Introduction

About Pathways

Appalachian Trail

Why Walk?

Make a Pledge

Hiking Schedule

Journal

Photos

Links

Acknowledgements

April 20, 2001

We cruised in an easy 11 miles today to find springtime again in Erwin, TN. Walking was tough mid-week because of all of the snow and muddy slop on the trails---on the suddenly ginormous hills. But the past 2 days have been forest floors carpeted with pine needles from hemlocks and white pines. Cushioned walking and excellent trail conditions. Trail magic with Pepsi's and hard-boiled eggs at Spivey Gap last night. Thank you Deadman and Murphy, two thru-hikers from last year. Also, Miss Janet and her daughter Caitlin arrived with zest and chocolate eggs. Miss Janet is an amazing woman. She works 10 months out of the year and reserves the other 2 months for what she coyly refers to as her 'hiker problem'. She carted us all over town today in a big white van with all of the seats removed in back to fit more hikers. She's been doing this with her Mom since she was a little girl. Amazing woman.

A huge group of us had lunch at the Erwin Burrito. It reminds me of the Rio Burrito in Asheville, but I've never enjoyed a burrito so much in my life. BBQ chicken, as per Kevin's suggestion, is the answer to any question. We're staying at Uncle Johnny's tonight with a lot of great people. It's a lot of fun to hang out here--even tough Uncle Johnny is a chach. (Don't ask. You'll know one when you meet one.) He is ideally located with a lot of good services for hikers—but he is the slumlord of the hiker hostel world. Tomorrow lots o' folks are getting a ride back to Hot Springs for Trailfest, a celebration of the AT put on by Wingfoot himself, a man who wrote one of the guidebooks for the trail. Earl Schaffer, the first thru-hiker will be there with a slide show and autographs as well. It sounds great, but I'm going to stay here instead and wait for Team Shannon to retrieve Double-Time. They're going to bring a tailgate party.