​Day sixteen

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Does everything have to be up a frigging hill? Even Franklin is on top of a hill. The first time I walked up that hill today was in search of breakfast. As I started up the hill I looked down and lying at my feet was a playing card face up. I looked around and there was not another card to be seen. Yes of course it was the Joker staring up at me with a big smile on his face, standing on top of the world. I’m not sure if this was some sort of omen or just Mother Nature having a little fun with me.

I did find breakfast. I also found an outfitter and bought a better pair of gloves. The only piece of equipment that I have brought that was inadequate. I also bought another long sleeve wicking shirt. One of the two that I brought with me I left hanging on a clothes line in Standing Indian shelter. I looked and called around town looking for a pair of down booties to wear in my sleeping bag at night. No one had them so I ordered online and had them overnighted to the beautiful Sapphire Inn. Tomorrow I should have warm toasty toes and that should make the nights more comfortable. 

Today should be the first of four zero days here in Franklin. Tonight the temps in the mountains will be below zero. Tomorrow will not be much better. On both my trips up that hill into Franklin today I watched charcoal gray clouds drag across the mountains around me leaving a trail of white snow in their wake. It is bitter up there. I’m glad that I’m where I am.

My second trip up that hill this afternoon was in search of dinner. And to purchase another pair of wicking boxers that  forgot on the first trip.

On Friday I will start again from Winding Stair Gap. This means that I will skip a twenty three miles section of the A.T. There is just no simple way to get back to Deep Gap. That Forest Service road that I hiked out is closed to vehicular traffic. Perhaps I will come back in the Fall to complete that section. The road will be re-opened by then. Maybe you would like to come with me.

86.0 miles down      2103.8 miles to go.