Franklin,N.C.

Sitting in Martha's Restaurant having breakfast. Good food. Umm. Got here yesterday afternoon with a hitch ride in the back of a van full of Heating/Cooling equipment. The trail head is ten miles west of town. Checked into a Hotel from the guide that I wouldn't recommend to anyone. Feel like it is on Grossbeck!!!

Sorry for the delay in the last post, no service in the mountains. After crossing the border into N.C. I pitched my tent because there were no shelters close. That night around 2/3am it blew and pored. Thought I was headed for Kansas. It rained all day then the temp fell. Only made 9 miles to a shelter. Cooked a big meal and tried to sleep alone in shelter. Not much rest. Woke up to everything frozen. Couldn't get pack down from the tree I tied it in because the rope froze. Finally got on the trail and put in some good miles just to stay warm. It also helps when you see Bear Sanctuary Signs. Made it to Long Beach Shelter after climbing Fire Tower Mtn.(5500) in the haze and hail. Nothing to see here move along...Stayed at shelter and walked to Winding Staircase Pass where I hitched into town yesterday. Going to cell store today to see if they can change service to verizon...congrats Rob/Karen on Anna Koreen your new baby.