“My Journey Is My Destination...” Day 143

Day 143 13.3miles

Home Again from Sam's Gap

My Dad made bacon and eggs for us this morning. I told him he could come along any time he wanted. I noticed when I was hiking last night the bone in the outside of my left foot hurt. Today, it's hurting again just the same. I hiked over Big Bald for some spectacular views. I made it up to Sam's Gap.

I saw a friend drive by, Joey, the guy leaving water. There went my ride, I thought. I later found out he didn't stop because of the cop.

I thumbed it back (after the cop left) to Erwin. Now, if I would have been in the North somewhere I would have kept hiking. But since I was so close to home........why not, right? I ended up sharing the hitch with a guy who had just gotten out of prison from Pensacola, FL going to KY. The college guy that picked us up was surprised with this guy. He dropped him off in Erwin.

I noticed the guy driving had a big slab of wood in the back seat. He told me it was part of the Beech trees in Johnson City. He was going to make a table. I got dropped back at Uncle Johnny's. There I met a new face, 'GreenFlash,' from OR. I'm excited to hike with him. Becky picked me up and we went to Dixie BBQ. Then back to home to be trapped by all of the niceties.

Day 144 Home

Spent the day running a few errands. I went to Bristol Mtn. Sports to get a thermal kit for my water bladder....hopefully no more frozen, undrinkable water. We took the dogs over to Warriors Path to run. It's almost like I'm at home to stay! I'd better be careful. We finished the day down at my parents house for Thanksgiving dinner, a little early.

Day 145 Home AGAIN??!!?

I wanted to get back on the trail today, but never could get around to it. My parents had given my old friends, 'TNaDean' and 'E.T.,' a ride to Mahoney's from Erwin. I really needed to be around some trail family, so I drove down. We caught up on all the happenings. I got a call from them later in the day, they needed a ride. I drove them over to Miss Janet's in Erwin, I saw 'Pyro' while I was there. I went to get some "All-you-can-eat" shrimp from Red Lobster and packed up to leave tomorrow.

Day 146 18.6miles Campsite (1,878.4 miles traveled)

I finally got back to the trail at Sam's Gap and said bye to Becky again. I hiked strong and fast. I still wonder if it was my head or my hurt foot that kept me home. Shortly after starting two hunting dogs started following me. I named the white one Jed and the brown, Ned. They were good company. I heard other dogs running all day. I camped short of Blackstaff Cliffs. I cleared a spot in the leaves and built a fire for me and Ned. Jed ran off. I knew better, but couldn't help feeding a pitiful dog. I 'bout lost a hand in the act. During the night Ned started barking in front of the tent. I thought he had flipped out and was barking at me, then I heard another dog start. I was relieved that it was not a bear.

Day 147 24.9 miles Hotsprings, NC

I woke up this morning with five bear dogs around my tent. Ned must have sent out the message. Two of the dogs hiked with me. I met some hunters up by the cliffs and in a whirlwind of orange blaze, dog slobber, and the smell of Skoal, Ned was gone. I named the other big black hound "Homer." He stayed with me, for some reason they didn't want him. Maybe he was with the rival bear club. Homer would take off down the side of the mountain howling and barking. Thirty minutes later he would be back. I saw another hunter a few miles later who stole my company.

I hiked down to Allen gap where my dad met me by surprise. He had a "Sammich" from my mom and a good ole' Mt. Dew. I climbed up to Rich Mtn. fire tower with okay views. My dad had left me some more trail magic at Hurricane Gap short of the tower. Thanks again, Dad! I hiked down to Hotsprings, NC. It started to rain. Soon into town I saw Ron from Canada, a man I've seen a few times since VA, now a good friend. He walked my soggy, sore feet to the Sunnybank Inn and gave me one of his Porters. I relaxed the evening in the peculiar Victorian house owned by Elmer.