Welcome to The Culture Club

Day 7 and I made it to Hiawasee with the trail fam. We’re all staying at the Budget Inn which is exactly what you would expect (thanks Ron Haven). But a shower, clean clothes, and some Mexican food are worth the sacrifice. Here’s some highlights from the last few days:

Amicalola to Neel Gap

  

I did the approach trail (and you should too!). Beyond the stairs, it’s really not so bad! Just a typical GA AT hike up Springer. The following days were significantly harder hikes. You should also stay at Hiker Hostel. Josh and Leigh are great people. My first night was spent in Stover Creek shelter successfully hiding from a thunderstorm. The second day was a great hike over Sassafrass Mtn and I met three 78 year old hikers who are out hiking for charity. Jay Bird, Silver Dollar, and Mr. Vinegar were inspiring individuals. The third day was my first taste of trail magic in Gooch Gap. A group of wonderful people were making breakfast for hikers. There is no better feeling than hiking down a mountain to a hot egg sandwich, coffee, and banana bread. That night I met my current trail fam at Lance Creek. Collectively they are known as The Culture Club because there are several nationalities present including New Zealand, England, and France. The fourth day was a lovely hike in the rain over Blood Mountain. I took a nice tumble on the rocks and put a hole in my hiking pants. According to Bilbo I was “chosen” by the mountain. We all stayed at Mountain Crossings that night to avoid more rain. I met the most wonderful Will in the shop. He’s a special person who took this photo: 

 

He made a song up that want something like “Oliviaaa, I love ya. Oliviaaa, I love ya.” Say hi from Olivia to him for me if you see him!
Neel Gap to Hiawasee

 
From Neel Gap there has been many nights with The Culture Club. I’ve been hiking mostly with Bilbo and Jon Boy occasionally if we can keep up. At night we take yoga classes with Flo Motion and discuss things like jandals or marmite with Catapult. White Noise is often chattering in the background. There are lots of trail dogs but Jack is my fav.
 

 
There have been many great views but eating lunch on Wildcat Mountain after climbing out of Tesnatee Gap was fabulous. I finally have my trail name. It stems from all my clothing being the same color: blue.  

Today we  Nero-ed to Hiawasee in the fog and have been enjoying the luxuries of town. I’m looking forward to crossing the GA/NC border tomorrow and enjoying the rest of my hike. Until then, Happy Trails!