Day 42 – Cherry Gap Shelter to Ash Gap

“When you see a guy reach for stars in the sky,

You can bet that he’s doing it for some doll.

When you spot a John waiting out in the rain,

Chances are he’s insane, as only a John can be for a Jane.

When you meet a gent paying all kinds of rent

For a flat that could flatten the Taj Mahal,

Call it sad, call it funny, but it’s better than even money,

That’s the guy’s only doing it for some doll. “ – Guys and Dolls

Up at 7:10. Got my food from my bear hang and started to eat breakfast in my tent. Rain started just after I got back in my tent. Rained for about 10 minutes. Sun is trying to peek through. Chilled in the tent for half an hour waiting for the sun. 

Out of camp at 8:40. Stopped briefly at a nice overlook. 

Stopped at 3 miles where the trail crosses TN Route 107 and NC Route 226 for a quick snack.

Lots of bear activity in the area. Lots of talk about food being taken from shelters in the last week. Part of the reason I’m pushing miles to not have to camp around here. 

Stopped for water and talked to Dana at 11:15.  She liked the fruit basket I sent her for her birthday. Made a reservation for tomorrow night at Mountain Harbor B&B. Should get in around 5:00 tomorrow. 

Stopped at Clyde Smith Shelter at 2:00 to rest and readjust my brace. It’s eating into the underside of my knee. Ugh. Added a bandage and some more cloth to protect the spot where it’s chewing into the back of my knee. Should get me the next 6.6 miles to camp. 

I have 6.6 miles to go to Ash Camp. The last 2.7 are very uphill. Hopefully, I’ll be there by 6:30 at the latest.

Made a quick stop at an overlook around 3:15.

Stopped for water. Not the best water sources this afternoon. That’s one impressive little leaf. This is the only good water in a large distance! Filled 1.7 liters from that little guy.

Got 4.2 uphill miles yet. Steep uphill. Will be in about 6:15….I think. 

Stopped at the last road crossing of the day, and a nice lady gave me a large BodyArmor beverage. I love those things. Great timing as I start the big climb to camp next. 

Stopped at a nice view about 1/2 a mile from camp.

Made it to Ash Gap at 6:20. I should go 2 more miles to Roan High Knob Shelter, but I’m beat. Hopefully, I won’t regret this decision tomorrow. Set up a clothesline and hung up sweaty clothes to dry a bit. Got tent set up, changed into camp clothes, and spent 35 minutes fighting to get a good bear hang. Compromised on a mediocre bear hang. Oh well:(

YouTube Video of camp at Ash Gap.

Made dinner at 7:30. Surprisingly, I have a bar of cell so texted a little with Dana. She and a large group are going to Kenny Chesney tonight.

I’m at 5340 feet. It’s getting chilly, and the sun isn’t even down yet. Climbed into bed at 8:30. Caught up on some blogging and worked on plans for the next few days.

Booked a room at Boots Off Hostel for Tuesday, May 28. I have a supply box going there.

Planned out my next 5 days. On Thursday, May 30, Dana will drive to Abingdon, VA , then another 35 minutes southeast on US 421 to Low Gap, TN. Then we will drive back to Abingdon. Not what I hoped for, but I’m behind schedule, and everything from Low Gap north has no road access for 2 days. We will double zero in Abingdon. Can’t wait!

I’m not sure what to think about today and yesterday. No rain both days, so that was good. Not much in the way of views, and the green tunnel is starting to live up to its name. My focus these last two days, as well as tomorrow, is making miles, nothing more. I need to cut 1-2 days off my schedule between yesterday and next Thursday in order to meet Dana in a good location. Looks like I have cut 1 day, assuming I actually survive my 18.2-mile day tomorrow. Basically, these 3 days are more work than enjoyment, particularly with these elevation gains. I hadn’t planned on doing miles this big until the terrain levels out in Virginia. The things we do for love 🙂

Side note, I really hope I don’t have any bear issues tonight.

Technical Notes:

• Mini chocolate donuts: 600
• Trail mix: 270
• Trail mix: 170
• Snickers: 250
• Snickers: 250
• Dehydrated chicken: 170
• Ramen: 540
• Fritos: 400
• Water liters: 5.4
• Miles: 15.7
• Time: 9:40
• Elevation gain: 4300
• Calories consumed: 2900
• Calories burned: 5500