Interrogation before Standing Indian Mtn

April 19, 2025

Bo and I rolled out at 0800 and put some quick miles under our belts before running into Forest Service personnel in the Deep Gap parking lot. They questioned us to see if we saw anything strange or had any information in regard to the start of the wildfire. There is some speculation, whether it was the cigarette guy or the guys with grocery bags–nothing confirmed it’s just all rumor and speculation. The fire is now up to 11 acres with fire crews and helicopters working on it. The section of the trail is anticipated to be closed for a few days–we are lucky we passed it when we did, or we would have been shuttled around like other hikers.

For our ascent to Standing Indian Mtn, we had amazing switchbacks, which was a happy change from Sharp Top. There were 360-degree views on the ridgeline with incredible layers of blue mountains in varied shades in the distance. The next few miles, we walked a narrow dirt trail with brush above shoulder height. It made me wonder what was making the rustling noises in the distance as Bo and I meandered through.

Bo and I practically ran today. He had so much energy and was pulling me up, down, left, and right. I’ve been developing pain in the arches of my feet that I’ll need to address soon.

I met Wade (“Cutt”) again today, and we talked about the fire and how I remind him of one of his daughters friends who looks like me. I called the Inn in Franklin to reserve a room for Bo and I in the coming days.

There were more people on the trail today, and I found myself feeling rushed because they were close behind me. I finally decided to let them pass so I could enjoy myself more. I usually try to stay in front of people. Otherwise, Bo pulls harder, trying to catch up to them. I got to the shelter and saw “Poppins” and Daisy again. They had been shuttled around the fire section. “Uno,” “Magnum,” “Leapfrog,” “Widget,” “weast,” (like west, east) and “two-timer” joined us at the shelter and we all layed in the sun together like lizards. There were lots of flies buzzing around as we ate dinner.