AT Mile 2,041.4 November 11, 2009

134.8 miles to Springer Mountain....

We received a surprise call from Zombie/ Andrew tonight. He's staying at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (N.O.C.) Bunkhouse. He's still hiking with Tiger and they caught up with 6-String a few days ago. Andrew originally met 6-String back in VA before Andrew took some zero days in Blacksburg.

Since Zombie/ Andrew left Hot Springs Nov. 4th, he and Tiger finished the Smokey Mountains late Monday the 9th, when they arrived at Fontana Dam. He said the Smokies were simply beautiful and the weather was perfect! No, he didn't see any bears, and he was hoping he would... He did see a Park Ranger... the second one he's seen since he began the Thru-Hike. There was a clear view on Clingman's Dome, early Sunday morning. They could see for 72-miles and were even able to see Mt. Mitchell. There were only 4 people on the observation deck that early. Standing 6,643' the panoramic views were simply beautiful. They hiked 20 + miles a day thru the Smokies and made a quick trip of it.

The guide book did not give warning that the re-supply store at Fontana Dam closes early, so they arrived late in the day, and the only thing opened was the Post Office. There was no place to find and purchase food. Fortunately, a previous Thru-hiker by the Trail name "Hopeful," had decided to put on "a Hiker-Feed" and they were able to fill some hungry belly's. The rain started Monday night, and was non-stop until this morning. (We've had 5" of rain fall, and inch of it during the day today, and we're still getting rain on this side of the mountain, but fortunately theirs was a dry day, so his pack was able to dry out even though his shoes were still wet.) At least his clothes and sleeping bag were staying dry.

Once again, there was no warning that the NOC would not have food available "this late in the season" everything has closed early. So he and the two fellow hikers had to hike a mile down US19, a dark, curvy road with no shoulder, to the nearest gas station to get hot dogs. Poor Zombie/ Andrew... he hasn't eaten hot dogs since he was a little fellow... he doesn't like them what so ever...and that is ALL there was available for food. He managed chow down 4 and then said, enough... Guess home cooking is going to be a welcome change in about 11 more days?

Zombie/ Andrew planned out the rest of his trip, and knows exactly which shelters he'll be in each night. He will spend the night in Franklin Friday, but just an over night. He has no zero days between Hot Springs and Springer, so he's on track to start his hike with Dad/ Chris on Thursday, Nov. 19th at Neel's Gap.

BTW... National Geographic had a special on last night called America's Wild Spaces, the Appalachian Trail. Aunt Megan called to tell us about it, by the time we found it, it had been on about 20 minutes. Then Dad/Chris found we could view it on Demand, with Direct TV, so we got to see the whole thing. We've recorded it for Andrew to watch when he gets back home.

The last shelter on his last night on his Thru-Hike, is 8 miles from Springer, so they'll be able to have a leisurely hike and still make the summit by lunch time on Saturday, November 21st. I've called, made reservations at the Lodge, and verified there is indeed a Forest Road, that goes to the Parking Lot a mile from the top. It's a 32-mile drive, or an 8 mile hike from the lodge. Not sure about the brothers, but I'll be driving to meet the two of them on the summit. Friends and family are encouraged to join us.... We can't wait !!!

Blessings always, in all ways,
Mom/ Harriet