ERWIN, TENN.

On Sunday morning early, got up, left the 1840 Mansion and headed toward Erwin, Tenn.(68mi) north. Walking out of town we followed the AT arrows implanted in the sidewalk across the river to the trail head. From there the trail goes almost vertical up the mountain so you get a birds eye view of town. Another 16.3 mi later found me walking down a road looking for Hickory Hollow Hostel. Finally after .7 mi the Hostel shows up. A nice spot along a river with cabins, clean showers and a soft bed.($20)  Got up the next morning to the sound of rain on the roof, pouring rain. During the evening another older hiker showed up to share the cabin. His trail name is " Tenacity". Real name William Bud Schultz, ex pro tennis player walking the trail to raise money for his non profit organization in Boston to help educate the inner city youth. We walked most of Monday in the pouring rain. We past a packed shelter around 5:00 and decided to push on to another camp site. 3 miles later and no camp site we come down a hill toward a road and find two coolers packed with trail magic(cold soda,juice and snacks). We gorge ourselves and decide the 20 miles was worth it. Camped across the road on top of a hill to savor the sunset. Woke up early to a clear, cold morning. Ate and back to the trail. We hiked together for ten more miles but "tenacity"was to fast paced for me. After lunch he and another hiker"Spring Lake" took off. Slowed my pace but managed to make the shelter before dark(15.3mi). Thankfully there was room. Ate and got to sleep early only to awake to snow everywhere. On the ground there was 6/8 in. Inside the shelter everyone's sleeping bags were covered in snow. Everyone woke up and freeked. No breakfast, just pack and head off the mountain to town(16.5mi ). One of the young men was the first to leave and the rest followed his footprints . The snow was filling in fast so we had to keep up. Fell several times on the slippery rocks as did others. Once having to grab a root to stop from rolling down the face of the mountain. Pretty scary in the snow. Made it into town around 4:00 but the hostel where the food drop was sent was full. It worked out well. Met another older hiker from Western Michigan whose trail name is "Big Mac". He also is raising $ for the Ronald McDonald houses. We went to the Super 8 motel, split a room and have enjoyed a day of rest/relaxation and all you can eat KFC. Back to the trail in the morning and once again THANKS for the support...