Flint Mountain Shelter to Bald Mountain Shelter

 Last night at the Shelter we heard about a guy doing trail magic at SAMs Gap until 2:00 today. We weren't sure if it was just a rumor, but after three days of tuna, tortillas and ramen, we decided to get going early and take a chance that it was the real deal. We made good time and with just a few miles left to SAMs gap, we saw a sign in the woods confirming that there was trail magic of hash browns, and scrambled eggs until 2:45. 

Practically broke into a dead run (slight exaggeration) and got there in plenty of time. A thru hiker from 2007 (trail name Quiet Paul) was there and we each ate about 4 pounds of fried potatoes and a lot of scrambled eggs. PLUS, orange soda. 

Sat and enjoyed Paul's company for a bit after consuming mass quantities of food and then headed back up on the trail. 

It was an afternoon of some pretty challenging climbs but we got a little boost, when up hanging on a tree in the middle of the woods, was ...

A basket full of Easter eggs loaded with candy. Finished the climbs with a little sugar boost, crossed an amazing bald and then down to the Shelter by about

6.

Stop reading now if you have a queasy stomach..... This has been my longest stretch with no shower. Ew. Three days and tomorrow will be four.!!!!!! Rinsed off at night in the streams, but it's not doing much good :) grossed out yet? Tomorrow the plan is to get in to Erwin, TN by late afternoon and SHOWER!!!

Super windy here tonight!!!