Grumpy and Joker at Goose Creek Lodge

April 6, 2000 -- Day 6
Destination: Half-mile past Hogpen Gap
Today’s miles: 6.9
Trip miles: 37.6

I'd like to share a brief conversation I overheard while sitting in the lodge at Goose Creek this morning. I wrote it on a paper towel and spelled it out the way my native northeastern ears heard it:

"Used to thank I lived in the countreh," said the older of the two gentlemen, staring at nothing in particular with his hands in his pockets. "But now thar buildin a food staw a mahl away."

"Ayep," replied the man standing next to him. "Countreh's gettin scarceh and scarceh. Hawd to come by."

"Ayep," the first man said. "When I's a young'un, I used to wawk a coupluh mahls to the li'l countreh staw, not much bigger'n that thar office ova theyuh. Used tuh buy me sorghum syrup in them RC Cola bottles faw twenteh-fahv cents, whenever I'd be needin' somethun sweet. Now we got them gigannic food staws."

"Ayep," his companion said. "Countreh's gettin scarceh and scarceh."

"Ayep."

And that’s all I have on my paper towel.

By the time we’d packed, paid for the cabin, and got a ride back to Walasi-Yi, it was eleven. We spent another hour and a half packaging the gear we were sending home, talking with hikers who'd just shown up, and having our backpacks adjusted by the staff at Walasi-Yi. And what a difference a few adjustments make. I feel like I bought a new pack too!

The weather today was absolutely gorgeous, as were the views. My three companions and I remained fairly close all afternoon and enjoyed some intermittent conversation. Every so often, I'd let whoever was behind me pass, so I could fall back and get lost in my own thoughts. Most of that time, I wasn't thinking about anything in particular, just looking around. I especially noticed all the pretty wildflowers along the edge of the trail. Today was just what I needed after the weather we've walked through so far.

The man called Pittsburgh (at the table)

I'm now in my tent not far past Hogpen Gap, where we once again saw Pittsburgh. The man that is, not the city. Pittsburgh provides van support for hikers who prefer to slack-pack (carry less weight). He meets whomever he's working with, at prearranged locations and provides them with meals and camping equipment. This is the third time we've seen Pittsburgh and his van at road-crossings. Once again, he offered us stove fuel, but, so far, we haven't needed to refill.

Well, it's time to get some sleep. Had a fun evening around the campfire. Joker played his harmonica, and we made up silly words to hillbilly songs. I've laughed a lot since Amicalola.

--Ramkitten