Trail Journal 04.27.02

Saturday night at Painter Branch.  Probably the most beautiful spot we've camped.  We're in little side cove of the branch, surrounded by tall, straight tulip trees that are leafing out.  Spring is everywhere here --green, green, green.  Had a cheeseburger and resupply at Mountain Mama's.  We beat the crowd in so we got quick service but many hikers showed up before we left.  Hiked 13 trail miles today plus at least two of road walking.

The PM hike out of Mountain Mama's was a steep climb.  Didn't want to do it but did anyway.  Glad I did.  Less crowded here than a shelters.  Maverick (from Texas) is tenting with us and some people are nearby but after the crowds in the Smokies, this site is very quiet and private.

Random thoughts from the past day's hike:

• Hot Springs [the next trail town] is Oz.  Like Dorothy, the scarecrow, tin man and the lion we are making the journey to a place where our hopes (beer, pizza, long soaks, massage, [and for me, a visit from] Maggie(!) will be fulfilled.
• We are part of a trail community, a specific subgroup of all 2002 thru-hikers.  We are slowly coming to know each another as our journey progresses.
• [There are lots of] personalities and characters.  Shrek is the former.  Jakebrake is the latter.  Just Andy is somewhere in between.

 No drawing tonight.  Late camp.  Too dark.