MinnesotaSmith Update

[Just Jeff]

Cathy, sounds like you really helped MS. But I didn't see where he had anything bad to say about you, or about Gatlinburg other than it was spendy. Mdionne said Gatlinburg isn't hiker friendly. Am I missing something?

Thank you very much for helping out a hiker - even if what you say is true and MS didn't show is appreciation, many hikers out here really do appreciate the help you gave another hiker. Please don't base your opinion of thru-hikers on this one experience.

[ed bell]

I only just (at Fontana) added back the 3rd Nalgene Winton took out; I got tired of dehydration.

In order to combat dehydration you have to actually drink water. Simply carrying 32oz more on you means your pack is 2lbs heavier.The weather last night was terrible, you got some guts wanting to get back out there after 5pm in order to stay at Icewater Springs. Since we haven't heard from you today, I'm assuming you ventured back out. I wish you the best.

[Dances with Mice]

.... I extended a hand of kindness to you, but I kind of feel disappointed after reading your post. Then you wonder why people are unfreindly to you. I'll always remember the cold wet hiker that had nothing good to say after trying to be kind to him.

THANK YOU for helping another hiker!

But I don't understand either:

The local shuttle operator is not going to run any more today, fearing Hwy. 441 will be closed before they get home. The local taxi charges forty bucks. The local motels are pricey, and there is no hostel in Gatlinburg. Does anyone know of either or both of A) someone who will run me back to the Trailhead tonight for a reasonable price, or B) will let me sleep in their garage or something for the usual hostel price of 15 dollars?

Seems to me he stated some facts and asked for help finding a budget shuttle & place to stay. He offered no opinions. Trust us on this, MS has no trouble expressing his opinions! Did you mean to address one of the posts after MS's? He has no control over what other people write.

Thank you again for all your effort.

[wacocelt]

"He'd ask for advise and then argue with you over that advise."


Ahhahahahahaha... hehehe... ahem... AHHHHHHHHhahahahhaa.

Yup, thats the MS I've come to know and loathe... err love.

Keep on keepin' on old timer! Happy and healthy hiking, Be well.


Puck

[attroll]

THANK YOU for helping another hiker!

But I don't understand either: Seems to me he stated some facts and asked for help finding a budget shuttle & place to stay. He offered no opinions. Trust us on this, MS has no trouble expressing his opinions! Did you mean to address one of the posts after MS's? He has no control over what other people write.

Thank you again for all your effort.

I don't know here she is getting her information either. She logged on as a new users yesterday just to post that is seems like. So we may never hear from here again. But it sure would be nice to here where she got her information from.

[The Cheat]

I don't know here she is getting her information either. She logged on as a new users yesterday just to post that is seems like. So we may never hear from here again. But it sure would be nice to here where she got her information from.

Sounds like another message from.... oh, nevermind.

[Dances with Mice]

... The bets on him making it thru the Smokies are slim.

Heh! Standing Bear Farm today.

Cruising into Hot Springs next then onto Miss Janet's.

[TOW]

he's going to be just fine, ms if i can be of any service and if i am in your general area i will aid you......i will be cruising up and down the trail this summer offering my aid to any hiker, so if you need help just PM me......right now i am in central virginia....

[Skidsteer]

Heh! Standing Bear Farm today.

Cruising into Hot Springs next then onto Miss Janet's.

Peer pressure: Sometimes it's a wonderful thing. Keep on truckin'. Minnesota.

[saimyoji]

I still predict that at some point he will grow facial hair of some sort.

GO MS!!

[minnesotasmith]

1) I've gotten to Hot Springs. Elmer's place is nice, if unusual, as I had expected. Am dealing with some major gear issues (pack strap and trail runners). Most gear doing fine; am still on 1st thermarest, 1st alcohol stove, just went to 3rd set of AAA batteries for my LED headlamp (on 1st HL), etc. Have had my first blister, due only IMO to shoe failure. Have worn out one pair (of my 3 pr.) of socks, and they weren't new at hike's start. Did a 13-miler getting into HSprings, a record day for me (went from 2 shelters back straight in, from 0930 - 1630). So far Tofurkey is the physically most attractive LDH I've seen on the Trail.

2) Cathy (desk attendant at the hotel near Shoney's in Gatlinburg) exists, and was very pleasant and helpful within what was possible. I had major time limitations on my Internet access (as I do now; I'm at the HSprings outfitter -- 20 min. for free); that's why I did not mention her.

[minnesotasmith]

I still predict that at some point he will grow facial hair of some sort.

GO MS!!

I shave my face very thoroughly every time I get a shower. Not looking true so far; sorry! Thanks for the support, Saimyoji.

[minnesotasmith]

I carry 3 Nalgenes so that I have what IMO is adequate water for the day's hike without having to stop and treat water along the way. Only about 5 times so far have I gotten water in the middle of the way. I dislike doing pack-off breaks when either I don't have an elevated spot (e.g., a big flat boulder 3'+ off the ground) or if it is muddy/snowy. Plus, my water treatment process is a bit, ah, more thorough/time-consuming than are most other people's. Once I'm hiking, I want to press on to the day's destination, body/gear/terrain permitting, of course. Now, if there's a particularly good view, south-walking hikers to pick brains of, attractive women on the Trail with any inclination to be sociable, etc., then of course I will generally have some spare time during my day's hike.

[John B]

Minnesota, roughly how much does your pack weigh when you're carrying all three Nalgenes loaded with water and, say, a three-day supply of food?

[minnesotasmith]

I never get down to a 3-day supply; at least, I haven't so far. When I resupply, I still have more like 4 days at least left. After a resupply, I'm at least high 50s. My pack weighed 64# at the scale at Amicalola when I left there in Feb.

[neo]

I never get down to a 3-day supply; at least, I haven't so far. When I resupply, I still have more like 4 days at least left. After a resupply, I'm at least high 50s. My pack weighed 64# at the scale at Amicalola when I left there in Feb.

hey minn.smith a friend of mine is right behind you his name is john
aka newyork state of mind aka cement sneakers,happy hiking,enjoy hotsprings neo

[neo]

hey minn.smith
my buddy john aka sneakers aka newyork state of mind also made it into
hotspring today,look him up he is a great guy neo

[minnesotasmith]

There are a bunch of hikers in Hot Springs today. Crumbs, Milk Dud, D-Rock -- there must be 25 of them, scattered between hostels, camping, and just passing through. I called the manager of the Grand Prix motel in Gatlinburg earlier today, and he said he was filled with hikers. The tsunami is hitting, I'd say.

[saimyoji]

I shave my face very thoroughly every time I get a shower. Not looking true so far; sorry! Thanks for the support, Saimyoji.

And how often do you get a shower? If you are truly the man you claim to be, 2-3 days of not shaven ought to give you the perfect...well, you get the picture. Just use lots of conditioner, keep it nice and soft.


Keep the updates coming. When you get to PA, if I'm around, I'll spot ya a beer and a shower.

[Dances with Mice]

MS made it to Erwin, a little worse for the wear due to the heat. He's planning a zero day to recuperate before heading onward.

Someone ahead of him is spreading rumours via shelter registers that MS is Bill Bryson in disguise.