Day 6: A Push to Dick’s Creek Gap

Before I started hiking and reading these types of blogs, like you now, I didn’t understand why hikers stayed in hostels so much. I thought they were a little spoiled, to be honest.

But when you’re here, a hostel getaway may be just what you need. The beginning of a hike is difficult. You’re not putting in as many miles as you planned, your body is sore and adjusting, and whether you like it or not, you need to refuel. Most of the time, a stay at a hostel sets you up to resupply the next day.

the plan

Today we reached that point. Hiawassee is the only logical resupply point for the next leg of the trail. My feet are bad, as are my dad’s knees, and we could both use a good night’s sleep.

At 13 miles is Dick’s Creek Gap, the trailhead that leads to Around the Bend Hostel and Hiawassee. We’ve decided: We’re going to go 13 miles, sleep at the lodge, and tomorrow do a zero day in Hiawassee to rest, resupply, and eat some proper food in town. Maybe I can even find something to help with those pesky little fingers.

the walk

But before we get there, we still have to walk 13 miles. Today was not the most memorable hike. It was foggy, with some ups and downs and a lot of green. You know, the usual AT stuff we love.

Today’s challenge was Kelly Knob. This mountain takes the cake for the hardest climb yet!

But we didn’t have to do it alone. We have hiked intermittently with a woman from Florida who is doing a section of hiking in a part of Georgia. It’s been great walking with her and talking to her.

around the curve

After a day of hiking, we arrived at Stanimal’s Around the Bend lodge. After a warm introduction, we ate some pizzas, drank some soft drinks and took a shower. We’re starting to desphere pretty well. After this, we relaxed a little and went straight to bed.

Day zero in Hiawassee tomorrow!

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