Day 19, miles today- 20.5, total- 242.9

From winter to spring in one day. I left Tri-corner Knob shelter at 9:15 am. It was in the low 30's. The first few miles were snow pack or ice covered. I came very close to falling once. I spun around on a sheet of ice. How I stayed on my feet is beyond me. The farther I went the less snow there was. Near Yellow Creek Gap there were metal parts from a fighter jet that crashed there in the 80's. I was told that both pilots on board died. Later in the day it reached 70 degrees. When I left the Smokys it was like I left winter behind. As I exited the woods near I-40 I saw a vehicle and a few backpackers. That can mean only one thing... TRAIL MAGIC! Julie and Rebecca, who live near Asheville NC, were there with food and drinks. It's amazing how an unexpected treat can lift your spirits. Thru-hikers talk about it for days afterwards. It was their first time ever doing trail magic. They were at a perfect location. Their two dogs were cool too. I'm tenting at a campsite with Rabbit. Two other hikers, Garbage Man and Hot Rocks, are close by. Hot Rocks said she's changing her trail name. Her civilian name is Caroline. They both recently graduated from Maine University. They seem really nice. We plan to stay together tomorrow night. Rabbit's a good guy too. We had a campfire tonight. It's almost 10:00 pm, way past my bed time. Good night.