Izzy went over the mountain, to see what he could see.  Many times it was a spectacular view; sometimes it was the other side of the mountain. 

It seems as though all there is on the trail is mountains to go up, and mountains to go down.  Going down can be as slow and difficult as going up.  I guess I should have expected mountains terrain this since I chose a trail called the Appalachian Trail.  If I wanted flatter terrain, I should have considered trails in Kansas or Iowa.  It was a particular difficult day coming down into NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center).  It was very steep and rocky.  I was glad to have my new Leki Super Makalu hiking poles to break the force going down, and give me stability.

     I�ve picked up the pace a little, but my feet are still very sore by the end of the day, particularly my left foot.  Additionally, I turned my left ankle a little a few days back getting water.  But it is feeling a little better each day.

     Each day is very different from morning to afternoon.  In the morning I have a spring in my step, whistling zippidy-do-da, taking in all the glorious sights, sounds, and smells of nature.  Each mountain is an opportunity for another magnificent view from the top.  By afternoon, my head is down, watching how I carefully place each step, particularly my left foot.  I hear nothing, I smell nothing.  Each mountain is now an obstacle to get over.  But as my feet get better, this improves. 

    I�ve learned to manage my water supply.  I have the capacity to carry 5 liters (10 pounds).  I have a 3 liter Camelback, and 2 one liter side bottles.  I used to fill up every morning.  Now I judge where the next water supply is, and how much I need, and take only what I need, with an extra liter in reserve.  I�ve gone out with as little as two liters to start with.  I don�t; know who invented the Camelback, but in my mind, he/she ranks right up there with Edison, Bell, and Sakichi Toyoda.

     Yesterday, Mothers Day, was a difficult day.  I compounded it by not getting as far as I planned the night before, so had an extra 1.7 miles to get to Gatlinburg.  I had to make it for re-supply.  I was down to 2 packages of Ramon noodles I keep for reserve, and some almonds.  I stayed in a shelter again for the second time without incident.  By incident I mean no encounters with mice.  In the Smokies, you have to stay in a shelter and can not just pitch your tent where you want to as I was doing before.  Anyway, it was very stormy Saturday night with lots of thunder, lightning, rain and very windy and cold.  By morning it was still cold and windy and raining.  I did not want to get out of my cozy sleeping bag.  All morning it was a climb towards Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT at 6643 feet.  By noon it was clearing off a little, so I was able to get a view from the tower there.  Because it is the high point, I sent a SPOT GPS signal.  The way down was very rocky and steep and long.  Then I had another mountain to climb yet, Mt. Love.  At 6446 feet, it is nearly as high as Clingman.  All day it was cold and very windy, and drizzling on and off.  Late in the day, I saw a tree hanging over the trail, but failed to judge it right and hit my head on a knot.  I saw a white flash and it knocked me down on my butt.  I still have a lump from it.  About a half an hour from the end, I found a wet print on a rock on the trail.  It was quite fresh, and quite big.  I�m not sure if it was a bear, but I started looking around more carefully.

     After what seemed like a very long day I made it to Newfound Gap, and caught a ride into Gatlinburg.  I had a nice evening with Heather, Holly's sister, and her friend Dave.  I will get back on the trail this afternoon.

    If you want to get in touch, I do have contact while on the trail.  Sometimes it is better than others.  It has not been very good in the GSMNP.  I can go a couple days without a signal.  You can call me at 517-416-7866 and leave a voice mail, or send a text message.  I keep my phone off to conserve the battery except when I am sending or checking for messages.  I can also receive e-mails at jimarx@hotmail.com; but can�t respond until I get to a computer access.  I think I could if I knew how to, just too stupid for now.