Bud and Vicki Hogan's 1996 Appalachian Trail Journey
May 31
Wallace Gap to Wine Spring Bald...................................................................11.5 miles
After a big breakfast, we got the same cab driver to haul us back to the trail. Great guy, gave us some more local history and the scenic tour back.
Mid-day, we all took off on a loop trail to Siler Bald shelter, for water. This was a long way down and an even longer and steeper hike back up. Beautiful pastoral setting for the shelter. When we got back to the trail, it was difficult to tell which direction to go, left or right. After a few minutes of indecision, I consulted our map, then made my decision. To the right. It was not the same decision that everyone else had made, but I knew I was right. And I was.
Getting late, crossed a road and found a campsite. Couldn't find the water that the data book said was here. I suggested that Vicki and Taz hold off setting up camp and let me run ahead. I went up a long hill about 1/2 mile and found the real campsite, with spring nearby. Went back and got the group and away we went.
When we got there, four, somewhat preppy guys were camped there with equipment out the wazoo. Vicki and I had bought campchairs that were to be used with our thermarest mattresses, but they weighed 11 ounces each, we mailed them home in our first weight reduction shipment. When Vicki saw these guys had the same chairs, she broke out laughing. I quickly gave her the "Shut your mouth" look. I didn't want to be attacked by four guys, even if they were somewhat preppy.
Before nightfall Jessie and Robin came in, complaining about being wet or hot or something. I wasn't wet or hot but my legs and feet were still killing me, and we were running low on "Vitamin A".
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