The Hungry Hiker’s Guide to Hiawassee – Day 7

The rain was already talking when I woke up, a constant patter through the cool, humid air. The night before had brought some of the most intense thunder and lightning I’ve heard on the trail so far. Sometimes the lightning was so bright it left my eyes dancing with spots, even with my eyelids closed.

I slowly began to move, dragging my equipment. The truth is that I was waiting for a break from the rain so I could take it down without soaking everything even more.

Soon, my wish was granted and we demolished the tents. We packed our soaked gear into our bags, grateful to know that we would be arriving at Scott’s house today to dry everything off.

Breakfast was eaten on the move. We knew we had to keep pushing and make the most of the break in the rain.

We flew all morning. The forest was full of fog, the kind that clings to the trees and softens everything. It was a cool 35 degrees and moving around was the only way to stay warm.

The trail wound and descended through the quiet, humid morning, traversing the lower ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Georgia. Water dripped from every branch, each step a soft crunch of wet earth and leaves under our feet.

Finally, around 11:15, we reached Blue Ridge Gap, a small but familiar road junction where many hikers head into town. Scott’s shuttle was waiting there, a warm, dry truck that felt like a portal out of the cold. We packed our equipment and climbed inside.

Scott took us to Hiawassee to get information from hikers at Trailful. Clearly, everyone understood the news, because within an hour at least 40 hikers had arrived. Within minutes, we saw 20 pizza boxes disappear. Everyone was happy to have been fed and protected from the rain. The entire event felt like one big gathering.

There were hikers from all over the trail surrounding us. Otter Tattoo, Brian, Bird, Jersey and Travis were all there. We heard Bri was in town, along with Jungle, Rizz, Zero and Parmey. Everyone we had met before seemed to be there and the reunion was incredible.

Finally, we left. On the way out, we met up again with Miss Janet, a well-known trail angel who has helped countless hikers along the Appalachian Trail. He told us to wait to send our cold gear home until we had petted the horses at Grayson Highlands. I saved it and thanked him for all his consideration.

We were finally on the road, just as heavy hail began to hit the truck. For the next four hours, we drove back to Scott’s house through the snow, watching the world outside turn white.

The long, winding roads and the heat of the vehicle slowly left me asleep on the way back.

Finally we arrive. We let all our gear dry and then showered, letting the heat penetrate deep into our tired muscles. Afterwards, we went out to dinner at Ye Olde Steakhouse. I ordered the biggest burger I could and devoured it in minutes.

With a very full stomach, a tired body, and a happy spirit, we returned to Scott’s house and called it a night.

Two zeros to weather the snow storm and then head out again on Thursday.

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