It is a cold morning but clear and the view of the barn and people sleeping in their hammocks is lovely and calm. We are motivated, we have 10 miles to walk in 4 hours. Over 2 balds. We are out of oatmeal so snack on a few random things we're carrying a cereal bar, almonds, dried fruit. We're off. 

We climb immediately and are quickly served with expansive views in all directions. The bald is a challenge and as we get over the top we see a second even higher one ahead. The wind is ferocious. It is tearing at us as we climb. It is coming from the east and is so strong that it constantly has us unbalanced and threatens to throw us over. Our left pole is permanently planted to the side to stay upright. The top seems unattainable. Every time you think you are at the top it is a false one. Finally, the top. It is impossible to stay there since the wind is relentless. Flying down the other side we are seeking the safety of the trees to break the wind. 

It is sad to get off the top and lose all the views that are so spectacular. But we have a goal. My friend and former colleague, Gary Garber, sent me a text a couple of days ago and offered to meet up with us and take us for lunch. Gary and his wife Marra were one of our first 'mile' sponsors. He and his son Sam have driven 3 hours from Raleigh NC to meet us, our first visitors on the trail since we left March 9th. We are so excited and the miles fly by on the way to the gap. It is a perfect day, sunny, clear and the terrain is stunning. Coming down we see more and more evidence of spring.

And then there they are hiking up the trail, Gary and Sam. I haven't seen Gary for 13 years since he and his wife were on their honeymoon in Hong Kong. It is great to see him and he has brought apples, bananas, oatmeal and cheese. What great trail magic. We are having lunch at a local diner in Roan Mountain town and have a fantastic bbq pork sandwich, fries and coleslaw, the best ever. It is a wonderful visit and we are so happy to have visitors.

Gary and Sam help us with pictures of our Alzheimer flag and now we are off again. We have 6 miles to reach our camp site and with an hour and a half break and a fantastic lunch for fuel we are enjoying the climb up with blooming trees and flowers everywhere. We finally reach the river and are looking for a place to camp. It is still early enough after we get our tents set up to have a quick wash in the river. Our friends of the last few days start showing up. We are all sitting around the fire and enjoying a fantastic evening, suddenly the peepers start, the frogs are singing to beat the band. It is the most wonderful sound to go to sleep to. What a great day on the trail.