Georgia to North Carolina: The Hike

Day 8

After breakfast, we return to Unicoi Gap.

The day had us ascending the Rocky Mountains and Tray. Taking a water refill and lunch break at the Tray Mountain hut. The temperature was 80 degrees. It’s not my preferred range by at least 30°. As it was already early afternoon, we continued. By the end of the afternoon, my feet felt like hamburgers. Raw burgers, not the tasty kind.

I hit a wall about nine miles in, had a snack, and felt rejuvenated enough to climb the final hill to the tent site.

Set up the store and now find the perfect tree. No, these Georgia trees are tall. I managed to get my rock bag stuck, really stuck. Having failed at that, I secured my Ursack around a tree. Zuko was my savior, as he headed towards the water while all this nonsense was going on. I had dinner just in time before sunset.

Demoralized and hot, I walked back to the main trail to get a signal. Well, the messages arrived. I decided to have Bob send me my bear boat, I definitely wasn’t shooting it as well as last year. I’ll pick up my boat in Franklin at tent 76. Also, add a set of light clothes for sleeping.

Day 9 at Dicks Creek Gap

Showers and thermal lighting at night. Passed the Ursack tree test. Yes, food! I arrived to see Smedified, Charlene and Remi. Smed is the hiking section, and Charlene and Remi are camping, hiking, and gathering however they can while being the support team. Charlene had many bags full of food that a section hiker gave her. We took one thing as he was heading to Around the Bend and sending the first mail.

Who should we see at Stanimals ATB but Squirter, Motorman, Gussie and Green Man with a day pass and we’ll meet the rest of the group for Mexican dinner tonight?

Walked to DQ during a snow storm, very tasty. It was my lunch.

A Mexican restaurant has fajita salad, I need vegetables! It was great to see everyone as our different rhythms will have us all at the mercy of the wind. Place the tent to dry, now unpack the box and sort it.

Day 10 First Zero

Zuko’s cold is getting to him and I feel like a break might be good too. The predicted rain could be heavy, I’m okay with walking in the rain, but I’d rather not settle in it too. This morning, I repacked my backpack like I did late at night, feeling rushed and feeling like the weight distribution wasn’t good. Nap in the common area, I must have been tired. I like the large common area at Around the Bends, with lots of couches, I chose the one where my feet actually touch the floor. Problems of short people.

I went to Hiawasee Ingles for snacks, took advantage of their extensive prepared food section, had a salad for lunch, and took home an 8-piece chicken bucket for Zuko and me, along with snacks.

I finally spent time writing blogs and posting on YouTube channels. I weighed myself and my food, my bag was 6# for 4.5 days, well I’m starting to not carry too much food.

Day 11 Dicks Creek to Muskrat

Breakfast at 7 am and departure at eight. The repacking of suitcases is good and with fewer ups and downs than previous days. It rained overnight and temperatures dropped from 80 degrees to 47 degrees to start. More like my happy temperature. The rain skirt works well in light rain.

We arrived at the first state line. Hurrah! Now Bly Gap, and it’s mid-afternoon, so we continue towards the Muskrat hut. The climb is steep, after Bly Gap, like North Carolina, said «Hold my beer» and we climbed. My feet feel better today, whether it’s because of the cooler temperatures or because I used the heel lock on my laces, either way, a win.

Now the Muskrat shelter has a bear stealing their food problem, the last bag was grabbed a few days ago, so we’ll see what happens in the morning. I found a forked tree to give myself a better chance of passing in the morning.

Day 12 Muskrat to Carter Gap

Everyone at camp got a passing grade, hanging food, boats, and my Ursack. Cold during the 37th night, I slept with Sawyer filter and electronics. The standing Indian mountain had great views, an incredible view, numerous valleys and trees, the different interactions of greens, the shadows, all the views have been impressive, but today it raised the bar.

Day 13 Carter Gap to Rock Gap Shelter

Another 7:30am on the road, we’re starting to get used to our routines, without having to unpack to put something forgotten in its place. I mean, some days it’s like a garage sale, with everything set to go the right way, but it’s starting to feel more familiar and routine again. Today’s big event has arrived at Albert Mountain. I’m (not) looking forward to the last 500 foot climb in 0.5 miles.

Well, that was a plus. Like an Adirondack mountain, but with smaller rocks and more stairs. The view is worth it. I guess that’s what keeps us going.

The prize at the end. The handicap was pretty cruel, all the way to the Rock Gap shelter. My feet are so ready for a spring soak while refilling water.

Day 14 Nero (almost zero) at Franklin @Winding Stair Gap

Shortly after, the magical sight of bear-proof trash cans appeared in the Rock Gap parking lot. I’m so excited to unload stinky ziplocs of food trash, hygiene trash, and whatever random packaging I found along the way.

My blister on my left heel is intact, but it continues to get bigger every day under the callus. I arrived around 10.30 am. The next ferry around 12:30. We saw Primetime being dropped off because we knew he came into town early and just wanted to resupply. Their vehicle «Cooper» offered to take us back to Franklin and we happily accepted.

In the parking lot we saw many 18 wheelers stop and then go down the hill. Now we found out why, the smell of the brakes was a little nauseating as we twisted and turned down the steep grade to the sounds of CSNY. Cooper asked if we would mind a quick prayer for us. We accept your kind gesture.

Day 14 (cont.) and 15 Franklin, North Carolina

Since it was too early to check in at the lodge, we walked to the 76 Outdoors outfitter. I picked up my box that had arrived the day before.

My shorts needed to be replaced, there is a tear in the seam that can be repaired by machine, but sewing them by hand won’t hold up. I’ll send them home. I hope they have something that has long enough legs, my legs are not model thin. I grabbed some electrolytes, since I’m hoarding them like a leprechaun hoards gold. Also some snacks and a 2L water bag. I found shorts. I will send home the Ursack, the CNOC 3 liter water bag and small items.

I found a place to have lunch, Smokestack Cafe and Catering. So while in North Carolina, they had a combination of catfish and silent pups for lunch. Oh, it was a wonderfully breaded piece of fish, soft and transcendent.

Already at the Grove Hostel, after a shower, it was time to consider resupplying food. Now that we have the bear container, it will be interesting to see how it fits into Tetris. I believe it is 450 cubic inches in size. After reviewing the food, I only need 2 breakfasts and 6 snacks.

I’m looking forward to a day of zero miles and sleeping in. We walked to a local tavern, Graffs, and I ordered blue cheese chicken wings. THERE IS NO RANCH! THE RANCH IS HERESY Yes, they met my high standards.

Yes, 645 out of bed. Technically I was sleeping in. The usual time is 545 am.

Today is full of productive tasks. After breakfast at Not Just Donuts I had a sandwich for breakfast. I thought I’d order a donut for dessert later. Then, while eating, my secret superpower of lines that appear after ordering quickly narrowed down my donut selection. I chose a classic frosting and was NOT disappointed at all. This is a wonderful local business that is worth an extra mission.

They repaired my watch at Ruby City Gem and they fixed it, the strap pins kept popping off when I put on my backpack. I went shopping in Ingles, didn’t see anything that caught my eye for lunch, so a pint of ice cream from the hostel was enough. All the food went into the container. Cool. For dinner we went to JR Chophouse on the main street, surf and turf for 19.99. Pretty solid. We ate on the patio, since the interior was very air conditioned and full of people who were not wearing borrowed clothes. All in all a productive day. I hope my package arrives home, we use a Going Postal franchise and that would be a story in itself. Let’s leave it while another hiker went to dinner, walked further, and returned before us. The person at the counter was very friendly, but had trouble with the software interface to place our packages.