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| April 13th Ying-Yang Thursday, April 12th at around 10:30am, Paul was at Uncle Johnnys Hostel on the Nolichucky River in Tennessee. He has now gone 338.7 miles, and is close to Erwin, TN. Even though Paul had only hiked about 5 miles Thursday morning, he was planning to take it easy for the rest of the day. After what was described as his best week yet, Paul encountered his first day of illness on the AT. Tuesday night, Paul fell asleep in his tent, only to wake up feeling nausia in the early hours Wednesday morning. He explained the sickness as feeling like a hangover, but had not had any alcohol. It only lasted for a day, and is feeling fine now, and self diagnosed the illness as sun poisoning. He was thinking it may have been something he ate, but he only had pasta. The weather has been warm, and Paul has had the sun beating down on him as he was hiking through some of the balds in the last few days, and said that his arms are looking "crisp". Although he missed a day and has slowed his pace, he is feeling strong now, and is having his best time on the AT yet. Sunday night (April 8th) Paul camped at Little Laurel Shelter, 290.5 miles. Monday, after an impressive 21 mile day, he landed at Hogback Ridge Shelter, 311.8 miles. Tuesday's walk was Paul's best day. The weather was great, he had lunch on the summit of Big Bald, which boasts beautiful 360 degree views, and felt really good about his adventure. Then Paul experienced what he explained as the ying & yang of the AT all in one day when he fell ill that night at Spivey Gap, 327.6. Wednedsay Paul stayed at camp until early evening, then walked 5 miles, and set up camp at No Business Knob Shelter, 332.4 miles. Paul saw some wild turkeys on his 5 mile walk to Erwin, where he was going to enjoy town. He was impressed with Uncle Johnnys Hostel. It is only 2 years old, and is really nice compared with some other hostels that Paul considered "shady". Jimmy Buffet was playing in the background. When we last had contact from Paul, he was heading to a Pub. That ended up being a good night. He had met up with some other hikers, and they all decided to get a tab going, since everyone enjoys drinking guinness. As they were enjoying about 8 pitures of the tasty Dublin brew, a few locals would stop by their table outside on the patio and talk to them about the trail experience. Apparently you can easily spot a natty thru-hiker. When they were ready to settle the tab, the bartender told them that a previous customer had taken care of it. Paul does not even know who it was, but this is an example of what thru-hikers call 'trail magic". Paul enjoyed his stay at Hot Springs. After doing chores such as laundry, and eating out for breakfast, he spent some relaxing hours reading The Long Walk by Stephen King. The next phone call from Paul should be from Laurel Creek Hostel in Hampton, TN. This is about 66 miles from Erwin. Paul still does not have a trail name. Anyone think we should give him one? Happy spring holidays everyone! (A Good Friday it is indeed when I don't have to work) Todd |
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