Journal Entry #39

Friday, May 6 - Day 43 - Mile 412.8 - Dennis Cove - Staying at Kincora - owned by Bob Peoples.

Had a great sleep at our camp site last night. We headed out this morning at 7:45 and headed for this hostel Which was about an 8 mile hike.

The day started out cold but nice for hiking. About 10:00 AM rain/sleet came in.  We arrived at the Hostel about 12:00PM

This is a great place full of a lot of familiar faces. We're having a great time relaxing and eating and catching up on what everyone has been up to.  With Trail Days coming the place is full.

Baltimore Jack (of Mountains Crossing fame) is here cooking and telling stories.

Tonight we'll take the shuttle into town to re-supply and come back here for dinner.

Peace, love, joy & happiness,
Trolley Stop

Typical Trail View looking South

Typical Trail View looking North

Jouranl Entry #38

Thursday, May 5 - Day 42 - Mile 404.9 - Campsite
End of my 6th week and broke 400 miles. Beginning to feel like we've done something. The Virginia State line is also close.  Only about 54 miles away. We'll likely get some miles beyond Damascus before Trail Days at this rate.

Started off the day by having an amazing breakfast at the Mountain Harbour B&B just off the AT.  (This hiker hostel set a new high standard) Then back on the trail. Still cold, but no snow, hail or rain.

Day turned out to be perfect so we had another high mileage day.

Tonight I'm tenting at a campsite with Buffalo Bobby and Vegemite. Starting to get cold quickly and we're bushed from our hike today so we're all in our sleeping bags at 7:45PM. (think I may have set a record getting the tent up this evening)

It's interesting that no north bound hikers have walked  past us in the last couple of days. Despite seeing few hikers on the trail, the hostels and shelters are full.

With the beautiful weather today we we're treated to many great views. This section was also packed with waterfalls and rushing streams.

All continues to go well. Looking forward to seeing those who can make Trail Days.

Lots of love,

Trolley Stop



Table Setting at breakfast at the Mountain Harbour B&B



Enjoying Breakfast!



Falls along the trail

Taking a pack break at the falls

Buffalo Bobby planning out our next stop

Vegamite

Roan Mountain

Journal Entry #37

Wednesday, May 4 - Day 41 - Mile 388.4 - Roan Mountain B&B - Elk Park, NC

Very heavy rain overnight and cold, but not raining this morning. Enjoyed listening to the rain on the roof from our dry, warm bunk room.

After a good breakfast we were shuttled back to the trail by Connie, the Owner of the Greasy Creek Inn, where we spent another night,  but found that the woods were covered with snow and a light snow falling.  Looked just like a scene out of Dr Zhivago.  We hiked in snow, sleet or falling ice for about two hours after which it warmed up enough that we could hike in shirt sleeves. That didn't last long as high cold winds came up as we crossed the balds. The rest of the day we hiked in our parkers.  The sleet threatened all day, but fortunately, aside from cold temperatures, worse weather didn't materialize.  This has been the coldest day since the hike began on March 25th.  Who would expect this in May?  Some have already sent home their winter gear.

Tonight most hikers have found a hostel or other spot to take shelter from the freezing. We, Buffalo Bobby, Bandaid Kid and myself are the nicest hiker hostel yet - really a B&B.   After breakfast it's back on the trail.

Dan Martin (Cursillo buddy) called me today to let me know he saw my name on the prayer list on the Rooster Review.  He was concerned something may have happened to me on the trail but I assured him I was doing great. Those prayers must be working however since I seem to be having extremely good fortune so far. Thanks all!!!

Trolley Stop

Waiting for Breakfast

Can you believe this Hiker Hostel??



Buffalo Bobby talking to our host Mary



Amazing Breakfast spread.  Cost, $5 dollars!

Journal Entry #36

Tuesday, May 3 - Day 40 - Mile 374.6 - Carvers Gap  TN

Weather reports for today was very poor, as it is for the week,  but we seem to be having good luck with hiking in good weather.

Today we slack packed over 10 miles.  We were fortunate that heavy rain held off until we returned to the hostel but we were ready for anything with our rain gear.   Slack packing truly is a walk in the woods. It was a pleasure only carrying about 7 pounds or so - water, rain gear and snacks.

We're all now waiting for Pizza which will be brought in later. In the meantime Buffalo Bobby and others had their hair cut by 20% (trail name) I'm waiting to get my Mohawk until some later date.  I'll post before & after photos of Buffalo Bobby when I Can.

Tomorrow we get back on the trail where we started today and continue north.

Today we passed a lot of friends as we hiked south and Buffalo Bobby passed out Snicker bars he had carried in his slack pack as trail magic.

Trolley Stop

Buffalo Bobby getting his haircut by 20%

Buffalo Bobby Before the haicut

Buffalo Bobby after the haircut

Journal Entre #35

Sunday, May 1 - Day 38 - Mile 344.1 - Curley Maple Gap Shelter

Once again the trail is calling. Won't "0" today because the weather is good. Will go into town for breakfast and start on the trail a bit late today.  More news later.

10:00 - have a phone signal in town so was able to speak with Jane and others.

1:30 PM - Short 4.2 miles (1300' elevation gain) to this shelter and will dry out the tent and relax this afternoon.
This shelter was just built last  year...the best we've seen in a long while.

Buffalo Bobby is making tea for himself and Gail (One of the Chosen Few) who's just passing thru taking a lunch break. As with many others, Gail has been showing up in several places.  Sometimes hikers will "slack pack" which means someone will drive them 15 or 20 miles ahead on the trail and they can hike back to the hostel without carrying a full pack- just food & water for the day. So it's not unusual to see someone you know slack packing south only to be dropped off the next day where they started their slack packing the day before and continue north. I'm sure at some point I'll have the opportunity to slack pack.

7:30 - Turning in.  Shelter is full with lots of good folks. We've had a pleasant afternoon meeting with many who just stopped for lunch and those here for the night.

Tomorrow we get back in stride hiking longer miles heading for the next hostel by mid week or sooner. We have a 2100' climb tomorrow so I hope we sleep well tonight.

Trolley Stop

Dinner at the Shelter

Gail (One of the Chosen Few)

Journal entry #34

Saturday, April 30 - Day 37 - Mile 339.9- Erwin, TN

Wow!  68.1 miles from Hot Springs in 4 days. We had planned 5 1/2 days originally but the hiking weather  was good and we did long miles each day.

Tonight we're in a hostel called Jonnie's just off the trail with lots of old and new friends. Once again we went Mexican for dinner.

Learned from Guardian that he's going to take a break from the trail when I checked my email. We'll all miss him .

We're getting a bit spoiled by this recent stretch of good weather. Hope it lasts a while.

Trolley Stop

Johnny's Hostel - Erwin

Journal entry #33

Friday, April 29 - Day 36 - Mile 323.0 - Bald Mountain Shelter

Started my 6th week today with an unanticipated 18.9 mile day.  The longest yet. We were hoping to camp at about mile 317 but no good sites were evident and before we knew it we were well into Big Bald Mountain. The views from the top were some of the best yet.

Guardian should have started back on the trail this morning after a few days off in Hot Springs. Hope he catches up with us one day.  Guardian, if you read this let us know where you are from time to time.

The AARP gang is breaking up as we each start hiking our own hike but these past weeks have been lots of fun together.

The woods have been beautiful with many waterfalls blooming flowers and lush green trees.  Today it truly felt like we were "walking with spring".

It was a beautiful day again today and tomorrow promises to be the same. We'll be in Erwin for sure on Sunday for another Nero.

Tonight I'm tenting as the shelter is full. It's actually more pleasant in the tent and quieter.

Today took about all the energy I have so I'll sign off as the sun sets.  Otherwise feeling great and looking forward to seeing Jane and others in a couple of weeks in Damascus at Trail Days.

Peace, love, joy and hope,

Trolley Stop

PS:  Didn't buy the kilt....yet!



Bald Mountain Shelter