Unexpected Difficulties

Signal is kind of spotty, I'll have pictures up soon!

3/26

Day 6

Despite sleeping on the hotel room floor, I slept pretty good. I went to the main lobby to get breakfast, and it was so worth it. I had waffles, eggs, sausage, a bagel and coffee. I also took a small box of cereal to go. When i got back to the room, I had to quickly pack because they had called uba steve who was showing up within 15 mins. We went back to mountain crossing where we started hiking, todays goal was 11 miles to low gap shelter. There was a total of 4 peaks in the agenda for the day; No one was really excited about that. After the second peak we went down to tesnatee gap where we found our first trail magic for the day! They welcomed us with hot drinks, food, small supplies and even chairs! Glad they did because the next summit was crazy tough. After the next peak we came into hogpen gap where there was MORE TRAIL MAGIC!! they also had chairs, hot drinks and even home made minestrone soup! The last 4 miles was challenging, our group slowly started breaking apart as we all just wanted to get to camp. My feet and knees were aching and begging me to stop moving. After a long, misty day we finally got to camp and set up tents just before the rain came. Chores were done and we had a group tea party in my tent and then hotsauce and I cooked dinner in my tents' vestibule due to the ongoing the rain. Thank god I have a two person tent! There were tons of people in the shelter, and the gap is packed. Waiting out the rain and then hanging our food bags for the night. Tomorrow will be an easy day.

3/27

Day 7

Today was far from easy. After a long morning cleaning our tents at camp from the rain last night, we decided today's 8 Mile day would be easy. We slowly put our packs together as everyone started leaving. It was one of those "hike your own pace days", after all we were all going to the same shelter. As usual hot sauce and I started hiking together, being almost the last ones out of camp. Even our usual pace was broken due to my sore foot. I told her to go on ahead because of my foot. The trail was relatively easy for the first part of the day, but as it went on the terrain got more aggressive. Thin cliffside trails covered in mud and sharp rock, this was far from easy. I quite literally hiked for 7 miles zoned out, with my legs ready to drop me every step. I fought the pain and finally made it to the water source just before camp. I fixed the rocks at the spring so the water flowed better, and went up to camp. Everyone was there, doing their usual chores. Luckily there was one spot in the shelter for me, so I took it. I made late lunch and coffee, and started organzing my gear. We started a fire, which attracted a bunch of people. It was worth it as we sat around eating our food, telling stories and laughing. Despite the physical pain. Today "was" a good day.

3/28

Day 8

Sleeping at blue mountain Shelter was shitty. The grandfather and two boys were there, as well as Heather, hot sauce and joe. The mice came out as soon as everyone settled in, and it got cold. I woke up just in time for a beautiful golden yellow and red sunrise, made coffee and oatmeal and started packing up. We hiked to the summit of Blue Mountain and went right past it. Not much of a view. On our way down we got some got trail magic, which gave us the motivation to climb the next mountain; Rocky Mountain. We came down to last gap for the day, talked about Subaru stuff to a guy who owns an 03 outback, ate some Snacks and climbed Tray Mountain, which SUCKED ass. Got the the summit and took a good 30 minute break. Saw a cool bird who was just hoping around looking for snacks and even had a bee land on my sock. We also found some mountain mint, which I learned that mint family plants have square stems! We eventually made it to tray mt shelter and did our usual chores, had dinner and relaxed. Tomorrow will be an 11 mile day to the top of Georgia hostel to do laundry and resupply.

3/29

Day 9

Slept a little better last night in the shelter. Its 9am and we're almost ready to go. Did some stretching and taped up my feet. Today is a little chilly on Tray mountain but it should warm up. 11 miles today to top of Georgia, lets goo. Today was a wicked slog. Tons of uphill for miles and even found some bear fur and scratches along the side of the trail. Basically sore and suffered the entire way. Finally got to top of Georgia and the place was a sick joke. No resupply, everything was over priced and the rules were insane. They made eveyone take off their shoes before going in, they wanted you to be "comfortable" so they could sell you shit. Called a taxi into Hiawassee and staying with Heather at the budget inn tonight. Going to get food and gear and then doing laundry. Crazy how you just cant plan for this.

3/30

Day 10

After sleeping a nice long night in a hotel bed, it was time to hit the trail.. well at least some of it. Today is going to be a nearo day (nearly zero) only hiking 4 miles to plum orchard shelter. But first I had to pick up my new sleeping bag that was at top of Georgia hostel. I was dreading going back there after the day before because they just were very overwhelming and really strict. I got my new sleeping bag and jogged 1/2 Mile back to the trailhead before getting on the trail again. It was a long uphill hike with lots of terrain changes, but short. The shelter was three floors and even had windows, I felt like a kid again in a tree fort! We spent alot of time relaxing at camp and going through our gear. We made a fire, had food and just relaxed. There were two older guys there who were really great to talk to and were inspired by all of our stories. We shared lot's more stories, laughs and had another great night.

3/31

Day 11

I knew today was going to be tough, but i wasn't prepared for what was about to hit me. All morning was constant uphill climbs over tough terrain, roots and mud. We had 4 miles or so to the Georgia/North Carolina border. Some celebratory photos were taken as we left our first state. we made it up the hill, but boy was it short lived.. coming up over the hill we were greeted by a massive gust of Ice cold wind. With our outer gear off, we were not ready for that. We ducked back over the hill to hide from the wind to put on our jackets. Just up the path was the old twisted oak tree, we quickly took some photos and kept moving. Exposure to frostbite was real at this point. About a half mile up we found a rock outcrop that was blocking the wind, so we stopped for lunch while we could. Pepperoni and mayo wrapped in a tortilla was for lunch.. it wasn't actually too bad! 5 miles left and my feet were getting heavy, it was still all uphill. Mindlessly throwing one foot after another I made my way too standing Indian shelter, and I threw my trekking poles to the ground; Today was finally done. I went down to the stream to get water and came back up to cook. I had one hot chocolate pack, and today was the day for it. Chores were done quickly so I could make some phone calls, and Brittany got to watch my first bear bag attempt on video! Tonight is supposed to get in the low 20's, so early bed it is. Two more days until a zero. Goodnight

4/1

Day 12

For the first time all trip I was the first person to wake up. Not only did I sleep Iike ass from the sub freezing temps, but I just couldn't sleep. I crawled out of my sleeping bag and started making a fire. Sure enough everyone started getting up with the sight of the flame. I boiled some water, made my daily coffee and oatmeal amd started packing my bag. Today was an 11 mile day, aiming for betty creek campsite. Heather, hotsauce and I were the last people to leave the shelter at around 10. We kept a steady pace for the first several miles, mostly hiking with our headphones in. Our first part of the day was the summit of standing Indian mountain at nearly 5,500 ft. It's was a slow and gradual climb with a less than rewarding view. We passed through beech gap and into Carter gap shelter where we had lunch and figured out our plan for the rest of the day. It was definitely going to be two 11 mile days instead of one 8 and a 14. Lunch was coffee and two time and mayo tortillas. Hiker food.. with only 3.7 miles to our days' destination we set off again. The trail was muddy and slick, so carefully we navigated down the ridge. We crossed several small streams on the way, too. Eventually I decided that I would try and get ahead and set up camp early so I stepped up my game. For two miles I jogged, downhill and up across a ridge finally making it to camp. Betty's Creek was a joke.. there were hardly any tent sites that would accommodate us, but luckily we found one. We set up camp and started cooking dinner. Tonights menu was chicken teriyaki, green tea, and peanut pad thai. It was SO good. Hopefully i have enough fuel for tomorrow. Heather was sleeping in my tent tonight, because temps are supposed to be in the low 30's, and her hammock wouldn't cut it. Once again my tent comes through and saves the day. We spent a bit of time trying to find a decent tree to hang our food bags, but at least we did ours properly. 6 bags hung off a tiny branch no higher than 6 ft in the air.. do you want bears to get your food? Because that is how you get bears to get your food. At least ours is safe! We sat around someones fire for a bit and did some usual laughs and stories before heading off to bed. You have to get into your sleeping bag before the sun goes down, because when it does it gets cold.. 9 o clock is hiker midnight. Tomorrow we hit the 100 mile mark and climb Albert mountain. We'll hike all the way to winding stair gap and get a ride into Franklin. Finally a much needed zero day!!

4/2

Day 13

Woke up. Snowed a little, got water and breakfast. Packed up tent and gear. Started hiking to Albert Mountain, got some trail Magic chocolate chip cookies. Intense climb up to Mountain, hit the hundred Mile Mark and climb the fire tower. been walking forever to try and get to winding stair Gap to get a ride into Franklin. Had to make a make shift sling from my pack because my shoulder hurts. Almost to the first road. Stopping at the shelter for a quick snack then town! Made it to rock gap and there is a little trail magic here! Nice lady brought hard boiled eggs and carrots! Going to shuttle into town now instead of trying to hike 4 miles in an hour. Staying at the sapphire inn hotel. I tried to climb up the balcony pole and totally lost traction because it was so slippery and hit my balls on the inside of the pole and fell down and landed on my ass, everyone thought it was funny except me. Ate at McDonald's and it was the best experience I've had in years, probably because I was so hungry. I also went to outdoor 76 and bought some extra gear, going back tomorrow to get new shoes possibly. Bought the wrong size water bladder because I'm an idiot and it won't fit my Sawyer, got some trail magic there too. went to Domino's and got pizza and salad and then also got alcohol and epsom salt and now heading back to the hotel for a shower and eat. Cleaned out some of my gear, and did laundry. (Wow that was a butchered typing day)

4/3

Day 14

First one to wake up again, slept in the same bed as ziggy. Luckily it was a king size 😂. I don't care, that bed was so comfortable. Going to do some shopping and resupply today at three eagles, walmart, and outdoor 76 again. But first, coffee and breakfast.. coffee at the frog quarter was alright. It was a quaint little place focused on environmental protection and awareness. I got an americano and a blueberry bagel. After that we decided to walk to 1.8 miles to three eagles outfitter. Hotsauce and I tried hitching a ride, but no luck. Our first stop was big lots, mainly for their handy sized snacks. We went to bojangles right after and got a quick bite to eat; bacon, egg and cheese on a biscuit. It was SO good. We walked over to three eagles outfitter and basically left within minutes. Their selection kinda sucked and inventory was really low. For such a high reputation place I was really disapointed. We left and went to Ingles to ressuply our food. Thank god for public transportation, because we just caught a bus back to the hotel!

4/4

Day 15

Went to McDonald's for breakfast, it was basically really disgusting and the coffee was burnt. Went back to the hotel and packed the rest of our gear, and now back at McDonald's waiting for the bus so we can start hiking! On the bus back to rock gap, and mack (dog) is on the bus! We started hiking today and I instantly had this feeling, I'm not really sure how to put it. Over the past week I've been mostly independent but I don't think I ever realized how much I put into other people. sometimes I tend to be a follower or I'll suggest something but only do it if other people are willing to as well. The incline to winding stair Gap is pretty steep and I've already left Heather and hot sauce behind. Part of me wants to stay and wait but at the same time it's only a 6-mile day to the shelter and it's already 1 p.m. . I've been having a lot of fun, but I realized that I'm straying away from my original intention of becoming more self-aware and independent. I am way behind schedule and completely disorganized with my videos and my pictures as well. Maybe it's time I shift my pace focus more on me. Heather hurt her ankle, so Im staying with her for a slow walk to the shelter. It's a cool shelter. Just us and lacrosse and Mack. Fun eating dinner and goofing around. Shortly after dinner, it wasn't fun and games anymore.. my dinner didnt agree with me and I got sick. I went to the privy and puked up all the food I had eaten that day. I brushed my teeth and tried to drink some water and crawled back into my sleeping bag sweating and defeated. Fuck off

4/5

Day 16

Slow start, feeling kind of better today. Didn't finish my oatmeal. Had two pop-tarts instead. took a while to pack up and clean, Heather and hot sauce fell in mud and it was the best thing ever. Unfortunately my food bag took a severe blow and may have crush some of my poptarts. I'm not sure if I'll be able to continue on hiking due to the damage that's been done to them. Luckily the rain has held up and we're all sweating in our rain gear. the trail has been very forgiving and easy slept but our conversations have not. Hot sauce brought up the topic of coffee enemas and I can feel the vomit starting to come back. Heather thinks I'm annoying. Tensions are high today, with six miles to the next shelter I hope that we all make it in one piece, the Confederacy is still strong but I feel that Heather might tear my vocal cords out in any given moment due to my excessive talking. Finally made it to the top of wayah bald just in time to see the magnificent view of infinite fog. The thoughts of bringing several pounds of photography equipment flooded the back of my mind and I realize that it was almost pointless to carry it because every single opportunity I've had has been crap. We're on our way to the shelter now Heather probably sick of me by now from me narating my entire hike but it'll have to do. I can't wait to take off my pack and cook some mac and cheese extra watery with hot dogs.

That entire thing was sarcastically said through voice to text. So dont take it to literal.

Tonight was much better, i made a fire (since im now Prometheus) Because the bugs were obnoxious and it boosts morale. I was able to eat my food and keep it down, which is a good sign. But its bed time for now. Wayah bald shelter its really nice. Im keeping my spirits high despite the past few days of shit.