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Days 8-10 on The Appalachian Trail
A Well-placed NERO, The Skies Opening, and Growing Pains
In my previous entry, I had made it to Unicoi Gap and had a good stretch in front of me for the next day and I did not feel that a long push to Dick’s Creek Gap would be in my best health interests. Still enjoying the comfort and camaraderie at the Green Dragon Hostel I asked Bill and Donna, proprietors, for advice on a battle plan. They suggested a NERO by hiking to Indian Grave and resting up to hike the remaining expanse the day after. Very doable as my legs are taking longer miles well, keeping in mind I believe the 8 miles a day crowd has it right. Then there is the weather in Northern Georgia currently. The skies are opening either to sunshine or rain. One is more preferable than the other and it has felt like my childhood in Colorado. If you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes and it will change. About that feet growing/swelling as you continue to hike, it is real. I have a baby toe that is not speaking to me. On the 14-mile wet hike to Dick’s Creek Gap I retightened my laces a couple of times as the big toe, right foot, started pushing into the shoe. This caused me to have to clench my foot and in turn threw my stride on my left leg out of balance. Long story short, immediately after finishing the day Bill drove me in to Hiawassee to Trailful and the knowledgeable staff member confirmed that I no longer wore a size 11 in trail runners. My first pair of Altra Olympus 5s in size 12 were on my feet.
Day 8 Unicoi Gap to Indian Grave Gap
This is the well-placed NERO. While the hike is less than 3 miles there is an elevation gain of over approximately 1,000 feet in the first mile or so. After walking up Rocky Mountain I believe the US Geological Survey has it wrong and that the height is on par with Mt. Kilimanjaro. Just saying. I had a breakfast sandwich and Range Meal Bar to fuel me up for the first part of the climb and my body asked for much more over the next two hours. An incessant walk upward with only the occasional level bit of trail to stretch out my stride. The clouds had cleared completely and near the top I was gifted a magnificent view that made every step worth it, and the air in every breath seem more pure. This is a quiet glimpse into the spirit of the trail that draws so many and the efforts to preserve it of such magnitude. I barely recall the descent from the mountain as the view in that one moment had given me joy. I am happy!
Day 9 Indian Grave to Dick’s Creek Gap
Today is the flip side of the sky opening and not in a comfortable way. The word “pelted” is operative for this day. As in “Charles was continually pelted by rain and sleet for 9 hours over 14 miles.” Too dramatic? At least let me have this one and I’ll try to be more temperate later on. There is a 5,213-foot elevation gain over these 14 miles and on a clear day the views are assuredly amazing. On my initial ascent the rain was coming down steady and the pace of it increased the higher I hiked. Conditions then turned to what would politely be called a “wintery mix.” Just not feeling polite, see discussion of “pelting” above. There was a moment where it brightened above for a little while and surely this would be a break in the “wintery mix” so I could enjoy the surroundings. That is when the lightning and thunder started. It makes a body a bit nervous being up high like that and conditions deteriorating. There is so much that could be said for these miles on any other kind of day. The winding walk through the rocks on Tray Mountain are surely something a hiker would pause and photograph. It was Hobitt quality scenery. I took only one picture this day so as not to mess up my phone. On a bright day the stretch is surely one to take your time on and to enjoy.
Day 10 Dick’s Creek Gap to Bly Gap. Goodbye Georgia!
Equipped with new properly fitted footwear I checked my gear and food supply and was shuttled to Dick’s Creek Gap for my walk out of Georgia. Hard to say goodbye to people who have treated me not as a customer, but as family who have my best interests at heart.
Make no mistake, The AT makes you work to get out of Georgia. The elevation gain is 3,484 feet over 8.89 miles. Slow and steady forward with a good feeling that my first state was almost complete. I had hiked alone most of my time thus far and it would have been pleasing to have someone to share this section with. Crossing Blue Ridge Gap I was looking forward to reaching the State Line and having alone time at Bly Gap. At one point I had to crawl under a fallen tree across the trail and it was enough to wake me out of my reverie.
A short time later the sign I was looking for was there and the campsite for tonight’s stay a few hundred yards beyond. After taking my proof of location picture I found an appropriate tent site and pitched my camp. A little sore I crawled in for the night after enjoying a brilliant sunset.
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Comments 26
One down, good job — keep on Trekkin’, man!
Thank you! It’s an interesting process. The world seems new daily.
I’ve enjoyed the beginning of your journey, having hiked the GA section SOBO last October. I totally agree with your assessment of elevation change… this 6-1/2 decades old body struggled hiking over three 4,000+ mountains in one day… But, I was blessed with perfect weather the whole time! Happy Trails!
“Georgia is Tough”is a great t-shirt idea. I am not sure there is a good age to be when hiking this section.
As an almost 7 decade man myself, I am finding your journey super interesting and, possibly, instructive. I harbor fantasies of hiking the AT, but for now I’ll just follow along with you. I wish you all the best!
Thanks Jim! I think about those hearty souls who did this before modern conveniences and communications. Keep thinking on it and make your plan.
Keep it up, Charles! One down! Hope you are having a blast.
Michael, I can’t help but to laugh at myself as all of my battle plan caught the first bus off of Springer Mountain. Time is my friend in this endeavor.
Didn’t think I’d follow but found myself doing so and maybe I’ll see if I can’t meet and support you near the PA, NY, NJ area if you didn’t quit…. Or are you there already? 😉
You’re a good and humorous read!
Trek on!
Thanks Robert! In my mind I just finished the 4-state challenge. In my reality It will be days of holding it in the road and finding a reason to smile with every day. Finding the funny on my way up north.
From a fellow Veteran and Great Falls resident, I wish you only the best on your journey and hope that you are able to achieve that inner peace that you most surely deserve.
Benjamin, Thank you! Some of my brightness that has been paved over will surely find its way to the surface.
Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and that of your family!
That looks like a great sunset to be a part of! I hope you are staying warm. That wind chill has been biting!
I was just finishing setting up my tent at Bly Gap just a couple of hundred yards into NC. Not the warmest night.
Charles, just a day at a time, do you fell like this is your lifestyle yet? If not, settle in,t will be forthe next seriesof months!
Enjoying your description of the trail and especially the weather conditions, good to know what weather I may encounter when/if I am privileged to make that journey. Enjoy your journey!
I love and enjoy reading all about the trip on the trial my wife and I love and enjoy reading about the trial
Andres, It is an interesting adventure. I’ll do my best to describe it as best I can and help encourage others to come hike.
Just keep swimming……..swimming….swimming……
Disney really does give good advice.
As fast as I can.
More Quotes from Walt Disney….I just could not help myself.
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” “Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.” “Ideas come from curiosity.” “The more you are in a state of gratitude, the more you will attract things to be grateful for.”
Disney possessed a sense of wonder of the Universe.
Isaiah 40:29-31 says… “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
You are doing so well out there; You haven’t given up, where others who came before you already did. And I really enjoy your writing style! When you have troubles on the trail, try to take a moment to look up and pray. Deliberately feel that Charles-pelting rain… or sunshine… on your face on purpose. And keep smiling lots! 🙂 What you are doing out there is making the memories of a lifetime! I wish we were all as fortunate!
My family would like to feed you a hot meal or two while you’re in SWVA… whenever you get here! You’ll just so happen to be in our area for several days, so it would work for us. Not sure how to give you my family’s information privately for when you get nearer… so just let me know, somehow. You still have all of NC for now. God be with you, Charles!
Thank you for your kind words. I know I am alive and healthy again for a reason and that there is much to share on this journey. One of my favorite songs is “I Am Nothing” by Ginny Owens from her Blueprint Album. Condensed simply “If I do not love, I am nothing.” Each day is a new opportunity for joy and renewal.
I’ll let you know when I get up your way.
Sounds good. I’ll be keeping track of where you are through your public journaling. Every few days or so, I’ll look to check in on your condition & progress. We are seriously rooting for you.
I don’t know that song; I’ll look it up!
God keep you safe!
We’ve had a snowy, cold week in Virginia. I’ve thought of you and hope you are keeping warm with the effort and beauty of hiking and then finding a place to stay out of the wind and snow at night.