The morning started out optimistically with a view of the green hills blue skies and perfectly arranged clouds . But after climbing a seemingly endless bald, the fog rolled in the wind picked up and the trail again was filled with treacherous rocks lying in wait for an unsuspecting ankle. My joints began to throb and I began to think it will never get better . Never. I was miserable , more miserable than Treys Gap when I was sure I would get blown off the mountain . More miserable than blue blazing through the smokies. Miserable. Done? No I can’t be, I thought . But I was thinking it.
Then I started descending into the protection of the woods and Dave a section hiker from Charlotte showed up . I got talking , picked up my pace, and forgot about my aches and pains. We hiked at the speed of light to the bottom where his car awaited to drop me off at a burger stand. I ate the best, I mean the best hamburger and fries EVER. Washed it down with some of Miss Betty sweet tea and got a ride back to the trail from a local pastor who is also a hiker and even works part time with the military. His wife crowded in the back with an infant t, a toddler, and a look that said her husband does this all the time .
Still with the taste of Miss Bettys sweet tea, I ascended the mountain thinking I should have had some of her peanut butter cake too. The day was glorious. The trail filly turned into hard packed dirt covered with , leaves , kinda what you think a trail should look like . I found an awesome spot by the small fast flowing stream and met Finch a budding ornohthologist from Carlisle Pa. We talked about our home state and eventually I fell asleep under the full moon. Done no, masterful , yes.
Andy…glad you enjoyed the cheeseburger!!! It was a pleasure to hike with you. You helped make the time fly by. I forgot to start my GPS watch when I left the Overmountain shelter. I started it at about mile 3 for me and hiked the next 6 miles in 2 hrs 40 min…most of that last 4 miles or so with you. Best of luck with the rest of your journey!
Dave
(section hiker from Charlotte)
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A friend of mine taped a presentation I did back in the Fall and recently edited it so I could post it on Youtube.com. After going to the website, just search for Andy Davidson thru hiking thru life and you should get the 3 parts. The total presentation lasts about an hour. Hopefully it will make you laugh and think. Since I last wrote, I have to say I really miss the trail and miss conversing with y’all even more. I’ve been working on another project which I hope to announce in the near future. Until then I have dreams of jumping in the truck with Lor and Belle (our Springer Spaniel) and back packing out West this summer. (Just don’t tell my employer).
Take care, “Phantom”
I can’t thank you enough for all the support. Feel free to spread the word and I apologize to some of you who may be getting this notice as a repeat.
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