Trail Magic at Woody Gap
I started like most days do on the trail, laying in my hammock thinking I’ll just lay here a little longer because I’m so comfortable. But alas I’ve got to get moving because the miles don’t take care of themselves.
The plan for the day was to get to Neels Gap just over 15 miles away. Neels Gap is the first hostel, and resupply point on the trail. It is also a very popular place for hikers to quit. I got going early because I could have a pizza for dinner if I made it by 5, and who doesn’t want a pizza for dinner.
I said goodbye to the people I hiked with the day before, as well as everyone else I met and moseyed on down the trail about 7:15 thinking I was the first one out of camp. I was really surprised when I got to the top of the first little climb and saw someone ahead of me. I eventually caught him when he was refilling his water. Not surprisingly it was Camel who is finishing his Triple Crown. The Triple Crown is Thru Hiking the Appalachian trail, the Pacific Crest trail and the Continental Divide Trail. It is a great feat, and also explains why he beat me to the trail.
I left Camel at the water source because I filled up the night before. When I got down to Woody Gap what did I find, more Trail Magic. This was hosted by a church group that has been doing it for years. It was great to get some fresh fruit and some OJ. I was their first visitor this morning so I stuck around to talk with them for half an hour or so. Others started showing up so I said my goodbyes and head out of Woody’s Gap.
I continued hiking north by myself enjoying a warm morning. I occasionally passed people or got passed by people but never really hiked with anyone. I got to Lance Creek at lunch time so I figured I would eat there. While I was eating several of the people I’d hiked with caught me and headed up the mountain without noticing me down by the water so I figured I ought to get going.
The nice weather I had in the morning turned into a 80 degree day and I was struggling up a climb. Luckily I ran into Ruth part of the way up and we were able to talk while we made the climb. Big climbs are always easier when you have someone to talk to. Once we got to the top Ruth took a break and I moved on.
In Georgia there is a 5.4 mile section where you need a bear canister to camp at and I just got to the last campsite before this area at about 2:30. Just past this 5.4 miles is Neels Gap, and I had to make a decision. Do I rush to do the 5.4 miles in 2 hours up over Blood Mountain, or do I stay here with the group from last night? After thinking about it I decided to spend the night with the guys from last night I’ll just have to get a breakfast pizza in the morning.
Chris
Ending mile 26.2
Comments
One response
Interested to know what a bear canister is about? Glad Ruth was there for you to talk to while you climbed that steep terrain. I’m enjoying being able to live these moments with you from the comfort of my house. I know this trek isn’t easy but it’s obviously something that you enjoy. So far the weather has not been too rough.