Bama to Baxter, days 31-35: Questioning my reasons for being on the road

Day 31: Gooch Mountain Hut to Neel Gap (Mountain Crossings)

The most memorable aspect of today’s hike was the ascent and descent of Blood Mountain at 4,400 feet. This was the first big climb to the AT for me. The descent was almost as arduous, but I knew I was descending to Neel Gap, where I could resupply, buy some pizza and soda, and sleep at their lodge. It was a good evening with other hikers.

Day 32: Neel Gap to Blue Mountain Hut

Another day of work. I’ve been increasing the miles because I want to reach Newfound Gap (the closest point on the road to Gatlinburg, Tennessee) on Friday, April 10. Before starting the hike, I had agreed with my wife, some of my siblings, and their spouses to spend a weekend with them off the trail. However, I’m starting to worry that I won’t be able to maintain the daily mileage needed to arrive on time.

Day 34: Blue Mountain Lodge to Dick’s Creek Gap (Stanimals Around the Bend Lodge)

More ups and more downs. I can’t do the mileage I want and I need to do it to get to Newfound Gap on time. For most of my walk today, I was trying to figure out what I could do as an alternative. Once I get into the Smokies, there really won’t be a place to pick me up, and it’s a long drive to Fontana Lake from Gatlinburg, so I thought I’d spend some time at the lodge tonight coming up with a backup plan.

Day 35: Dick’s Creek Gap to Permanent Indian Refuge

Today will be the first day of my new plan on how to get to Gatlinburg, Tennessee by April 10th. Instead of destroying myself with twenty mile days, last night I decided to cut back on the mileage and get a shuttle from the Nantahala Outdoor Center to Gatlinburg. This new plan allows me to walk shorter days and take a couple days off along the way.

The highlight of the day was the move from Georgia to North Carolina.

In short, my first few days on the AT have been very exciting. My emphasis on getting to Gatlinburg has interfered with my ability to enjoy the trail because I was trying to get too much mileage. What I’ve learned is that 20 miles on the Pinhoti Trail doesn’t equal 20 miles on the Appalachian Trail, but I’m hoping that within a week I’ll feel better about things.

Happy trails. . .

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