Hiking Trail Journals

Appalachian Trail 2003 - Chelsea's Journals

Entry #32 - April 23, 2003

Today was pretty good. Made it to Davenport Gap before noon, and then had to walk 1.5 miles down the road to get to “Mountain Moma’s Kuntry Store.” (Actual, if not correct, spelling) We had heard many different “reviews” of the place; some good, some bad. I thought it was a cool stop. We had the “Huge Cheeseburgers” w/fries, and they were wonderful. Also bought some supplies – just a few things to get us to Hot Springs. Unfortunately, if we had walked a bit longer, we could have gotten a bunch of good free stuff from the hiker box. There were a lot of people that showed up that got mail drops with way too much food. As it was we took some tuna, summer sausage & hot chocolate.

We took showers – nice accommodations w/private shower, sink & toilet. It was good to be clean after 6 days in the Smokies!

Oh yes, speaking of which, we’re now done with the Smoky Mtns – all 70 miles! It is nice to be able to camp where we want again, and to be out of the “crowds.”

We left Mountain Moma’s and Hepcat & Radar caught up with us shortly. We were unable to get a ride back to the Trail, so we had to walk the 1.5 miles back. Radar ended up staying at the Standing Bear Hostel and Andy, Hepcat & I went on to Painter Bench – a site about 2.5 more miles.

It looks like we should be in Hot Springs by Saturday, so we’re pretty excited. Might do some long miles tomorrow.

Note: We walked so fast to get to Davenport Gap (downhill) today that I stepped on a stick and it came up and stabbed me above the knee – OUCH!

Also, there’s TONS of poison ivy – it’s everywhere. It is most likely only a matter of time before we’re scratching up a storm.

One MORE thing – I believe I saw a Lady Slipper (flower) on the trail today - just one. Neat! I’ll take a picture if I see another.

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