Update: NEARO at Haiwassee

Hi again! I'm checking in from a semi- comfortable room at the Budget Inn in Hiawassee, Georgia. All's well so far on this journey/quest/thing I've got going on. 70 miles down, only 2115 to go!

I'm taking my first "NEARO," or near zero mileage day, today. What that means is that, rather than spending a full day on the trail, I hiked 3.5 miles from last night's camp to the nearest road, hitched a ride into town (which was surprisingly easy!), and am getting to spend an afternoon/ evening back in civilization. So far I've had a footlong Bacon Chicken Ranch Melt at Subway, a cup of Starbuck's coffee, and a deliciously cold Mountain Dew. I'm also planning on hitting an All You Can Eat joint (or "AYCE" in hiker-speak) for dinner in a bit. Town life is kind of nice!

The last four days have been decent enough, if a little rough at times. It turns out that hiking in the Appalachian MOUNTAINS involves a LOT of uphill hiking, and uphill hiking is actually kind of hard. Between the blisters, Charlie horses, stubbed toes, and agonizing moments of frustration when you think you've made it to the summit (but it turns out there's another 100 vertical feet ahead), it's been a taxing time to say the least. I've actually determined that the creators of the AT must have had a bit of a sadistic streak in that they decided that the trail needed go to the TOP of every single mountain in the state of Georgia, regardless of whether or not there's a decent view (I've seen 2 in 70 miles). I personally see no problem whatsoever in going AROUND a mountain or two, but what do I know? 

Anyhow, all's well that ends well, and the relaxing nights in camp spent with like-minded individuals and kindred spirits make it all seem worthwhile. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the people I've met and gotten to know so far are the best part about the trip, and by a long shot. It's altogether amazing how many wonderful and interesting people I've met in only 8 days on the trail! There's been Ben and Ben, Rail Thin Johanna, Charlie the Guardian of Tortoises, Dan and Jane the hilarious retired couple from Boulder with their outlandish and amazing stories, Greg the Missionary, Big Chief and Sean, and James from Maine.. just to name a few of my hiking companions from the last few days. 

Rundown of the Last 4 Days

Easter Sunday: I hiked out of Neel Gap at 8:30 into a crisp, clear morning. Pulled a pretty easy 11 mile day, and stopped for the night at the Low Gap Shelter area. Low Gap is a wonderful campsite with lots of tent space and a fantastic water source. While there, I met "LC" a total hippy hiker who was attempting a thru hike with his two dogs; his keen powers of perception led him to remark that Easter happened to fall on the 20th of April, and he spent the next several hours celebrating accordingly ("Oh my God, it's such a beautiful day, I love you all. Am I talking to much? I feel like I'm talking to much."). Also met an ATC Ridgerunner named Zach. He was a cool guy with a REALLY cool job; he basically spends 5 days a week on the trail picking up trash and reporting damage. Hit the sack by 8PM. 

Monday 4/21: Hiked out of Low Gap to the site of an old cheese factory (no longer standing, unfortunately), covering a distance of 13.4 miles over tough terrain. Apparently, a fellow back in the lat 19th century had a dairy farm in Blairesville, GA, and he sent the milk up into the mountains to make cheese in the cooler temperatures; supposedly, it was pretty good. The site is, supposedly, also haunted...but I wasn't bothered by any hillbilly ghosts wielding cheesy banjos or anything, so I think that might be an exaggeration. Hit the sack by 8PM.

Tuesday 4/22: After two big days, I took it easy and hiked 9.4 miles to the Deep Gap Shelter area, AKA "Mouse Palace." Got a bit of rain around midday, but the thunderstorms that were forecast luckily passed me by. At approximately 2:15PM, I decided that I hated mountains and everything they represent; I will be making a formal complaint the the Appalachian Trail Conservancy concerning the lack of cable cars and/or escalators available on the trail. At 3:00PM, I ate a Snickers bar and felt much better. Hit the sack by 8PM.

Wednesday 4/23: Hiked down from Deep Gap to Dick's Creek, where I hitched a ride into Hiawassee. Ate like a king, took a shower, resupplied, and did some laundry. I smell nice again. It's weird. Hitting the sack by...9PM. 

Below is another round of random pictures from the journey thus far. Check back soon for my next post "10 Things I've Learned in 10 Days on the Trail."

Four days' worth of trail food... all for under $20

The "Mouse Palace" AKA Deep Gap Shelter

Taking a break at Unicoi Gap

Flowers and Stuff

Heading out from Neel Gap, the only place on the AT where the trail goes through a building