Hiking Mama: September 2017

ZERO DAY!

A ZERO Day...!!! That means no hiking today. But errands aplenty... AYCE, pick up drop box, pick up rain covers for our packs, some different odds and ends and have a restful night.

I am not quite sure what the hiking etiquette or mantra is regarding hostels, zero days, slack packing etc. But the AT hostels have strict rules, when to get up, how long your allowed to stay (like 1 night), no alcohol...from all these rules, I am assuming they are in place for reasons...

Although we came in the night before, TOG allowed us to stay another night. Phew!

Our morning started with a crash course by the owner on the ways of the trail. Perhaps there should be a course, like PADI for scuba divers, for long distance hikers...?

Our new friend John, who was ending his trip that day, gave us his bear bag...we had been traveling with no odor bags in our tent. Seemed fine, but we took the bear bag anyway, learned how to use it, he also gave us some natural remedies for achy joints. I was happy!

Next we changed out of our "scrubs" some hikers don't, they go into town with the TOG scrubs on...but I think they look like mental patients...LOL! We took TOG's free shuttle 20 mins into town...straight to AYCE (all you can eat) at Daniels Steakhouse (go twice if you can)...we sat reminiscing about where we are and where we have come from ---we pat ourselves on the back on how we have been going strong, hitting major elevations everyday, trooping through rain every day, we are proud of ourselves, thankful for a day off and appreciative that we have our health and each other to do this hike together.

As we scarfed down fried chicken, fried clams, mash potatoes, salad, pie and soda we looked at our map, started planning our start for tomorrow, and counting our miles and elevation ahead.

We also take count of what we need to get while in civilization and plan another pack shake down for the morning before we leave again.

We pick up our drop box from the very nice people at the Hiawasee post office, we purchase two new waterproof pack covers from the local hiking shop, funny there is only ONE! Then we head to the supermarket to get dinner and some "snacks" for the trail...you can never have enough sugar.

We accomplished all of our tasks and made it to the shuttle pick up spot on time. Loaded down with too many goodies.

As it turns out, we didn't really need the drop box, we were sick of most of the food in there, there are plenty of towns to hitch hike to right off the trail to reload. So we donated all of our goods to the TOG store.

Long day for a Zero Day! :)