5/1/99 Top of Cheoah Bald   Miles Today : 9 Miles from Springer : 143

OK, today was another short day, but considering that we didn't get going until noon, and 8 of the 9 miles were uphill (1500 to 5100 ft) not a bad day.

We all got going a little late today since a group of high school rafters arrived at 1 am and woke everyone up. When we all did finally get moving, the weather had finally turned in our favor. In fact, today was just about everything that I like about hiking rolled up into a few hours. The trail was a long, hard climb. The temperature was warm, but not unbearably so and the company was great.

Along for the ride today was Breathe Easy, Uphill, Trail Princess, Fah-Queen, Drive-By (armed with a 30lb food bag) and Bulletproof (formerly Steve: his new pack has a giant Kevlar sticker).

Along the way, I met up with Shane again. He is having more knee problems, but sticking it out.. Also camping with us tonight are Trailhead and Rob. The views from this particularly bald peak were astounding. We got to see many peaks we had already crossed over to the south, and a view of the Smokies, which are very close at hand. The sunset was one of the best and the nine of us crammed into the small ledge to watch it. The sun dipped down behind the 6000 foot ridge of the Smokies and Fontana Lake shimmered in the dwindling light. Watching this, all of us were strangly quiet, not needing to speak, but rather appreciating someting so much bigger than any of us.

As much fun as today was, however, our happy group may soon be splitting up. I am getting antsy for a big mileage day as are others, but Breathe Easy, Uphill, Fah-Queen and Trail Princess are all sub-20 milers. Tomorrow, everyone is shooting for the Fontana Dam. A 20 mile day. While I hope that we all manage to stay together, that seems unlikely. That's all for now. I am going to need the full night's sleep so I can get moving nice and early tomorrow. This is why I came here, I remember now!

-Chomp

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