrontation. We
saw "Scrabble" at this oufitters and at McDonalds. Very uncomfortable
scene. "Katydid" was noticebly upset and crying. Crazy. I will
stay with "Minnie " probably through Fontana. She, the ousted, has become
the victor in this scenario, if ther is one. She is so happy to be free, not on
"Scrabble's" time-table or eating schedule. I am happy the situation is
resolved, they are all such nice gals, I am saddened by what has taken place. It is
for the best.
I'm also hungry... ALWAYS!!!
The peacefulness of this life is amazing. As we watch cars come in
and out, it is nice to know I have a small world, consisting of my pack and its contents.
My direction in life is north. Simple. Water, Food and sleep.
Tomorrow, "Tiggers" parents are meeting us at Wahaya Gap with
hot dogs. Its right at 6 miles so we can get a big day in tomorrow.
Bought a freeze dried three cheese lasagna..... Yuppy!! Did I mention I
was hungry?
The girls are busily discussing how hairy they are becoming. This is
my life. Would you like to join me on the trail??
April 12, 1998
Operation Rescue "Minnie Pearl" has been a grand success. She bought a
tent, a stove and various odds and ends. Chaz McGlaughlin, a trail angel, shuttled
us back to the trail; we walked .2 miles to the most incredible stream and set up camp.
A few hors later a couple came by and gave us the last of their Merlot.
They had been making the world spin on the top of Silar Bald. We also met two
boy scout leaders (and one's wife" who had led 6 Philmont trips. I told them
the story of how a glorious trip to Philmont last year had changed the life of my friend
Bill in St. Louis, and how his son's Andrew and Doug planned a boundary waters trip later
this year.
We took pictures to commemerate "Minnie's" first day of
liberation and freedom. I have never seen her happier. (Then again, I have only
known her two weeks. ) We laughed a lot around a great campfire. I have
developed a system where I yell out "Five miutes of wood gathering!!" and
everyone jumps into gear. Everyone pulls together and in five minutes we have a huge
shared pile of dry firewood.
We all told stories of our pets we missed, and also of the celebration we
feel over our two week - over 100 mile accomplishment.
Last year, "WeatherWoman" had started the trail, but had soon
severely damaged her knee. She had to get off the Trail right around Bly Gap.
She remembered the rock she sat and cried on the previous year. She yelled at, and
kicked the rock, and she hiked past it two days ago.
Now that she is past her ending point, I am enjoying the sense of
discovery she has picked up. I am not sure the others notice, but
"Weather" is finally beginning to feel at home out here. She is blooming.
She is also PMS's and yelled and cried at her Tarp when it fell off her pack.
No one was around to witness the event, but her recount of it is quite hilarious.
There are no secrets on the trail. This morning we woke up after a clear, but
below freezing night. I shivered much of the night. I am finding that the less
you wear in a sleeping bag, the better, it works. Body heat transfer, and the like.
Tonight, I sleep naked.
When "Weather" woke up this morning, first (of course) she tried
to get the gear bag down. "Tigger" was getting the other bag, and her
Carraieng was hung up. Well, as soon as "Weather" release her Bear Bag,
the Carribieg came careening into her face. No blood, lots of crying and laughing,
though.
So, as I walked today, I made up the following song:
"When you get hit in the head with a beener
You know you won't be comin' back for more
Cause when you get hit in the head, you know you'll soon be dead;
When you get it in the head with a beener"
(Kinda catchy!)
I also wrote the first verse:
"Weather woke up at 6 o'clock on Easter Mornin'
Hankerin' for a growler and some food
But encountered a little tree snag
The beener was stuck and she didn't know what to do!!!
Maybe I'll sing it at the Trail Days Hiker Talent Show.
At lunch, "Tiggers" folks drove up and made us hot dogs, potato
salad and brownies for lunch. Three hours they drove. Trail Magic is
unbelievable.
The night before we had met hikers "Rush." He was born in
Latfiah, I believe, and had hiked from Harper's Ferry to Katahdin last year. He was
an amazing guy, with Trail wisdom that I have been dying to know. He carried the
lightest pack I had yet seen on the trail. He offered to show me everything in his
pack and I gladly accepted. I am inspired to make a few gear changes in Natahala
Outdoor Center (NOC). Winter gear, 5 days of food, 35 lbs - Amazing. He spoke
of hiking and the trail poetically, speaking with wisdom of all aspect of the Trail.
But, completely without pretention. From diet - to hiking style... I am sure
that I was embarassingly wide-eyed, but he was a captivating speaker.
The women, including "Tigger's" Mom commented on his looks and
his ass, so the conversation quickly went into the gutter. But, he inspired me
today. To be flexible. I cannot change the trail, only my thinking about the
impact of the Trail on me. Couple that with the fact that I am beginning to feel
like a Thru-hiker. The pace today was comfortable, and meandering. We covered
almost 13 1/2 miles, over our First Bald's. Wajoh Bald was beyond words. The
view was spectacular. And, despite the fact that the climbing was uphill most of
today, I felt strong. In two weeks I can notice a change... a remarkable change.
Is the Trail hard? Do I have Trail ailment? Well, I have a
gash on my head. Trying to keep infection out of a cut on my knee, some blisters
have returned (without much pain), my little toe on my left foot has developed a callus
the size of Rhode Island, my lower back hurts a lot and sometimes my legs go a bit numb at
night, the outside bottoms of my feet are going numb and I am worried a bit about blowing
my right knee,
But, there isn't a place on earth I would rather be
than here. The trail is magical. It reduces life to its rudimentary element
and forces you to live without attachments.
Each day I grow stronger, mentally, physically, emotionally, and
spiritually.
"Rush" summed it up in a children's book he is writing on the
Trail called "Something Happened on the way to Maine." I can't remember
the words, exactly but it goes something like this:
Children remembered never forget:
The farther you go, the smarter you get.
The slower you go, the farther you go...the sooner you go...the more
you will grow.
Last night was the first night of Passover. I said a few prayers and
said Kaddish for my father. Passover was always so important to him. I am not sure
if it was appropriate to say it, but it made me feel his spirit in these woods. I'll
keep him here with me for a bit even though he'd rather be smokin' a cigarette and
watching "60 Minutes". It's OK. The fresh air will do him good.
Tomorrow we will head right near NOC, about a 14-15 mile day. We'll
run in the next morning for a good breakfast and may do a little white water rafting.
I am going to adjust my gear, which really means I am going to send home
even more gear!!! Maybe get a smaller pack. Steal some of "Rush's"
techniques. Anything to take the pain out of my knee and get me closer to Katahdin!!
We hit the Smokies in about 4 days, one of my first big goals!!!
Getting up at 6am tomorrow. Getting miles in before noon is the best
way to do it!!! And the sun rises are incredible!!!
April 16, 1998
Thursday, 7:07. 4.6 miles from Fontana Dam and the Smokies. Much has happened
which I will attend to momentarily. But first, our current predicament.
"Weather Woman" had decided to keep up with me. "Tigger" and
"Minnie Pear" are, probably 10 miles behind. We are perched in a gap --
though not a named gap -- in my tent in a severe lightneng/hail storm. Hail the size
of small and large marbles. For a clip flashlightt, without guys, the tent is
holding well. Ah... a pause in the rain.
Back in the tent, the rain is light now. We have guyed the tent.
Found one hail rock the size of a "C" cell battery. The fog rolled in and
it is halfway up the trees. The temperature has suddenly dropped about 15-20
degrees. "Weather" just crawled into her mummy. A tight sleep.
(Her tent arrives in Hot Springs in about 9 days. Che currently uses a bivy
.. bad choice in my opinion - and hers.)
After the night just below Wesser Bald, we all did an 18 mile day to get
into Nantahalla Outdoor Center, a community river rafting resort with 12 dollar
bunkhouses. A grueling day, capped off by 7 mile, 2700 foot descent. But it goes
straight up and down a lot. We ate at the Rivers End Restaurant. I ate Super
Nachos, the Nachos off the empty table next to us, a salad with double Thousand Island
dressing, a cheesburger, fries and a 3 scoop chocalate sundae -- and still I was hungry.
We took a zero-mile day the next day. I have reduced my pack load so
much, that my pack is 1500 cu inches too big, a third of the pack. Its gaping and
saging. I could definately make do, but I am in search of a smaller pack. So,
I looked around the outfitters without much success. "Katydid's" toe, big toe,
is severely bruised, and she must remain at NOC. I will miss her. She should
jump back on, soon.
"Minnie's" stomach was... well, let's just say displeased with
her, so she is dehydrated. We are still trying to convince "Tigger" to
send home her snivel gear -- a brush, wet wipes, and baby powder... the usual.
We all left NOC around 10:00 on the 15th after a good breakfast. 8
mile , 3500 foot climb, again, lots of ups and downs. The springs were incredible
and the view from Cheoch Bald amazing. It was a long 12 mile, 10 hour day of
climbing...all up.
I told "Weather" that I would love to go through the Smokies
with her if she wants to keep up. I told her I was doing 2 days and a tiny bit to
Fontana and 75 mile trek through the Smokies in 4 nights. 5 days if I can.
Pray for the knee.
We walk about 15 miles today over fairly tortuous terrain. And climb
out of Sweet water gap - was absolutely straight up!!! Just a short job to Fontana
tomorrow morning. All downhill!
I can't believe it... the Smokies! I'm almost there. Pretty
soon I will rip out the pages that say "Miles from Springer Mountain" and start
with "Miles from Fontana Dam"!!! A new map!
I am starting to get my hiking legs, knock on wood. I can climb with
amazing tenacity. Up Up Up without stopping.
"Weather" is doing great, too. We hike alone most of the
day. Meet up at cool spots. She's usually not too far behind me. After
the Smokies I will seek some solitude. The park is full of hikers, and you have to
stay in the shelters. They are covered with fencing to keep the bears away.
Wow, my first National Park of the Trail!!!
Tomorrow, mail - food - a quick shower, pictures of the largest dam east of the
Mississippi, then stay at the first shelter. It's called the "Fontana
Hilton". It's that nice. The hail has started again... time to sleep.
April 18, 1998
Despite numerous snorers - had a great night at the "Fontana Hilton" Shelter.
Woke up to rain. Hiked out of the Dam to the lookout tower on Shustak
Mountain. The tower is a rickety old structure with about 8 flights of wooden
stairs. On this gusty wind blown day, I was the only one to ventur up. Since
the tower was engulfed in black clouds, the climb up was frightening. At the
top was a small room, maybe 8' by 5', a few large batteries, some weather equipment and
the like, I climbed up to the roof on a broken old ladder. The roof was railed, but
the rail only went up to just above my knees. After a few quick gusts of wind, I
quickly retreated back to the safety of the small room.
The adventure was worth the effort! as the clouds rolled by, I
caught glimpses of the Dam, the mountains. It was breathtaking. I remained
there alone for about a half hour. The winds moved in; the skys quickly turned
black, and after the tower began to sway, creak and moan, I made a narrow escape.
Stopped for lunch at Birch Spring Shelter where Weather and Silver Surfer
were. Moved on to Mollies Ridge Shelter in the driving rain. Lots of new faces.
We were packed in the Shelter. Like sardines. In the Smokies the
Shelters have fencing on them so that the bears can't get in. The weather turned
nasty that night... cold, hail, rain and a lightning strike just outside the shelter...
About 20 ft or so.
April 19, 1998
Woke up to horrible weather. Made it to Sporee Shelter... only 5.6 miles.
Cold, wet... miserable.
April 20, 1998
Pushed on to Silers Bald. Weather was greeted with a Wild Boar outside the shelter.
Hopefully the rain wil let up soon.
... Best day in the Smokies. Left Silers with the "Old
Fahrt". (the "ah" is there because he is from New Hampshire.) to view
like no other. Burst through the clouds on Rakey Top Mountain. It was one of
those views like you see in all the books capturing the Smokies. The Old Fahrt took
27 pictures. Amazing! Hopefully, the pictures will come out.
April 21, 1998
Pushed hard today to Ice Water Spring Shelter, an 18 mile day. Was greeted at
Newfound Gap by a British couple who wanted to know all the details of my thru-hike.
The Old Fahrt, Model-T and I all took picture with them. I was a celebrity.
Arrived at the Shelter to find 9 Boy Scouts with reservations. So,
we get to camp. Expecting rain again.
April 24, 1998
REFLECTIONS ON THE SMOKIES: Well, the light drizzle turned out to be
8" of Heavy wet snow. Snow that didn't quit. Packed up a frozen tent and
hiked 13 miles.
No time to stop for lunch. When hiking in the snow, all you can do
is arrive at the shelter, aquickly jump in the sleeping bag and cook. In the
morning, put on the wet clothes, and hike again.
The snow was amazing, but I was frozen for 3 straight days. Model-T
called it "adversity training." I called it pure hell. I didn't have
my capiline long sleeve shirt, and suffered for it! Made it out alive, though.
The girls dropped out of the Smokies and went to Gatlinburg. They are now a
couple days behind.
Need to make it 36 miles in two days to Hot Springs. Will stay
tonight at Mountain Mamas.
April 25, 1998
Pulled a 24 mile day to get to Hot Sp9rings. Can't feel my toes anymore. Made
it in time to meet Skiddah and the Barbie Dream Pack, and hear Earl Shaffer -- the first
Thru-Hiker -- speak and show his slides from his 1948 thru-hike. He is 79 years old,
and intends on starting a commemorative hike this year. In about 2 weeks.
He'll probably pass me up.
Meeting Skiddah was the highlight of the day. I had corresponded
with her prior to our hike on Trailplace.com, a web-site dedicated to AT hiking. I
hope we can hike together soon.
April 26, 1998
Met all sorts of people today. "Got Milk?", "Too Obtuse",
"Treehugger", "Conjo", "Hawkeye", "Yo-Yo",
"Wadering Bear", "Reruns". What a wakey crew. Shopped for
and bought a new pack. It's 1500 cu in smaller than the pack I was carrying and 3
lbs lighter. Can't wait to use it.
April 27, 1998
Hiked out of Hot Springs today with Wandering Bear, after eating 3 cheeseburgers, that is.
Laughed the whole way! The rains came again, cold rains and the shelter was
packed. 18 tents! So many people coming out of Hot Springs after
"Trailfest". Rain expected for the next 5 days. Saw a 4-foot black snake
on the climb out of Hot Springs.
Had lunch with a few local celebrities: Wingfoot, David Brill (As
far as the Eye can see") and Maine Rose, a 1995 Female Thru-Hiker - she was happy to
see a "nice Jewish Boy on the trail."
April 28, 1998
Woke up early with Skiddah and had a good hike in the rain. Grabbed water at a
spring when we started getting tired and camped out. Wet, cold night.
April 29, 1998
Awoke last night to an owl hooting about 20' feet away. The hike in yesterday was
great. The wild flowers were spectacular. Today we hiked to Sam's Gap.
The day was full of Trail Magic. Crossed our first Stiles -- a stiles is a
wooden structure that is contructed to alllow hikers easy passage over the many barbed
wire fences on the trail. At our first stiles, we saw Rosie and Running Ribcage.
Rosie's dad brought apples and Pepsi.
Got to Sam's Gap in the rain, ready for cheeseburgers. It was
already about 3:30pm, but the world stops when cheeseburgers are available. Got our
first hitch in aobut 20 minutes. Not bad considering we were caked with mud from the
trail. Went to the convenience store first, then down to the Diner. Had
cheeseburgers, fries, salad, coke and pie with Frodo and Dr. Daisy G. whoe we had seen
earlier that day.
Our hitch to the diner was remarkable. A nice yuppie couple in a
wood-paneled mini-van stopped to pick us up. Wewere their first hitchhikers.
The ride was short - - a couple of miles-- but they gave us 3 Killian's Red beers
to take into the diner.
On the way back to Sam's Gap we were picked up by a woman named Marty, and
her dog Josh. Marty mentioned that severe weather was on its way. She said
that if we get to Spivey Gap in a day and a half (before 11:00) she would take us into
Erwin for re-supply. We plan on being passed Spivey, so we may not take her up on
it.
As we were leaving camp today we stopped for pictures at Blackstaff
Cliffs. It is now a refuge for Pregrine Falcons. Saw about 3 or 4 birds on our
clibm down we were startled by ruffing in the woods which turned out to be 2 local ATC
trail maintainers re-routing the Trail. One was Sam Waddle who maintain's Jerry's
Cabin Shelter. Jerry's Cabin Shelter boasts a few light switches and a telephone.
Met Doc at the shelter who seems to be suffering from a bit of Giardia....
a bacterial infection you get from drinking water that has been contaiminated, usually
from animals. It may be my hypochondria, but I seem to be suffering from some of the
same symptoms : gurgling stomach, bile feeling up to the top of my throat, nausea...
Out on the trail, I usually try to get my water from protected springs
that flow directly from under trees or rocks. I gather water, and if it looks like a
questionable source, throw in a couple iodine tablets. I have taken water straight
from the source numgerous times without any treatment.
I guess I'll keep tabs on my health.
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