Date: 2017-03-11
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoe Gap, GA
Miles today: 9.7

Day 04: Low Gap Shelter, GA to Unicoe Gap, GA - 9.7 miles:The night brought temps in the upper-20's, which left me tossing and turning, searching for warmth, but never finding it. I stuffed the lower part of my sleeping bag into the plastic liner inside of my pack which at least saved me from cold feet. At some point later in the morning, I did fall asleep, eventually popping my head outta my mummy sleeping bag to notice it was well past the start of sunrise. At 6:45am, the cold air bit at my skin, slowing my progress and desire to exit my tent. After a quick trip for a deuce in the nearby woods, Odin in support, Sarah and I hit the trail just before 8am.The morning brought a relatively easy stretch, consisting of small ups and downs, but remaining at relatively the same elevation over several miles. Passing Poplar Stamp campsite, I remembered two years ago when Rock Boat, Star Crunch, Airlock, and me shared the spot. The going was pretty easy, allowing me the time to meander off the sides of the trail to snap pictures of icicles, some up to a foot long, hanging off the sides of wet, moss-covered rocks. Tightly packed thin slivers of ice also coated patches of dirt stretching along the trail, Mother Nature's way of teasing me with what appeared to be blooming onions, minus the delicious fried part.After a few hours of hiking to music and chatting about the trail, we reached Blue Mountain Shelter just before 12pm. Sitting just off the side of the trail, Sarah scarfed down an assortment of snacks, sharing with me a bite of a Cliff Bar and Slim Jim in the process. I decided to pass on lunch and was instead petting Odin who was lying on the trail in front of me. After looking at the trail guide and weather forecast, we noticed rain and potential snow tonight. After just drying out the day before after the storm atop Blood Mountain, we had no desire to push our gear's limits again. The weather over the next several days brings temperatures in the 20s-30s, with lows in the teens. Having been uncomfortable last night in only the upper 20s, we decided to try and avoid at least one of those nights by going into town. We decided to hike another 2.5 miles down into Unicoe Gap and hitchhike into Hiawassee, GA since I was going to need a food supply anyways.We quickly reached Unicoe Gap where we had the surprise of two different groups, set up near one another, offering trail magic - hamburgers, hotdogs, fruit, drinks, toiletries, light reading material, etc. One of the groups consisted of teenagers and their leader from a church in southern Georgia. Within seconds I was given a plate with a hot burger on it and pointed in the direction of the condiments. Some ketchup and mustard, a slice of cheese, a sprinkle of pickles. Perfect. Odin, using his soft eyes and raising a single paw, conned me into a couple pieces of it. I should know better by now. I grabbed a picture of the group and, before attempting to hitchhike, was asked by the leader what we wanted their church to pray for in our journeys. They had a signup sheet signed by hikers, most involved success or no injuries. I told him simply, "A daily reminder of what's really important." After plenty of thanks, we heading to the opposite side of the parking area, some 30 yards away.I encouraged Sarah to stick out her thumb and attempt to land her first hitchhike. Though a little nervous, she stood valiantly as a handful of cars passed quickly. No luck. Eventually a taxi appeared and I remembered the driver from two years ago, having given me a ride into Hiawassee, GA. Though bit of a strange cat, I chatted with him about a lift for the three of us, along with another hiker, who had initially called for his service. He informed us that the majority of hotels in Hiawassee we're already full and he'd prefer not to take us into town, only for us to be stranded with a room. Having Odin in tow, it can be a bit trickier of a process when it comes to hitchhiking and finding a place to stay. After a series of calls into the town of Helen, about as equally far from the trail in the opposite direction, Sarah was able to find what I can only assume was one of the last options to stay that also allowed dogs.We returned to the other side of the parking area in order to try and land a vehicle now heading west. After only about 10 seconds, I was able to land the first vehicle I attempted. Our driver, Ryan, and his daughter, McKala, were more than happy to take us down into Helen. Ryan said he'd noticed the dog sitting by the road, so I guess Odin has his perks after all. After a 20-minute ride down out of the mountains, we slowly rolled into what I'd consider the Gatlinburg of Georgia. Long ago Helen embraced its German heritage and capitalized by creating a German-themed tourist trap of a town. The sidewalks were packed with civilians walking mindlessly between gift shops, toy stores, a variety of eateries, a beer garden, photo shops, all more than eager to take their money.Sarah, Odin, and me walked into our room at the Helendorf River Inn, one of the several hotels designed in a corny German design. Even the Wendy's next door was built to appear German. The whole town fails to pull it off because it has tried too hard. However, it was a typical weekend and the sidewalks were busy with the throngs, so maybe they're on to something. Regardless, the town is a bit cooler, if only in a funky way, compared to Hiawassee on the other side of the mountains. Our room was a bit outdated, but would definitely be more comfortable than what some hikers will deal with overnight on the trail. We quickly took showers, spread out gear a cross every square inch of the room, and then walked across the small downtown to Betty's Country Store in order to take care of a quick resupply. For me, it'd be a few packs of Tuna, a can of sardines, a couple rice sides, and chocolate bars - enough to get me to at least Franklin, NC. I also snagged a bag of kettle chips and a 6-pack of Hofbrau beer in order to blend in with the locals. Had there not been so many people, plus Odin waiting back in the hotel room, we probably could've made a meal out of the free cheese and chips and salsa samples.We then walked back across town, through the shuffling crowds and German music playing over some hidden speakers, and made our way into the Wendy's next to the hotel. A simple spicy chicken sandwich, fries, and a Coke for me - the hiker hunger has yet to really kick in. Sarah would make do with a backnator. We returned to the room to find Odin in good spirits, happy after his hour-long nap. The remainder of the evening was spent eating, chatting, washing our clothes in the sink, and overall being sluggish. It's closing in on 11pm and, with the time change overnight, will haven't done myself any favors in the sleep department.We'll return to the woods tomorrow, climbing towards Tray Mountain as soon as our feet hit the ground. The next few days calls for cold days, and colder nights, but will gradually rebound to more Spring-like towards the end of next week. Until then, hikers hike. A few more bites of my kettle chips and sips of my Hofbrau, and I will work on sleep. Sarah is out, snoring nearby in her bed, Odin curled in a furry ball next to her. Here's to the last bit of warmth for days to come.