Day 2 Hawk Mountain to Gooch
Beautiful Day, weather sunny in the 60s but 31 and windy at night. Conquered the silent killer, Sassafras Mountain. Myself, Birdseed, and Thunder Snarf hiked it together. We hiked 7.7 miles to Gooch Gap Shelter, we got in around 2. I took a nap and woke up to the 12 tribes cult in our camp offering us hot tea and preaching. I got up and hit my head so hard I went crosseyed, thank god a kid I just met, Ford, had some advil (I hit my head 2 other times that night). We had a big campfire and “Lord Gooch”, the ridgerunner for Gooch Gap gave out some great trail names and regaled us of stories, one of him kicking a bear in tge head by accident when it was sniffing around his tent. That night the wind was horrible and kept everyone up.
Day 3 Gooch Gap to Lance Creek
Hiked 8.7 Miles stopping for a bit of trail magic from the 12 tribes cult. They were making hot soup, bread, and pancakes. All were delicious, they also had fresh fruit and a hiker box where I got to donate some things I didnt need. I stopped up on preachers rock for about 30 minutes and met a hiker named Ethan from Oklahoma. The two of us hiked to Lance Creek where he continued on to Neel Gap, too far for me. the campground was packed and got to meetup with Bird Seed. I also met Lionheart, Old Timer, Beef Jerky, Peaches, and a father and son, a boyscout, who are doing a 5 day hike. Hiker hunger started to set in and we talked about Sushi, steaks, and lobster for 2 hours. This was the last place to stop before Neels Gap unless you own a bear canister, which noone does. Old Timer gave me the Trail Name of Badger, mainly for how I treat my scouts, sorry kids.
Day 4- Lance Creek to Hogpen Gap
Hiked 14 miles today, which kicked my ass. Started out good and got an early start to slaughter creek and Blood Mountain, which was way worse on the way down. Finally got to Neel’s Gap and spent too much money, but got a hot shower and did wash. Got my first mail drop, which added 8 pounds to my pack for the last 6 brutal miles with Thunder Snarf and the Dad and son. These were at a steep incline and took 5 hours with many breaks. Finally setup camp and am about to head to bed. Tomorrow I am hiking 12 miles then getting a ride in to check out Helen, GA, which is supposed to be German themed town. will update again when I am able, and a picture post will be coming when I have wifi.
-Badger
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Comments 1
Your going to love Helen, me and family spent a week on a cabin just outside of town. People are great, try zip lining and tubing the chattahoochee river.