Dick’s Creek Gap

Dick’s Creek Gap

March 29, 2012

I’m at the library in Hiawassee, GA.  Staying at the Blueberry Patch Hostel this evening.  They are very kind people, got me a bottom bunk, a shower, and they’re doing my laundry. They also gave me a ride into town where I can get some decent phone service and internet.  Planned on getting here last night, but Kelly Knob was longer than I thought, so came in first thing this morning.  It’s interesting the things the mind does when hiking, yesterday as I was going uphill, I was counting steps until the next root I could stand on to rest.  I miss my friends terribly.  Now that I have service I’ve been reading everyone’s comments on the blog, thank you everyone for your support.  Had to buy some Deet today, the bugs have been ferocious because of the warm winter.  Hiawassee is a cute little town that caters to hikers and tourists to Lake Chatuge.  They have a $2.00 store where I got a sexy pair of new sunglasses.  I plan on entering into North Carolina on Saturday, I’ll try to get a picture of me at the GA/NC sign.  If you’re so inclined, please donate to Flagstaff Shelter services and save a life.

March 27, 2012

Camped atop Tray Mountain.  It’s a beautiful view.  Had to climb two mountains to get here, body is tired but not sore.  Getting stronger every day.  Saw my first snake today, 4 ft garter snake.  Dark Age got off the trail today.  He trashed his knee and tried to gut it out for a couple days, but it wasn’t getting any better. Hopefully he’ll get back on when it heals.  Having a nice time hiking with LDog and Kim, we hike about the same pace.  Tomorrow, an 11 mile hike to town and a bed hopefully.

March 26, 2012

Good day of hiking, very relaxed with less pain. Cold last night but I slept good. Camped at Blue Mountain shelter tonight. Hanging with LDog, Dark Age, and Kim. Two mountains to climb tomorrow. Today was the first day that I felt like I can really do this hike. Really awesome day.

March 25, 2012

The day started with a bang! Two of the people I was hiking with had their food bags destroyed by bear last night. Ray had to hitch into town to get more and LDog salvaged enough for a couple days.

March 24, 2012

Laying in my tent after a good, strong hike today. Day started beautiful and sunny after two days of rain.  Hiked to Hogpen Gap where a hail storm hit about 5 pm. I set up my tent quick and am snug in my sleeping bag. There are lots of “gaps” in Georgia. Basically a “gap” means a gap between mountains, which translates to uphill movement at any time. It feels like it’s too early to sleep, but there’s nothing. left to do but sleep.

March 23, 2012

Had a relaxing day today. It has rained all day today, so it was a good choice not to hike. My roommate Bill and I kept the same cabin; good to have a roof over my head. Got a shakedown on my pack and sent a few items home. I’m at 30 lbs now, with food and water. Aches are making themselves known, but it’s the good kind of sore that tells you that muscles are getting stronger. When I leave tomorrow, I plan on hiking for five more days before my next potential stay in a hostel. I miss the faces of those I love.

March 22, 2012 or I own Blood Mountain

Made it to Neels Gap where I am safely ensconced in a cabin that I’m sharing with a guy named Bill. I am showered and my laundry is being done by the owners of the cabins. I just finished eating a 4 cheese Red Baron frozen pizza; best pizza ever.  Blood mountain kicked my butt. Every part of my body is sore. I took an Aleve and am laying in bed. It will be good to get a good night’s sleep. I will be taking a zero day tomorrow (not hiking). I’ll be getting a pack shakedown tomorrow by the outfitter here. I’m going to hang out for the day and rest my body. This experience is very tough mentally. When the body is fatigued, it can be hard to keep going. I wanted to sit down on the trail today and quit, but it was raining and I knew i’d get hypothermic (lol).  A day of rest will do me good.

March 18, 2012

First day on the trail. Jennifer and I drove to Amicalola Falls and I registered as a thru-hiker. We then drove to the Springer Mountain trailhead and hiked the .9 miles back to the start of the AT. Tonight, I’m at Stover Creek shelter with Red Hat, Echo, Jeremy, and a couple others I don’t know. My body is feeling good so far. Ledt’s see what tomorrow brings.