Day 7, Tray Mountain Shelter to Dick’s Creek Gap to Clayton, GA, 10.9 miles
The day started beautifully. I was planning to wake up around 6am, but decided to sleep until 7am It was a quick morning doing the usual tasks: packing, stretching, eating a small honey bun for breakfast, and then starting walking.
It was hot today so I added an LMNT packet to my water for extra electrolytes. The trail was nothing out of the ordinary, with ups and downs, ups and downs. That was until I got to Kelly Knob. What a climb that was! Every time I thought I was reaching the top, there was another climb. When I finally reached the top, Bobcat was there resting. Badly needing a break, I joined him.
The next section was quite flat and downhill. I was out of water and expecting a stream in 1.5 miles. Let me tell you, this little stream was like Heaven on Earth. On a normal day, I probably wouldn’t have looked at it twice. I filled my water bottles with ice cold spring water and soaked my Buff so I could have a cooling cloth on my neck.
Shortly afterward we reached Dick’s Creek Gap. We all needed to resupply, so we hitchhiked into town. It took us about 30 minutes, but Pastor Steve, the nicest man, stopped to pick us up. Steve talked about AT, being a pastor, and his grandchildren as he drove us to Clayton. He even said a prayer for us before we left. Such a kind soul.
In Clayton, the first stop was Outdoor 76 for showers and laundry. They also had beer on tap. What a great idea for an equipment store. I bought an Allagash beer that is brewed in Maine. We all felt very refreshed after showering and doing laundry, and decided to spend the night in Clayton.
At first I felt a little guilty about getting a hotel from the beginning, when everyone is trying to clock up the miles. I quickly realized that it was exactly the gift and reset I needed to move forward. There are many miles and long days to cover, and it’s nice to relax for a night.
The rest of the night in Clayton included a trip to Ingles, a delicious dinner at a Mexican restaurant, and a restful night’s sleep.
Day 8, Dicks Creek Gap to Wateroak Gap, 13.7 miles
I had a lovely morning waking up at the hotel. The free shuttle back to the trail didn’t leave until 10am, so I wasn’t in a rush. I made a hotel waffle, oatmeal, and coffee for breakfast. I also watched some ESPN to catch up on sports. NBA Playoffs Baby, Go Pistons!
Bobcat, Condor and I took the ferry and arrived at the trail around 10:30am. I told them: «See you later!» and I started walking. My legs felt good today, which was good because I planned for a longer day. I have a hostel booked in Franklin, North Carolina, so I’ll have two longer days and one shorter day.
I spent most of the day listening to “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.» Made the miles fly by to have an audiobook as background sound. The highlight of the day was passing the GA/NC border. One down, thirteen to go!
I also saw Cowboy, Archive, and Blue at the shelter and decided to make dinner with them before moving on. I ended up alone at a campground, so it was nice to socialize beforehand. Tomorrow brings something Great climbs, amazing views and 100 mile of the trail. Stay tuned!
Day 9, Wateroak Gap to Albert Mountain, 16.9 miles
Longest day yet! I started walking just as the sun rose. The miles passed easily until I began climbing Standing Indian Mountain. It’s a tough climb, but the view is worth it.
After the climb, the path becomes flat for a while. I enjoyed the easy hike and warm weather. I ended up meeting and walking with WiFi and Top Hat. We chatted about life and hiking and realized we had all worked in technology. WiFi ended the day at a shelter, and Top Hat and I planned to continue up Albert Mountain.
We stopped for lunch with Shaka (not like the basketball coach, like that 🤙) and Scooby. I had pepperoni and honey in a tortilla. One of my best meals so far. I am in the experimentation phase of eating because I have grown tired of many foods like tuna packets.
After a restorative meal, Top Hat and I continued the grueling hike up Albert Mountain. The climb was tough, but the views were worth it! This was also a major milestone, mile 100 of the trail! We had dinner and watched the sunset from the top of the fire tower.
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