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4/13 -- Since I still felt down I took the day off and ate, fixed my equipment and rested at the hiker friendly Best Southern Motel.  I'll start a week long trek tomorrow towards Hampton, TN.  So far--338 miles travelled; 115 miles to Damascus, VA; 662 miles to

At left, a view from Beauty Spot, TN.
By Mike Calabrese

Harpers Ferry, WV.  I'm 6 days behind schedule.  

4/14 -- Had a decent 12.5 mile day out of Erwin.  We had some ups but not bad.  BTW I got my stick back after about 150 miles.  The guy whose truck I left it in brought it by.  My sister called last night and told me that my parents aren't doing too well.  It's not an emergency, but she said I should think about coming home soon.  So I'll probably get off the trail in Damascus or Atkins, VA so I can go home and help my folks out.  They are calling for rain tomorrow.  I hope not.

4/15 -- It rained all night and most of the day.  I only did 5 miles and got to the Cherry Gap Shelter.  My gear got wet, but I was able to dry most of it out.  Tomorrow will be better (I hope).  

4/16 -- Cold start but a decent day.  Did 10 miles.  Met a trail angel named Rocket that was giving out hot drinks and food at Tenn. 107.  A hiker named Hill Billy also

At right, myself & trail angel "Rocket".
By Mike Calabrese

gave me a ride to and from a convenience store for snacks. We're at the Clyde Smith Shelter now.  Will tackle Roan Mountain tomorrow.  The weather doesn't look good.  I've noticed a fence along the TN/NC border.  Maybe it was to keep moon shiners out or animals in-- I'll have to find out.  

4/17 -- Did 12 grueling miles and made it to Stan Murray Shelter.  I hiked over Roan Mountain and Carver's Gap.  It is spitting snow as I am writing this.  Tomorrow only 10 miles and Apple House Shelter.  

4/18 -- I woke up to my 5th snowstorm.  Just a dusting but I wasn't sure how far or if I was going anywhere.  I decided to go for it as the snow was tapering off.  Did 10

At left, a wintery mix is the view from Stan Murray Shelter, TN.
By Mike Calabrese

rough miles starting at 10 a.m., and after going over Little Hump Mountain Balds, I got to the Apple House Shelter at 5 p.m. These balds are pretty but difficult to hike over.  It's usually windy and cold and sometimes wet.  The goal is 15 miles tomorrow and Moreland Gap Shelter.  I'm tenting tonight, but I'm with Tomcat, Serpico, Dogman, Blisters, and Pizza Guy.  I'm now up to 382 miles; 618 to go; 70.5 from Damascus, VA; and 20 miles to Dennis Cove where I plan to stay at a Hostel and get a ride into Hampton for my food drop.

4/19 -- This was one of the most difficult days that I have had.  I was supposed to do 14 miles and get to Moreland Gap Shelter.  The weather was right.  Sunny and 60ish. The scenery was beautiful, but the ups were killers.  One of them was straight up a mountain for 2 miles.  I pushed myself and at 7:00 pitched my tent after about 12.5 miles. Tomorrow only 8 miles and I go to a Hostel at Dennis Cove.

4/20 -- The shelter was just over the hill.  Oh well.  I did the 8 miles and got to Kincora  Hostel at around 1pm.  Nice place.  I'm going to shuttle to Hampton tomorrow, get my mail, skip 9 miles of the trail and chill.  Then, onto Damascus where I'll decide how long to go on.

4/21 -- Got talked into "slack packing"  9 miles from Hampton back to Kincora Hostel.  Will leave Hampton tomorrow.

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