What a glorious, perfect, mellow day with awesome views! Mom’s worried I sound too happy and I’m going to crash. But this is a state of being – I am happy and have a smile in my heart. I am sad Sugar Daddy had to leave. There is a real sense of loss when a hiker has to leave the trail. Hope his mom will recover quickly, and he can get back on the trail. He says he was rather harsh with people before. That’s so hard to believe since we tease him about being a "mother hen" out here. The day I had my accidental 15-mile day, he was worried about me. Once, at he end of an extra long day, the man walked back a little ways to tell me they had stopped because he knew I was so tired, and he was afraid I’d stop 50 yards before I got there. This from a guy who didn’t want to walk south on the trail. I miss him already! But I do believe he’ll be back.

One of the waiters at dinner last night instantly recognized the gang as thru hikers and offered a free ride back to the trail this morning. Picked up Big Bird, Julia and me about 10:00. Nice guy—met his fiancé while hiking the AT. Likes to hike and kayak. Works six months—plays six months. Went out of his way for us this morning. Everyone else is coming up later. I bought a Subway sandwich and carried it up here for lunch. It was so good. Passed Styder, Paul and Emma as they were going down this morning. Having some foot problems and going for new boots. The Omelet Angels were here at this shelter this morning (hiked up here last night after work so they could cook breakfast for thru hikers here this morning), and they’re going to give them a ride to get new shoes. These are the same Omelet Angels that were on Albert Mountain at Easter. I’ve missed the omelets, but enjoyed chatting with them as we passed this morning. A good day for chatting.

Ran into my Indiana Angels in the parking lot this morning. I hear, "That’s Pee Wee!" and see Jane pointing at me. Sat and talked to Chelsea a minute. Then their whole tour group walked over. Julia said I looked like a tourist attraction. Only been 3 miles to this shelter, but it’s such a mellow day—think we’re just gonna sit and veg out this afternoon. Definitely a John Denver kinda day. The area around Newfound Gap/Gatlinburg is a motorcycle mecca. Never seen so many Harley’s in one place. Saw one woman totally decked out in leather that had to be in her 80"s—You Go, Girl!

Got out of Gatlinburg for under $50, which is a good thing. At the rate I’m going, I may run out of money and have to go to Plan B. (Plan B being: Hike through Maryland and fly to New Hampshire and hike on to Katahdin.) Should’ve had us all invest in duct tape and Dr. Scholl’s blister protection pads!

Finally got to meet Chewbakka, Turtle and Shane. Fun bunch. Griz and Moe showed up. Maineiac hauled stuff up here for S’mores. Great fun tonight. Chewbakka’s an interesting guy. Was a wildlife biologist for the Peace Corps in Africa the last three years.

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