Day 7, Saturday, Mar 6, 2021

Saturday morning we left Tray Mountain and hiked 11.1 miles steadily through the morning and early afternoon to get to Dicks Creek Gap (AT mile 69.2).  There we arranged to have a free shuttle from the Hiawassee Budget Inn pick us up in exchange for securing a room for the night.  Hiking though the Swag of the Blue Ridge, Sassafras Gap, Kelly Knob, and over Powell Mountain, we descended into Dick’s Creek Gap at about 1 pm.  By then 92 had joined us, limping badly from an old football injury.  He may have to leave the trail here.

Our driver was there waiting and whisked the three of us into town.  We checked into our “hiker special” room, then headed to Daniel’s all you can eat buffet for lunch.  Best salad I’ve had in years, and the beef tips, meatballs, and veggies weren’t bad either. 

After lunch, we did some resupply shopping (I got a new charger, some additional tent stakes, and a fresh gas canister for my stove).  Returning to the motel we were able to clean up everything (laundry, showers, etc), before heading back out for dinner.  Dinner was at a Mexican place called Monte Alban.  I had a Chili Relleno which was very good, although a bit too much food.

On the way back we stopped at Ingles for a food resupply and once again I got more food than I needed. I’ll get better at this.  I was able to FaceTime my granddaughter Lucy (and her sister Lula) as today was Lucy’s 2nd birthday.  Tomorrow I’ll reach out to my other granddaughter Ellie, as well as check in on Lucy’s birthday party.

Had to do a bush fix on my shoe as I blew out the sidewall of one of them today.  May need Carolyn to send me my next pair shortly.

Turned in relatively late, but slept in a real bed for the first time in a week.  Such extravagance.

Until next time...