March 26-28th

Tuesday 3-26

We left the always classy Hiawassee Budget Inn and headed for Dick's Creek. We got a late start since the shuttles to the trailhead were full so we finally started hiking at 12:30pm. We only hiked 5 miles to Plum Orchard and called it a day. We stayed in a shelter there. It was a 3 level one that held 16 people. We were pretty cold overall that night but we survived. We shared the shelter with 16 people total, and more who camped nearby. 4 of our shelter mates were German. Two speak great English and the other two, not so much. Either way they were all super nice. It was almost dark and very cold, everyone was in their sleeping bags and all of a sudden one of the Germans who doesn't speak much English hops out of his sleeping bag to go pee. He's sleeping on the highest level of the shelter so he has to climb down a ladder. The funny part is that he's in his tiny little briefs so everyone in the shelter starts giggling and thinks he's crazy for going out there with hardly any clothes on. His friend hears everyone laughing and his response is, "Vee argh Zerhman!" (We are German) like it's normal for them to frolic about in the snow and 13 degree weather in nothing but undies. It was pretty funny to slap happy hikers. Not a huge fan of sleeping in shelters personally. It's usually crowded, noisy and most have mice in them but overall that stay wasn't bad. 

Wednesday 3-27 

We left Plum Orchard Shelter and had a decent hike to the North Carolina/Georgia border. Crossed into NC with many of our shelter mates from the night before hooting and hollering as each person crossed into NC. The first climb in NC was AWFUL. It was snow covered, icy, windy and STRAIGHT up. We huffed and we puffed and I thought my legs were going to fall off but we finally got to the top. By the time we reached Muskrat Creek Shelter, 7 miles from the start, I was done for. We set up our tent and laid down. We didn't feel like cooking since we had a late lunch so we ate tuna, some hickory farms cheddar cheese I brought from home and a powerbar. We called it a day after that. Pretty uneventful. We separated from Gary and Liz yesterday morning and didn't see them again that day. 

Thursday 3-28 

Woke up and left Muskrat Creek. It was so cold and our boots were wet from melting snow/slush/mud that they were frozen solid when we put them on. Not a great way to start the day with frozen toes. Once we got moving we finally warmed up. The last few days we've dealt with snow but today was snow and LOTS of ice. Tricky downhill descents are made more difficult when the snow and melt water refreezes at night making parts of the trail a solid sheet of ice. It was slow going this morning with lots of near falls. We climbed up Standing Indian Mountain today and stopped for lunch at the top. It was a 1,000 ft climb in about 2 miles and was pretty easy. Our guidebook says there is a view at the top, but we were disappointed because it was mainly covered in trees. We had about 5 people stop and join us for lunch. Spider was one guy's trail name, but I didn't catch the others. We kept on hiking and made it to Carter Gap Shelter and set up the tent a little before it. We did 13 miles today. I have a very sore ankle and some lovely blisters from hiking with wet feet. Tomorrow we have about 12.5 miles and then we will hitch hike into Franklin NC (10 miles off the trail). Warrior Hike has hotel rooms for us tomorrow night and Saturday night. We are going into town for Hiker Bash, a festival for thru-hikers put on by the town. We are looking forward to showers, washing our clothes and warm beds! This is our last cold night in the tent for awhile. I will also be buying new boots/trail running shoes in town....and a new rain jacket since the zippers don't work on mine. Still haven't caught up with Liz and Gary but we will see them tomorrow in Franklin I'm sure or maybe on the trail before we get to Old 64. 

Heading back to the trail!

We've been stuck in town for multiple days now. The weather is terrible and cold. Our gear is rated for around 25 degrees and warmer, it has been around 13 degrees with the wind chill in town...even colder up in the mountains. We've heard of multiple people being rescued off the mountains in the last few days. Yesterday part of the Warrior Hikers went out and ended up coming back into town last night, their water bottles were frozen and they had some wind burn from exposure. Today we've heard there are about 3-4 inches of snow and that there are also pretty deep snow drifts. We're heading out today and hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow. We have cabin fever pretty bad and Hiawassee isn't the most entertaining town. I would personally prefer sitting it out for another night, but that's not what the group consensus is and the Budget Inn in Hiawassee is pretty shady. We're hoping to arrive in Franklin NC on Friday or Saturday for Hiker Bash. Send warm thoughts our way and enjoy your warm beds for us tonight!

Long 3 day post! Days 6, 7 and 8

"I never knew I could have so much fun while being so miserable." -Gary Ewin

That is definitely the 'quote of the day' from Thursday. Wow, rough day. Gary's quote pretty much sums up how we all feel/felt. We started the day with snow on the ground. So off we go, the wind was whipping, it was cutting right through our clothes and, of course, the first part of the trail leaving Neel's Gap this morning was a climb. I realize halfway up that during this small amount of time we've been hiking, the waterline to my bladder (camelback thing) has frozen. I tucked it into my coat and it thawed out and was fine. We started snapping out of our cold weather funk after an hour or so. We were singing random songs, talking about movies and TV shows. At one point while flying down a mountain at what felt like breakneck speed, I stepped on a rock and wiped out. Of course I died laughing, and once everyone else knew I hadn't snapped my legs into a million pieces hilarity ensued. Liz was behind me so she had the best view. She kept thinking about it and would start laughing again and then we all would start again. By lunch we were feeling better and had an amazing, let me repeat, amazing view on Cowrock Mountain. The sun was warming us up and we were eating, highlight of the day. After a giant descent, we come to another HUGE climb at Wildcat Mountain that had lots of rock stairs and parts felt nearly vertical. From the top we could see our lunch spot on the Cowrock mountain behind us. It was really neat to see how far we had gone in such a short amount of time and pretty motivating. From then on it was a steady supply of ups and downs, both geographically and mentally. It was our final 4.4 miles to Low Gap Shelter and we were definitely ready to be there. Gary and Liz, now named 'Hustle and Flow' for how fast they hike, took the lead and we didn't see them again until we arrived at our destination. Cody and I trucked along, up and down, up and down. We kept passing the same people; we would stop for a break and they'd pass us and vice versa. Finally we think, "after this mountain the shelter will be down the gap." Wrong. This very vicious cycle continues for about 4 mountain summits and descents. We weren't the only ones thinking we were nearing the end, along the way we heard a few people say, "it's got to be less than two miles." etc. Finally I'm beginning to be very irritated with this seemingly never ending roller coaster ride through the mountains. I looked at Cody at one point and said, "If I get to the top of this mountain and see the trail going up another mountain I'm going to jump off at the top." We passed one hiker, I think his trail name is "O.B", for Old and Busted, and he asked if we had a spare set of lungs he could borrow. We run into O.B. and his hiking buddy Cabo a lot. We finally reach Sheep Rock Top and start our final descent. The wind starts whipping again and let me tell you, it was completely unrelenting. Not only was today filled with ups and downs, it was filled with hots and colds. Climbing up=hot, sweaty. Going down=cooling off (especially if wet from sweat) and getting hammered by 30-40mph mountain winds. Finally we make it to Low Gap shelter and lots of people are here. We set up camp and all four squeezed into mine and Cody's two person tent. We talked about how it felt like we'd been out here for so long and that it was weird thinking that this time last week we were still going out our normal business. I mentioned how each day I'm thinking, "why is this not getting easier physically? I should be getting used to this!" and then I remember that this is only the first week. It was pretty funny because everyone kind of feels like that too. 

Friday 3-22

We had an 8-9 mile day today. It was pretty easy for the majority of it, pretty flat with gradual inclines. We climbed Blue Mountain today which has an incline of 1,000 feet in elevation. Today was hard, slow going because we are all sore. Crossed a boulder field which was very tricky. I wiped out again today on all the rocks. We had lunch at the top and took a "shuttle" (old man who charged $10 per car load to pick us up at Unicoi Gap and drop us at the hotel) to Hiawassee Georgia. We are taking a zero day (hiker slang for day off) here on Saturday because it's supposed to be cold and rainy. I got pretty annoyed today and had to remind Cody why we are on this trip. We've planned this trip since last May and we are here to hike but also to relax, take our time and enjoy ourselves. This isn't a trip where we need a strict schedule. If I am going to huff and puff up these mountains then I'm going to take my time and enjoy the view at the top. On trips like this we have to enjoy the small things while we can because the next day may be raining and miserable. I'm on this trip to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility. If I feel like sleeping late one day or taking a 3 hour lunch I want to do that. From now on I'm hiking my own hike, with a group or alone, no one is going to rush this girl through this hike. 

Saturday 3-23

Today it's raining and we're in the holiday inn express relaxing. We've been taking turns in my room because there's a jacuzzi tub. We're having our zero day today. We stuffed our face with breakfast and will be checking out at noon. Tonight there's some marine event all the guys are going to. They have rooms provided at the budget inn tonight too. I'll spend the day relaxing, resupplying and doing laundry. 

Morning day 5

We had an amazing night in the cabin last night. Stuffed our faces and showered. Today we made breakfast, French toast, fried eggs, coffee and sausage. There is snow on the ground and it's really cold. We're going to try to do about 11 miles today and about 8 tomorrow so we can have a zero day Saturday to stay out of the rain in a hotel. We've got plenty of fuel and food so we should be good. We've got layers on and more if we need them. We should be at Low Gap shelter tonight. Send warm thoughts our way!!

Day 2 and 3 technically

Yesterday was much better than the cold and rain we had on Monday. We woke up on Tuesday morning to gale force winds roaring through the valleys below us; it was hitting us pretty hard too. I can honestly say I've never heard wind so loud. We froze getting out of the tent and packing everything up, but once we got moving it was much better. It turns out we stayed on top of Sassafras Mountain. We went to bed early Monday night and woke up early on Tuesday to make up miles. We left yesterday (Tuesday) at 8am. We reached Gooch Gap by around 11am. That's where Gary had ended up staying Monday night since he continued on in the rain after we had stopped. We decided not to hike to the shelter at Gooch Gap because we figured that Gary had left by then. We kept going and finally stopped for lunch around 1pm or so on Ramrock mountain which had an amazing view. We sat there and rested for awhile, took off our boots and socks, and to our amazement, Gary and Liz (a friend of a warrior hiker) came huffing and puffing up the side of the mountain and joined us. Not long after that the warrior hike cinematographer, Danny, comes and joins us too. We pushed ourselves yesterday and made it to Lance Creek. Sassafras Mountain to Lance Creek was are 13 to 14 miles. I was beat. The camping area at Lance Creek was full so, Gary, Liz, Cody and myself all set up tents and "cowboy camped" (at a non-designated campsite) with another couple of thru-hikers. Today we were off by 8:30am to get to Neel's Gap this afternoon. Warrior Hike had Blood Mountain Cabins rented for us again tonight so we had warm showers and cold beer as motivation. Not to mention beds and a buffer from the wind. Today we did 7-8 miles to Mountain Crossings Outfitter (The AT literally runs through the building) LOTS of climbing today. Blood Mountain was really brutal, lots of rocks and stairs. The view from the top was amazing though and the shelter there was very nice. The descent was rough on the toes because it was pretty steep and rocky too. Pictures are on my camera so it will be awhile before I can get them uploaded. We're now at Blood Mountain Cabins again, Warrior hike has the fridge full of food. Two frozen pizzas, hot dogs, and eggs and bacon for breakfast. George the Blood Mountain cabin owner is washing our laundry for us. Amazing! We've all showered and smell MUCH better; we were getting really stinky. I stood in the hot water and took my sweet time. Everyone is getting their laundry done so we all look funny wearing the clothes we have that are clean or don't need washed. I'm rocking my rain pants and fleece jacket. 

On another note, the Warrior Hikers are becoming famous on the trail. Everyone recognizes their green shirts and some have seen the website and have been following their journey. It's pretty cool that they come across people and they say, "hey I know you! I've seen your picture online!" 

Everyone we've met on the trail have been incredibly nice. You pass people on the trail, or they pass you and everyone looks everyone else in the eye, everyone says, "hello" or "how are you doing?" They ask our names and stop to chat. It's pretty refreshing. Everyone is a genuinely nice person. Despite climbing ridiculous inclines at crazy elevations no one is rude. It's really awesome. Everyone lends each other a hand and is concerned for each others well being, even complete strangers. 

Day 1 (technically)

Went ahead and pushed ourselves yesterday and got onto the official AT. Today has been a little rough. We started out with rain today and it hasn't stopped yet. If anyone hasn't told you, hiking up mountains is really hard. We had lunch today at hawk mountain shelter and boy was it full of people. All, of course very friendly and hunkering down out of the wind and rain. When we left Stover Creek shelter area (where we camped last night) to start today we were all wearing t-shirts and by the time we got to Hawk Mountain shelter we could see our breath. Cody and I met up with Gary there, who is a very fast hiker, for lunch. We stuck together after that for most of the day. We hiked through Horse Gap and went up 800 feet in elevation in less than a mile....talk about a work out! By the time we got to the top I was very cold and also very wet (despite having a rain coat on...hiking in rain all day will leave anyone water logged! If not from rain then it is from sweat stuck in your raincoat from hiking up a freaking mountain) Did I mention it sleeted today too? We, or I guess I should say, "I", made the executive decision that I was too wet and frozen to continue on and that we needed to stop, set up the tent, strip off all my wet clothes and crawl into my sleeping bag as fast as humanly possible. Once  I was all covered up and most of the moisture dried off my body I was fine but that took about an hour of shivering. Don't worry Dad, haha! Gary went ahead, we yelled for him and tried to catch up to tell him we were setting up camp but couldn't find the speed demon power hiking through the rain. We are assuming he has probably made it to Gooch Gap shelter. It is currently down pouring with uncomfortably close lightning strikes, but we are fine. Cody is setting up the stove and we're about to eat and hit the hay early tonight. We are hoping to make up some miles tomorrow so we will be getting up early. Tonight I'm having western style tamale with beef (dehydrated: boil 2 cups of water and let it sit for 13 minutes, then devour) incase anyone was curious. Cody will be having chili Mac with beef. Sounds like the rain is dying down for the moment, so that's a plus. Maybe we will venture out of the tent to see if the mist/fog we have been walking in all day has lifted so we can see the view from the mountain top. Everyone enjoy their dry feet and heated houses for us tonight.

Day 0

We're officially on our way! We arrived in Blairsville Georgia Friday night, got up Saturday morning and were dropped off at Blood Mountain cabins to meet up with the Warrior Hikers. Everyone (in Warrior Hike) was given their gear; everyone was smiling like little kids at Christmas walking to their cabins with huge smiles and arm loads of boxes and bags. Cody, Gary, myself and our newest friend and cabin mate, Chris stayed in Beaver cabin. Each cabin here has an animal name. We were lucky enough to share our cabin with a lovely little (54lb.) stuffed beaver named Beatrice who before her untimely death was road kill in Iowa. She was very dusty and looked like she may crumble into a cloud of dust at any moment. We had a cookout last night and stuffed our faces with hot dogs, hamburgers and beer. We met everyone and so far everyone seems really cool. Everyone is as excited as we are and the excitement seems to just keeps building. Our cabin had a bedroom downstairs and a loft upstairs. Chris had the bedroom, Cody and I took the loft and poor Gary got the futon in the living room staring at the creepy beaver all night. There was a "cabin log" aka a notebook that everyone writes in when they stay at the cabin, which was filled with stories of the beaver coming to life at night and of kids talking about how scary it was. When Cody, Gary and I were ready for bed, we came inside off the back deck and went to bed, about 5 minutes later there is a huge thud sound downstairs and we hear Gary say, "What was that? Was that you guys?" And I was like "no I thought it was you" then I started making a clicking beaver sound (which may not be accurate to the sound a beaver really makes) but then we hear Chris bust out laughing in the bedroom and then we all went into a fit of uncontrollable giggles for a few minutes. I think we were a little slap happy, or it could have been the beer. 

 Today everyone has started the 8.5 mile Approach trail (consisting of a climb of 2,000 feet in elevation and 600 stairs) at Amicola Falls which leads to the official start of the Appalachian trail at Springer Mountain. I decided to opt out of the approach trail and meet up with everyone on Springer Mountain tonight which is where the AT starts. I am taking Sharon, a Warrior Hiker's car and driving to meet up at Springer Mountain. Sharon is leaving tonight due to work and will be joining us in a month or so. By taking her car I'm shaving her an additional hike back to her car on the morning so it worked well for both of us. I'll spend my afternoon searching for instant coffee in a tiny Georgia town around Dahlonega..,and maybe grabbing some more denatured alcohol for our stove. The weather is fantastic today, sunny and warm, but we've heard it's going to be cold and rainy in a few days...at least we are getting off to a good start. In 3 days we will be coming into Neel's Gap (where we stayed last night at the cabins) and will be reapplying again. Saturday we will be picked up by a group of Marines at 5:00pm and they're providing hotel rooms for us in some little town. 

Everyone in our group that we've talked to seems to be pretty laid back and like minded. Everyone out here to escape from society for a bit and figure out what they want to do after the AT. A few have never camped for more than a night and some are pretty experienced. It seems to be a fun group of people and we are all looking forward to officially stepping off on the AT tomorrow. We also added 2 other members to our group, Jesse and his PTSD service dog Cooper. I'll try and post another update when we come into Neal's gap in a few days, although signal there isn't good at all. 

Leaving Friday for Georgia!

Moved out of our apartment, cleaned up, and got everything turned back over to the land lord. Officially homeless! We will be crashing at my sister's empty house that she has up for sale until we leave. Thursday we will be putting the finishing touches on gear, back country permits for the Smokey Mountains, doing my taxes (whoops), and stocking up on food....and of course, anxiously awaiting the arrival of Gary from Illinois!! Friday morning we will load up Cody's parents car, say our goodbyes and head toward Blairsville Georgia. Saturday we are meeting the Warrior Hike guys and girls. Cody and Gary will be getting their gear and will be learning how to use it/practice setting it up, tearing it down, etc. Saturday night we will be staying in cabins with the Warrior Hikers and we will be having a cookout to get to know everyone. Sunday will be day one, hiking the approach trail (Amicola Falls) which leads to Springer Mountain where the AT starts. We've got a busy six months ahead of us...I am hoping to be able to keep this updated along the way, but can't make any promises. I am no blogger by any means, but a few people expressed interest in staying up to date on our trip so here we are.