Day 9

Early this morning the weather changed. The shelter that was 2 miles off the trail was directly in the wind. Cold wind.  The temp must have been around 30 but the wind chill was unbelievably cold. I finally got out of my sleeping bag about 9:40.  Put everything up resupplied my water

And started the 2mile hike to get back on the trail. About a mile down the trail I reached hogpen gap. This is a point of no return.  There are no exit points from the trail from this point until Hiawassee ga ., which is the next town. It is here that I will temporarily end my hike.  The weather is expected to turn worse with 2" of snow or ice expected at lower elevations below 2600 feet.  My elevation is nearly 4000 feet.  With at least freezing rain coming I have opted to wait for spring to continue.  I will return to the trail  as soon as warmer weather comes and pick up where I left off. Hiking in these conditions zap the enjoyment right out of you.  I know there are some younger people that I have met who are continuing to hike on and I wish them safe travels.  As for me a I am taking a couple of weeks off the trail. 

Day 8

Today was a beautiful day. Temp about 50.  These are the steepest mountains I have ever seen. Traveled 6 miles from Neels gap to Whitley Gap Shelter over 4 or more mountains.  Some pictures below. When I got there the shelter was 2 miles off the trail.  So add that to the distance I covered.  Got there about dark. Ate supper. Went to bed.

Day 7

Today is a zero day. Going to sit back and enjoy a warm cabin. 

As you can see from this picture it is a great day to be inside. 

Day 6

Real eventfull day. Besides being totally exhausted and looking at one of the worst steep mountains ahead with only one liter of water, I decided to jump ahead to Neels Gap to Mountain Crossing a hostel and outfitters shop where they will give your pack a shakedown and ship home stuff that you don't need. The book Just Passing Thru is about this place. Result is now my pack is 10 pounds lighter. I decided also to stay in cabin for a couple of nights .  Temperature is in the mid 20's right now outside but toasty warm in this cabin. I am at Blood Mountain Cabins. Snow is in the forecast so the weather alone makes this stop worth it.  I should be able to get some much needed rest and dry out my tent. The tent shielded the rain so I was dry , but I had to pack it up in the rain and mud this morning so it is soaked. I am fixing to get a bath, the first since I started. My clothes smell so bad I almost can't sleep in the sleeping bag for the smell.  Laundry service is included with cabin rental.  Finally I just downed a whole pizza, 4 soft drinks and will drink a couple of liters of water before I go to bed. One of the keys to doing this hike is to not carry so much junk in your pack and to stay hydrated.  Those were the first 2 mistakes I made. I'm not sure how much farther I will get but not ready to quit.  I have met several hikers who have already given up including the man I hiked with yesterday. More to come later. 

Day 5

Up hills are brutal did not make but about 3 miles today   Met a 72 year old man who has written 24 books. His name is Richard Jacobs. Hiked with him today he likes to rest as much as I do. Hopefully I will be able to walk with him for a while. Camping tonight at horse gap   No water but I have about a liter left   Next water is the other side of sassafras mountain.  Will tackle it tomorrow. 

Day 4

Made it to hawk mountain shelter.  This is where the younger people makes it their first day out.

Day 3

Did nearly 3 miles. Stayed at stover creek shelter.  Uphills are rough mostly stair steps