Day 10, Tuesday, March 9, 2021

  

Leviticus - Wow, those Israelites sure had a lot of rules to live by.

Beech Gap to Campsite near Wallace Gap.  16.6 miles covered today.  Total AT miles now at 107.

The highlight was cresting Albert Mountain where we had lunch at an old fire tower that looked out 360 degrees over the entire surrounding areas.  Incredible views.  Ran into a dog with a wireless tracker on his collar.  He followed Rick down the mountain where he was met by the owner at Rock gap. We proceeded on from there for another couple of miles, where we set up camp for the night.

We also crossed the 100 mile benchmark today, signified by someone marking the number in sticks on the trail at the exact location that the gps indicated was the 100 mile point 

Tomorrow we head into Franklin NC for a quick resupply and to pick up a new pair of shoes I had Carolyn mail me.  The sides of my current pair have blown out.

Until next time...

Day 9, Monday March 8, 2021

 

Exodus 21 - 40

Bly Gap, NC campsite to Beech Gap NC campsite.  12.1 miles hiked in about 7 hours.  2600 ft of elevation increase today.  Now at mile 90.1 on the AT.

It was cold last night, with the thermometer reading 28 when I got up this morning.  Packing up in the cold is a whole nuther level of commitment.  After a cold breakfast, we were off by 8:15.  Ahead were two tall mountains, including the tallest one we’d encountered so far, Standing Indian mountain at 5500 feet.  Fortunately, both mountains had gradual switchbacks, back and forth zig zags up the side of a mountain instead of a more severe incline.  

By 3:30, we’d decided to call it a day, as the next shelter campsite was better than 3 miles away and over a couple more mountains.

After setting up, cooking dinner (smoked bacon applewood mashed potatoes, beef jerky, and ritz crackers),  I hung my bear bag from a tree PCT style, and turned in for the night.  On the trail, bedtime is when the sun goes down. The blue AT thru hiker hangtag was a gift from my daughter Amanda, custom making it for the hike.  Thanks Amanda!  I’ve gotten lots of compliments.

Until next time...

Day 8, Sunday March 7, 2021

 

Exodus 1 - 20

Sunday morning in Hiawassee I checked around for church services that might be in walking distance, that would let out before we had to catch the 11 am shuttle back to the trail.  Nothing ended early enough, so I ended up watching my church’s streaming service at 9.  I was fortunate to be able to watch the live stream of the baptisms of 3 good friends live after the service. 

I was able to FaceTime with my granddaughter Ellie, as well as her dad and mom.  Later that afternoon I was able to reach Lucy again for her birthday party and shared a few minutes of the festivities.

At 10am, Rick was able to walk into the local Walgreens and get his second Covid shot.  After packing up and checking out, we caught the free shuttle back to Dick’s Creek gap and headed back onto the trail, resuming by about 11:20.  

We ended up hiking 9 more miles and ending up at Bly Gap.  We crossed over the GA/NC border at dusk, apparently during a shift change of the border guards, as we weren’t stopped and checked.

We left 92 Proof in town, trying to decide if his knee would allow him to continue.  He’s trying to get to mile 120 at least, as there is a treasure hidden there by a friend earlier this year.  If he can’t continue, he’s asked us to dig it up for him.  We’ll see.

Our final stop was on top of a hill at Bly Gap, mile 78.2 on the trail.  This is the site of the famous Knarly tree, named for obvious reasons when you see it.  Dinner was a quick cold sandwich as it was in the low 30s by sundown, and dropped into the high 20s that night. Bundled up and cozy in my tent, so I turned in early (as usual).  No images, as the signal is too weak to take an upload. (Addendum- was able to upload a couple of pictures)

Until next time...

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...

Day 6, Friday Mar 5, 2021

  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...

Day 5, Thurs March 4th, 2021

 

Thursday morning I got up very early and started off from Whitley Gap shelter campsite at dawn.  Rick would follow later, with his longer strides and would catch up with me later in the day.  Our goal that day was Blue Mountain Shelter -12 miles up the trail.

The morning included hiking through Hogpen Gap, over White Oak Stamp and Poor Mountain, and into Low Gap, where I stopped for lunch.  There I met a Scotsman in full hiking kilt, on his way to Maine after retiring as a Paramedic.  He had a broad assortment of camping gear spread around him and said his trail name was Garage Sale, for obvious reasons.  At 66, he’s the second oldest thru hiker I’d encountered.  His plan was to try to get to the finish in Maine by October.  

I left him after a quick lunch of PBJ and trail mix.  The afternoon included hiking thru Poplar Gap Stamp, Cold Springs Gap, Chattahoochee Gap, and over Rocky Knob.  It’s so interesting the way they name geographical sites as knobs, knolls, gaps, and tops.  To me, they all are mountains or valleys.

Rick caught up to me by mid afternoon and we hiked into Blue Mountain Shelter campsite that afternoon.  Set up tents and cooked dinner.

After dinner, I met a group of 4 students from Cornell on a Semester Hiking Program sponsored by the college, where they hike the entire AT and get college credit.  Two of them were soon to enter the seminary.  We had an interesting theological discussion about comparative denominational stances.  Fun to hear perspectives on following Christ as a college student and future seminary student.  I shared the meaning of my trail name and the associated scripture from Isaiah.  It’s been a blessing to be able to share scripture every time someone asks me my trail name.  Several interesting conversations have come of it.

Weather continues to be great. Highs in the 50s during the day and lows in the low 40s at night. 

For the day, 2726 ft of climbing, 12 miles covered on the AT, 13.2 miles total.  

Until next time...

Day 4, March 3rd, 2021

  Today was clear and cold as we got up and packed.  Got out early at 7:30 or so, knowing we had 2 large climbs ahead.  The first was Blood Mountain, which I’d scaled successfully 17 years ago when we took Venture Crew 11 on a 52.5 section hike of the AT.  Our co-ed crew of 4 adults (Carolyn and I and two others) led a group of a dozen or so fir a week. I’m currently retracing those steps.  

Blood Mountain was what I remembered, with the very cool stone Shelter at the top.  We paused there for a rest before heading down into Neels Gap and our first glimpse of civilization in several days.

As we came down into Neels gap we arrived at Mountain Crossings, an outfitter right on the trail at mile 31.3.   There we were able to secure some hot food and minimal resupply.  I had a Philly Steak sandwich, slice of pizza, corn chips, Butterfinger and a Cherry Coke.  Good stuff.  

Mountain Crossing is where a small percentage of hikers hang it up (literally).  The tradition is to hang your hiking boots from the tree out front if you quit there.  

From there, we headed out that afternoon, planning to add another 5 or six miles before stopping.  In a tactical error, we ended up hiKing 1.2 miles off the trail (2.4 miles round trip) to stay at Whitley Gap shelter.  We met Snowman there, the oldest hiker we’ve seen so far at 69.  He’s also planning on going all the way, but is taking it very slow.  Since we three were the only ones there for the night, Rick elected to sleep in the shelter. I pitched my tent.  After a dinner of tuna in olive oil, Lays chips, and a Snickers, I turned in early.  Most nights so far I’m in the tent and asleep by 7:30.

Met 92 Proof, a former Marine with 30 years of service, and Carter, just out of the Army.  92 has a bum knee so is doubtful he’ll make it all the way. 

For the day, we covered 14.6 miles, with 4105 in ascents in 9 total hours with 1:15 at mtn crossing included. In addition to Blood Mountain, we climbed Levelland mountain, Wolf Laurel Top, Cowrock Mountain and Wildcat Mountain.  38 AT miles so far.

Until next time...