May
22, 1981 - Friday From Gonzo!s Appalachian
Trail journal
Today
was supposed to be an easy day as Bill and I were originally planning
on staying at Addis Gap shelter only six miles from Tray Mountain
Shelter. Instead, we stopped there for lunch and decided to go on
to Dick’s Creek Gap and possibly get a ride into town. We got
there after a long downhill descent to find Joel & John, and
a new potential friend, John Smart, who sported red hair and beard.
Soon after we arrived, they left to reach Plumb Orchard, 4 miles
away. Bill decided he wanted to go to Hiawasse, so I headed up
the trail as he walked off, trying to hitch a ride to town.
We had arranged that I would wait for him at Plumb Orchard shelter
until noon the next day, and if he didn’t show, he would catch
up later. I hated to split up for fear of not getting together again
since I knew I couldn’t keep up with Joel and John. So I stayed
at Plumb Orchard Gap lean to, which made 15 or so miles again for
today. Had a nice evening at the shelter with the three; and had
a supper consisting of a can of chicken mixed with Lipton Noodle
dinner (chicken flavor) a little rice and a little garlic thrown
in. Have to look for some butter buds and Knox orange flavored drinking
gelatin. John Smart played flute and harmonica and also made TV
Time popcorn and let us sample his pudding and dinner. He was a
real nice guy from Pennsylvania. We were serenaded by his flute
and harmonica while I drifted off to sleep.
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