Rain, Beers and Bears, Oh My!

07 April 23 (11)

Dick’s Creek Gap to Bly Gap was the plan. However, Mother Nature got a vote. A two day rain storm came in and we decided to do another zero in Hiawassee in order to only deal with half of storm. Ate two rotisserie chickens over two days.

 

08 April 23 (12)

No rain. No pain. No Maine. I got a ride from Doc Coleman. A great supporter of the Warrior Expeditions program. After being dropped off at Dicks Creek Gap… I embraced the rain. I know it’s extra weight and silly looking… but umbrellas are clutch. Made my rainy day pretty bearable. 

Crossed into NC today! First state down!

I arrived to Bly Gap (spooky tree) around 5 PM. Still raining. I set up my rain fly and crawl in to dry off and wait for rain to stop. After I warmed up and the rain stopped. It was business as usual. I met Polaroid Bear and Jellybean, a couple doing the AT. I also met a mom and daughter duo!

09 April 23 (13)

Standing Indian Shelter is the goal today. I don’t leave camp until almost noon. I take a ton of extra time to dry out as much as possible (rain stopped) before stepping off. Because of the late start, I hustle all day… not a lot of sight seeing this day. Highlight of the day was the view just before Muskrat Creek Shelter.

10 April 23 (14)

Betty Creek Gap will be home tonight. Met Kyle and Pioneer. The hike today was great. Entered a little stretch with bear activity. Carter Gap shelter had some bear rumors… I had lunch there. Betty Creek was a large campsite… a little sprawled out with a great water source. Met Pioneer and Kyle.

11 April 23 (15)

The view from Albert Mountain fire tower was spectacular. Ran into Pioneer, Kyle, Rhino, and Spent. Met Lighting, he camped at the tower… looked like a great site! Tan into another trail ambassador… I’ll get better with names and clubs. Made it into Franklin around 1 PM. Currahee brewing is great spot if you get the chance. Knocked out some chores and hit the sack.

12 April 23 (16)

Knocked almost 15 miles today. Winding Stair Gap to Burningtown Gap. I was going strong until Wayah Bald. Got my teeth kicked in from the heat a lil bit. The view was worth it though. If you do get off at Wayah Bald parking, save yourself the extra walk to the tower for the next day… unless visibility is nil, you have to pass the tower to continue on the trail. After the trail, headed straight to the Lazy Hiker to have a beer with the other Warrior Expedition guys in my bubble and Patti. Won trivia night! No big deal.

13 April 23 (17)

Zeroed today in Franklin. Fortunate enough to have a place to stay. “Saint” Patti has been awesome! Her mom is a sweet old lady who reminds me of my grandma. Knocked out some resupply but was let down on my hunt for short shorts. Was able to talk to my mom for a while which was a treat. She’s thinking of getting an rv and driving the AT! Future trail angel in the making?! Had dinner with Patti and her family at a little Italian restaurant. Chicken parm anyone?!

14 April 23 (18)

Woke up today after a great sleep. Original plan was to nero seven miles towards the NOC. Plans changed. The decision to take a zero to avoid weather and hump out 12 miles tomorrow was an easy one. I’ve lost about 13 pounds to date. I’m shrinking!