Date: 2013-04-14
From: Low Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7

The day began late as I am not yet proficient at breaking down the campsite quickly. I camped next to Wren, a fella trying to hike to Clingman's Dome. We had some discussion about gear. He had a lot of stuff and it looked very heavy.   This is his first time hiking or camping over night. At breakfast I met Trillium and Country Gold.   I hiked out with Vita (Veye tah) and Banjo. He has a banjo made from a cigar box.   On the trail I met Smoke Break, Larry, Grace and Double Down. The walk from Low Gap to Unicoi Gap seemed it might be all down hill, but its not. Lots of rocks like Rocksylvania (hiker's pet name for the trail in PA). There were stretches with good old Georgia Red Clay which seems to cover the rocks and makes for a fast track.   However, there were plenty of places with tombstones and toe biter rocks. I stumbled several times, but didnt fall on my face. There are places the trail is an old mining or lumber road. There are places where its not much wider than your boot and if you fall, you fall quite a ways. Reminds me of a fall my brother in law Mike had out in California--oops I digress. Really, compared to the last two days this was an easy hike. In the afternoon the clouds thickened and the wind picked up. I was hiking in a tee shirt and thought I should put on the windshirt, however if I kept moving I was sweating. As you approach most gaps the elevation goes down a bit and you can hear cars and motorcycles hours before you get there. Anticipation grows and you pick up your feet a bit faster. I planned to get to Unicoi Gap and see how I felt and make a decision about going on to Rocky Mt. or hitch to Hiawasee or Helen, Ga. On my way down I spied a young boy probably about 9 yrs old. As soon as he saw me, he ran like the wind down the trail. I wondered how I might have scared him so? Could he have smelled me or thought I was a bear?I met the Cochran family, out for a hike, Ricky, Tricia, Laurie, and Luke (he who runs like the wind). What a wonderful family! They were very inquisitive about my hike. Luke asked me, "Did you discover anything yet?" I had to think but yes well it is like an expedition Lewis and Clark kind of journey. I told him I discovered flowers, insects, birds, animals all along the way. The rain was coming and I had now decided I should get off the trail at Unicoi Gap. Ricky asked me where I was headed and I told him I was probably gonna hitch to Helen and see that little touristy German town. Ricky offered to drive me there (9 miles down the mountain). I gladly accepted and tried to keep up with he who runs like the wind (Luke). I got to sit up front and stretch in a very large vehicle. I warned the family to roll down the windows as I had a two day funk goin on. I answered all of their questions and enjoyed their interest. As we drove along a steep winding highway I smelled something. I told the family that's not me that smells like that!   I told Ricky I think its your brakes burning. Sure enough I am happy to report it wasn't me. I was driven to the Helendorf Hotel and ate across the street at Bodensee Restaurant. The food was great. Jaeger Schnitzel mit Ire Spatezel sehr gut! I have pictures of Helen to share at some point.I want to thank the Cochran family for their assistance. They have surely now become my 'trail angels'.I'm tired but grinning from ear to ear.