17.3 miles
Monday, June 25, 2018
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Appalachian Trail --- Section Hike 1 --- Day 10
Day 10
Glassmine Gap to Wayah Gap Road
12.4 miles
We are a bit weary, self admittedly, at least I am.
Lots of elevation ups and downs.
Someone up there must have known our spirits were trailing...
There is nothing better than an act of kindness...Trail angel and trail magic from David Waters was a welcomed surprise as we sat by the road for a break.
Two oranges.
May not sound like much to you, but to us these oranges symbolized hope, kindness, care, fresh food, thirst quenching goodness, we didn't lick the juices running down our arms...but we could have!
If you ever get inspired to pick up an AT hiker, leave some sodas or food or even take them to dinner...thank you! Its hard to convey the deepest gratitude we experience.
Siler Bald is a bit of a side trip up...but worth it! The views were amazing.
On another note...stay in your tent, a shelter or a reputable motel/hotel in Wayah Gap surrounds...we were traumatized at the end of the day here...
I purposely left out a piece of this experience for fear of retribution. But I will leave it at this, ONLY stay at motels/hotels in this area if you need to take a break. I feel like this area exploited the hikers. Over priced dinner, we were left at the side of the road for two hours in pouring rain waiting for paid ride into town to show...the list goes on.
Our worst experience on the trail by far! We were thinking of taking a zero day, but were so freaked out, we got up and ran out the next day. Ran is an overstatement, had to pay $80 to get a ride back to the trail and get the hell out of there.
YUCK! Don't stop here, period.
Glassmine Gap to Wayah Gap Road
12.4 miles
We are a bit weary, self admittedly, at least I am.
Lots of elevation ups and downs.
Someone up there must have known our spirits were trailing...
There is nothing better than an act of kindness...Trail angel and trail magic from David Waters was a welcomed surprise as we sat by the road for a break.
Two oranges.
May not sound like much to you, but to us these oranges symbolized hope, kindness, care, fresh food, thirst quenching goodness, we didn't lick the juices running down our arms...but we could have!
If you ever get inspired to pick up an AT hiker, leave some sodas or food or even take them to dinner...thank you! Its hard to convey the deepest gratitude we experience.
Siler Bald is a bit of a side trip up...but worth it! The views were amazing.
On another note...stay in your tent, a shelter or a reputable motel/hotel in Wayah Gap surrounds...we were traumatized at the end of the day here...
I purposely left out a piece of this experience for fear of retribution. But I will leave it at this, ONLY stay at motels/hotels in this area if you need to take a break. I feel like this area exploited the hikers. Over priced dinner, we were left at the side of the road for two hours in pouring rain waiting for paid ride into town to show...the list goes on.
Our worst experience on the trail by far! We were thinking of taking a zero day, but were so freaked out, we got up and ran out the next day. Ran is an overstatement, had to pay $80 to get a ride back to the trail and get the hell out of there.
YUCK! Don't stop here, period.
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| Run past this stop...we couldn't get out of this town and the people fast enough... |
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| Siler Bald, amazing views in between the rain drops |
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| Add caption |
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| Trail angel laying some fresh oranges on us...in a moment a need! |
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| Left for two hours...waiting for our "ride"...this is right before the 1.5 hours of deluge we waited through... :( |
Appalachian Trail --- Section Hike 1 --- Day 9
Day 9
Standing Indian Summit to Glassmine Gap
15.5 miles
Today marks our 100th mile!
Well who said popping a tent on the top of a bald with no protection was a good idea??? We were wondering why the other campers were off to the side snuggled into the woods...we thought we scored the ultimate sunset views...little did we know that we would hardly (or at least I would hardly) sleep a wink because the winds were so forceful at any given moment i thought the tent would upstate itself and take flight...with that said though the morning sunrise was just as stunning as the sunset. Full confession, I may do the same thing all over again.
Although its rained everyday the views we do sneak are awing. The fact that this is all in our great country makes one humble.
Happy Father's Day to Roberto and all Dad's out there.
We were fast on the move today. Didn't stop for breakfast until 5 miles in. My eyes, I know I keep complaining, but...are almost officially closed, damn sodium!
The scramble up Albert Mountain was challenging, then topping off was the climb up the fire tower. The history, the winds, the views...the rain. :) All worth it. As you can see from the smiles on our faces.
Standing Indian Summit to Glassmine Gap
15.5 miles
Today marks our 100th mile!
Well who said popping a tent on the top of a bald with no protection was a good idea??? We were wondering why the other campers were off to the side snuggled into the woods...we thought we scored the ultimate sunset views...little did we know that we would hardly (or at least I would hardly) sleep a wink because the winds were so forceful at any given moment i thought the tent would upstate itself and take flight...with that said though the morning sunrise was just as stunning as the sunset. Full confession, I may do the same thing all over again.
Although its rained everyday the views we do sneak are awing. The fact that this is all in our great country makes one humble.
Happy Father's Day to Roberto and all Dad's out there.
We were fast on the move today. Didn't stop for breakfast until 5 miles in. My eyes, I know I keep complaining, but...are almost officially closed, damn sodium!
The scramble up Albert Mountain was challenging, then topping off was the climb up the fire tower. The history, the winds, the views...the rain. :) All worth it. As you can see from the smiles on our faces.
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| Getting water |
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| Fire Tower |
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| Another day comes to an end...keep on smiling girls! |
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Appalachian Trail --- Section Hike 1 --- Day 8
What a difference a day off makes!
Dicks Creek Gap to Standing Indian Summit
18.3 miles
Rain, rain and more rain
Crossed over into North Carolina!
We were re fueled from our zero day and one last night in the bunks. So off we went at 8am. Just after we sent one more bundle of goodies home...our packs now weigh about 30 and 23 lbs...shhhh! Don't tell Milli but i am not sure why her pack is getting heavier and mine is getting lighter... :)
Karen another bunk mate joined us for the first 1/2 mile or so. She was happy to enjoy her morning pace. I am never sure what the niceties or hiking etiquette are. Both Milli and I are always appreciative of kindness on the trail but understand people need to get where they are going too.
The sights along these 18.3 miles were gorgeous, especially when the rain stopped. At times it felt like we were traveling through the jungle.
Today was an up up and up kinda day...from 2675' to 5498' with many ups and downs in between.
Highlights of today...we ran into one of the three bunk mates from Hiawasee. She was just as surprised to see us as we her. She said the other two kept on going. We checked out this campsite, Standing Indian Shelter...but I am continuously weary of lean toos! When I see all the hanging bags of food round the shelter and in the shelter...I think if I was a bear...this is where i would strike first. Just saying'.
Some very funny trail names...chunky gal trail...stuck out for me!
Crossing over from GA into NC was a highlight!
Found Standing Indian Summit and its most beautiful views!
Happiness is...
Dicks Creek Gap to Standing Indian Summit
18.3 miles
Rain, rain and more rain
Crossed over into North Carolina!
We were re fueled from our zero day and one last night in the bunks. So off we went at 8am. Just after we sent one more bundle of goodies home...our packs now weigh about 30 and 23 lbs...shhhh! Don't tell Milli but i am not sure why her pack is getting heavier and mine is getting lighter... :)
Karen another bunk mate joined us for the first 1/2 mile or so. She was happy to enjoy her morning pace. I am never sure what the niceties or hiking etiquette are. Both Milli and I are always appreciative of kindness on the trail but understand people need to get where they are going too.
The sights along these 18.3 miles were gorgeous, especially when the rain stopped. At times it felt like we were traveling through the jungle.
Today was an up up and up kinda day...from 2675' to 5498' with many ups and downs in between.
Highlights of today...we ran into one of the three bunk mates from Hiawasee. She was just as surprised to see us as we her. She said the other two kept on going. We checked out this campsite, Standing Indian Shelter...but I am continuously weary of lean toos! When I see all the hanging bags of food round the shelter and in the shelter...I think if I was a bear...this is where i would strike first. Just saying'.
Some very funny trail names...chunky gal trail...stuck out for me!
Crossing over from GA into NC was a highlight!
Found Standing Indian Summit and its most beautiful views!
Happiness is...
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| Why does Milli's pack weigh more now than when we started??? |
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| Dicks Creek Gap |
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| Ramen noodle salt intake catching up with me!!! Eyes are practically swollen shut... :) |
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| Famous twisted tree at Bly Gap ... GA/NC border |
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| Hello back there Milli! |
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| Green tunnel! Protected us, for the most part, from beating sun and sheets of rain! |
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| When you see a stream...fill up! |
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| Feeling right at home on this trail... :) |
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| Finding our home for the night after 18.3 miles...Standing Indian Mountain summit! |
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| Our sunset on the summit! Great reward for a long day |
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| Camp Getz...Mountain House Thai Chicken...and rummy by eno disco lights...heaven! |
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Appalachian Trail - Section Hike 1 --- Day 7
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| ZERO DAY! |
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! :)
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| Rise and shine scrub wearing beauties! |
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| This one made us smile and laugh...except trade "my mom" for "my dad/husband"...LOL! |
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| Let the AYCE feasting begin... |
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| Happy campers... |
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