Date: 2003-04-06
From: Neels Gap - Dicks Creek Gap

To: Neels Gap - Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 36.1
Weather: light rain

Neels Gap - Dicks Creek Gap36.1 miles (66.8 total miles)Trail magic is the greatest thing ever. I have had way more trail magic than I ever expected. I wish people acted in the "real world" as they do on the trail. I almost don't want to post it, because you will think I've got it too easy out here!On my way out of Neels Gap, a hiker ran up from the parking lot yelling, "This lady brought us all Krispy Kreme doughnuts!" So, I grabbed a Krispy Kreme, and hit the trail.The novelty of AT hiking wore off quickly after Neels Gap. It was a very hot 3 miles up to my camping destination. There my stove malfunctioned again, making for a very frustrating afternoon. But I pulled out my email and reread all the support from home and around the globe. Ah, that made me feel great!The next morning I was out early. My destination was Blue Mtn shelter, a long 15 miles away. The easter bunny had already hit the trail, leaving plastic eggs full of candy for hungry hikers. We have an idea of who the clever generous person is. I had my first experience with PUDs (pointless ups and downs) that morning. I had breakfast with Pushin Up Daisies at Tessnatee Gap. From there the trail goes exhaustingly straight up to a point with no view, makes a left turn, and switchbacks down to cross the same road where we had breakfast. Was this some trail planner's idea of a mean joke?I hit the next shelter for lunch with friends, which is always a pick-me-up. There I met Montana and his family, another couple (whose name I forget), and Joanne. They are all great folks. We all hiked near each other all day. The afternoon wore me out, but I wanted to stay with my new friends that night. I reached the shelter just as it started to rain. The shelter was full, so started putting up my tent immediately. Then I heard Wizard yell over, "Hey Tank! Git over here and git yerself a hot dog!" Someone had hiked up to the shleter with hot dogs, soda, and brownies! Trail magic when I needed it most! It wasn't until I finished my hot dog that I realize I had abandoned my tent while it was only half set up. I quietly thanked whoever gave us this treat for dinner. Just then a rainbow appeared in the horizon.Day 5 started off a little rainy. I packed up and left by 6:30, right before it poured. It was cold and blustery and lightning was coming down. I got completely soaked. I hit Unicoi Gap, and had breakfast with Walkabout under a covered road sign. But there were rumors that the boy scouts were bbqing for hungry thru-hikers nearby, so I pressed on in the rain. Suddenly, the clouds broke, and I could feel my sunburn worsening.The boy scout bbq was great! Cheeseburgers, iced tea, chips, fruit, brownies, and band aids, all free to thru-hikers. Trail magic rules!!! One of the boy scouts saw me dressing my blisters, and offered me some band aids. But when he saw my scabby feet, he yelled, "Eeeewww!", dropped the band aids, and ran away. I figure if I can gross out a boy scout with my blisters, I must be a pretty hard core thru-hiker!I was shooting for about aother 5 miles that afternoon, but I just couldn't do it. I had lost one of my thick wool socks while doing laundry, so I was down to a skimpy pair, which weren't doing much for me. I limped about another 2 miles, and set up camp. Here my defective stove completely caught fire, causing the most terrifying experience of my life. I thought for sure I has started a forwst fire this time. But I was able to get it out, then vowed to go stoveless for at least a week. So, I can't wait to drop the extra poundage of my stove.Day 6 was a tough but do-able 8 miles to the Hiawassee road crossing. It was a little lonely, and I didn't see any other hikers I knew. I hit the Dicks Creep Gap at about 2:00, where I was greeted by more trail magic: someone brought soda, chips, and candy bars! A section hiker named Short Trip was shuttling people to town! I barely had time to finish my treat, when I was whisked away to town. Another hiker who I hadn't met, Radar, was looking for someone to split a hotel room, so I agreed. I met Wizard and Joanne in town, who I thought I were way ahead of me. So a bunch of us stopped off at an AYCE (all you can eat) for dinner, rest, and laughs.So, I sit in my room at the Holiday Inn in Hiawassee. My feet still throb, but my belly is full and there is a smile on my face. I should be in NC in 2 days. How many people can say they've walked 70 miles? The friendships out here are incredible. All it takes during a tough day is to come around a corner and see a fellow hiker stopping for a sip of water. This is unlike anything most people will ever experience. I appreciate everyone who reads my updates, and sends me words of encouragement. Thank you all!!!