5/17/99 Cherry Gap Shelter   Miles Today : 16.2 Miles from Springer : 353.9

Whoo Hoo!! I HAD FUN TODAY! First thing this morning, I called Dr. Colinger in Erwin to look at my ankle. He told me he could squeeze me in at 9:45, so into town I hitched. After checking in, etc… the doctor come in, examines my ankle and wraps it with this stuff called Coban. Coban is essentially a one time use Ace Bandage, but its thinner, sticks to itself and forms almost a soft cast once wrapped. After 30 minutes, the doc gives me 2 rolls of the stuff and sends me on my way. When I go to check out, the receptionist tells me its no charge for thru-hikers, even for the Coban. Can this town get any better!?

So back to Jonny's I go to pack up and head out. I finally got going around 12:00. The first 4 miles were miserable, mostly because I had already hiked them.. TWICE! But seriously, I felt great today, my ankle felt strong and my legs were itching to go.

Bumped into Chooch, Mental and Drumstick at the first shelter. Mental won the Hiker Talent Show at Trail Days for his ability to hop a mountain bike from picnic table to picnic table. For this skill, he won a $500 Gregory pack. Nice.

Later in the day, I went over The Beauty Spot, a low bald mountain with great views in all directions; a great place to stop for lunch. As I moved toward the shelter, I passed Moonshine and Apterix, who will most likely now make it all the way to this shelter.

I arrived here to find Tennessee Walker, Pan and Walking Tree. Walking Tree was upset that there wasn't more drinking and drugs at Trail Days. He tells me this as he fires up his mini pot pipe. Nothing like coming out to the woods to get high alone.

No matter, not even Smoking Tree can ruin my good mood today. I am going to have to kick it back into high gear to catch up to Drive-By. He made it here last night and started out today attempting a 21 miler. Oh well, looks like I need a 25! Hiking happily once again.

-Chomp

< Previous Entry | Next Entry >