Trail Letter 6: 4/6 and 4/7

8.5 refreshing miles today. But it was after a not-so-refreshing night’s sleep. Bigfoot and I were right next to the world’s loudest snorer. I’ve seriously never heard snoring this loud in my life — we were laughing in disbelief for about 23 seconds, then the reality of our sleepless night set in. We tried short yells to wake him to no avail. So we had to pick up our pads/bags and move to the other side of the barn, but 15 ft. doesn’t help too much. Anyway, I told him if there were a world’s loudest snoring contest, he’d win it.

The rains finally passed, and we were left with a beautiful Spring day. Green is starting to pop up through the forest floor, and occasionally I catch a whiff of that (or one of the) Spring smell — freshness, newness, greenness, revitalization. We were on top of Hump Mountain (5,800′), and we could see the field of clouds keeping sunlight from the rest of the world, but we were above it all… magnificent.

Our low mileage today is a product of the day of the week — Sunday. I have a mail drop to pick up, but the PO isn’t open on the Lord’s Day, so we stopped at the Mountain Harbour Hostel for the day. We’re watching ESPN’s Greatest Sports Plays of All Time (on VHS, it’s like 25 years old) right now. Anyway, mail drop tomorrow, then back on the Trail!

Called Caitlin, she said Feezel started about an hour and a half after we, but stopped after 3 miles, whereas we did 16. So he’s not too far behind.

4/7

18.2 hilly miles today. We’re finally out of North Carolina and fully in the homeland, Tennessee. All the miles today were very gently graded — I think we stayed between 3000′ and 4000′ the entire 18.2. We hit the Trail late, though becauuuuse…

Feezel showed up! I had just returned from the PO with my 2 mail drops and a card and was sorting out the delicious food when Feezel walks through the hostel doors! He had busted butt to catch up, so we were reunited for the day.

Mom sent me 3 pints and 1 quart of jarred birthday cake! We ate the tree pints, and I put the quart in the fridge with a note for future hungry hikers to feast. She also sent a box of 24 packaged Rice Krispy Treats, so we ate as many as we could, then I put the rest in a bag and hung it on a tree along the Trail as Trail Magic. I’m sure some starving hiker will absolutely love them.

I also received a book in this mail drop — it’s a new addition to my gear, so we’ll see how it goes.

Thanks everyone who’s called — I changed my greeting so it’s more convenient for you — and everyone who’s supported me in some way — be it thoughts or contact. You’re all making my “job” much… better. And a HUGE thanks to Mom — the dehydrated meals look absolutely scrumptious; you did a wonderful job and I’m looking forward to future drops.

Today was our 30th day out here….