Update from Linda

Like many of you - I was getting just a little bit worried when I hadn't heard from David - so on Monday, April 8th, I called "Doll Baby," the name we gave to the proprietor of the "Hike-Inn" - motel just outside of Fontana, NC which (unlike said proprietor) hasn't seen a renovation since the 50's. We'd dropped off a box of supplies with her in March on our way to Springer Mtn.  David was supposed to stay Saturday night, but, blessing in disguise, place was sold out due to biker convention.  She reassured me that all was well - he had been there - got his next stash of supplies and was on his way.  She also said that there is no cell phone service in the Great Smoky Mtns. National Park - so not to expect to hear from him for about a week.

David's plan (and you know what they say about best laid plans) was to hike straight through the Park. This, he knew, was going to be one of the most difficult and longest stretches of camping out. This section of the trail is approximately 75 miles- and includes a hike to the top of Clingman's Dome - 6,643 ft and the highest point on the whole trail.  With more than enough food to last a week (and a pack weighing in at 50 pounds) the first day in

the park, he said, about killed him.   So, that night at the shelter, he shed about 15 pounds by sharing his food with fellow hikers in the shelter. (A great way to make new friends!)

The weather was gorgeous last weekend - sunny and warm -but, as you may recall, it had snowed more than a foot the week before.  And, while the snow had mostly melted, the trail was mostly ice.  The hike from Clingman's Dome

to Newfound Gap is a drop of more than 1500 feet - and treacherous. David called me Tuesday afternoon from Gatlinburg, TN.  He'd hitchhiked the 15 miles from the gap into town.  He said, after 3 falls and nearly breaking his neck more than once - he was going to take a few days and crash.  A fellow hiker, 23 years old, fell and broke his arm.  Another woman hiking in his group fell and broke 5 ribs!  As of yesterday, he'd heard six hikers fell and broke something that day.

There are times, he says, when he says to himself that he must be insane - this is crazy - never felt so cold and miserable.  Then, he'll get to a campsite, share a meal and stories of the day with his fellow hikers, and he says it's all worth it - the best time he's ever had. So, after 3 nights and 2 days of rest and all you can eat buffets in

Dollywood Land, he is back on the trail this morning - heading for Hot Springs, NC.  He should be there by Wednesday. Then, I will meet him in Erwin, TN the following Wednesday. I've rented a cabin in the woods in Roan Mountain State Park for 3 nights.  

  

In the meantime, due to cell phone issues - his group emails to everyone have not been going out.  So, as I hear from him, I will send you the news.

Linda