Trail Angel

Icewater Spring Shelter to Mt. Collins Shelter. 7.5 miles

After all of the rain yesterday, it cleared up sometime durning the night.   I woke up at midnight to clear skies and stars twinkling. I was on the trail by 9:00, in good spirits, but with wet boots.

 

Hiked down 3 miles past swarms on day hikers to the Newfound Gap Parking lot. It might as well have been the Goofy Lot at Disney World.

As soon as my boots hit pavement, I heard, “look honey, he’s a real hiker”. It was kind of fun getting all the attention and questions. I guess I at least look the part.

To my surprise, a Trail Angel was waiting for me.   A very nice retired guy was waiting for long distance hikers with fruit, Mountain Dew, ok, fuel and band aids. Between the shot of Dew and a great crispy Apple, I was ready for the rest of the trail. I made it to the shelter at 3:00 and was able to put my gear out to dry.  A group of REI Tour hikers just showed up, and they are pretty clueless, but well equipped.   They may be pretty entertaining.

I’m hoping to get out early and make the 3 miles to Clingmans Dome in the morning.