Day twenty three

Tuesday March 21, 2017

The day started for me with the sound of the wind in the trees. For a change it was a rustle instead of a roar. And birds, what a great way to wake up.

I was on the trail just before 10:00 A.M. the sky dark gray, and threatening rain. Almost everyone leaving the shelter was wearing rain gear. I was not, but I did have my rain jacket strapped to the top of my backpack. 

It seems like every day begins with a climb and this one would be no different. This mornings climb would be up 5062 ft. Cheoah Bald. Although it seemed like it would rain at any moment it never did and I climbed right up into the clouds.

After enjoying the cloud shrouded Bald for a few minutes I continued on what would be a mostly downhill journey for the rest of the day. And as I began my descent the sun came out and it actually got hot. In short order I was down to a synthetic t-shirt and a bandana around my head to keep the sweat out of my eyes. This was a pleasant change from the snow and ice of just a few days ago.

I was making good progress and mid afternoon I stopped in an open area above Simp Gap to have my lunch. I sat on a log in the sun and enjoyed my cheese and bread and nuts.

After my lunch and before I put my backpack back on I decided I better have a pee. And when I did there was blood in my urine. Needless to say this freaked me out . Nothing like that had ever happened to me before.

Stecoah Gap was two miles below and NC 143 ran through that Gap  where I could possible get a ride into Robbinsville, NC to see a doctor. This became my plan. This was bumming me out. A week ago I would have been looking for an excuse to get off the trail. But now I was feeling stronger than ever and the weather had finally made a turn for the better.

When I reached Stecoah Gap there were a couple of thru-hikers lying in the grass soaking up the sun. They said that they had called a nearby hiker hostel to come pick them up and that he should be here any minute.

When the driver arrived I explained my situation and that I need a ride into Robbinsville to see a doctor. He informed me that there was no doctor in Robbinsville. But there was a Urgent Care clinic in Bryson City about 45 minutes away. He called a friend and the friend offered to drive me to Bryson City to the clinic. He would be at Stecoah Gap in about 15 minutes. This friend was Steve Braxton, a local fishing guide. Steve had thru-hiked the A.T. last year, trail name Mustard Seed. Steve picked me up at the Gap and dropped me at the Urgent Care clinic in Bryson City.

After waiting  for about two hours I was seen by a doctor. Of course the first thing they did was take a urine sample. The test came back negative for any infection. It did show elevated ketone, indicating my body was burning it’s own fat. No kidding, they weighed me and I have lost twelve pounds since I started this adventure. He poked and prodded and listened and pronounced me healthy. He said that I may possibly have ruptured a blood vessel on one of those slips and trips on the ice. He didn’t think it was anything too serious. He gave me the go ahead to continue my adventure. He did write me a prescription for antibiotics but told me not to take them unless I was in a remote area and the blood returned.

So I’m out of the clinic with a clean bill of health and standing on the sidewalk in Bryson City, and it’s about 6:00 P.M. Well up the hill (of course) about 500 yards was a Sleep Inn. It looked like this would be my next destination.

After securing a room and having a shower I enquired about eating establishments. I was given several suggestions and headed back down the hill to main street. Well all the suggested places were closed, not yet open for the season. I saw a place across the street with Bistro on the awning and thought this might be a likely spot. I walk in the door and ask “can I get a steak in this place?” And she responds “well we have a filet mignon.” Exactly what I’m looking for. I was seated and served and had one of the best meals of my life. A garden salad, delicious filet mignon, and crepes with dark chocolate and strawberries for dessert. I also drank six glasses of iced tea during the meal. Filled to the brim, I walked back up the hill to my room.

Shortly after arriving back in my room, the storm arrived. Thunder, lightening, and torrential rain. Not to mention the wind. I turned out the lights in my room, opened the curtains, layed on my bed, and watched and listened to the storm. A good night not to be in a tent.
150.4 miles down      2039.4 miles to go