Friday morning we set out from the Blue Mountain shelter campsite, on a short 8.1 mile trek to our next destination, Tray Mountain shelter. After climbing through Blue Mountain, we passed Unicoi Gap, and I was officially in uncharted territory for me. Our Venture Crew had ended our AT journey in 2004 at this point. We moved on.
Much of the trail in the morning looked like something out of Lord of the Rings, with mossy curblike edges to the trail. We stopped for lunch at the site of the old Cheese Factory, where at one time there was some sort of processing plant. Rick decided to shorten his trail name to Strider, instead of Texas Strider, as the latter was too long.
Met a guy not much younger than us from Orlando, an electrician (although it’s unlikely we’ll have need for his skills up here. His trail name is, of all things, Orlando.
I was passed today by several groups of younger, faster hikers, although I expect to see many of them again up the trail. The young hikers seem to prioritize getting to towns where they can enjoy local libations. Not my priority, as I need my whits about me all the time just to maintain daily pace and miles.
I hope to get into Hiawassee tomorrow to pick up a new charger (mine’s already fried), resupply, and possibly spend the night in a motel, which would mean showers, laundry, and restaurant food.
Arrived at Tray Gap by early afternoon, set up camp, had dinner, and retired early (like most nights).
Until next time...
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