Date: 2019-03-27
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Lance Creek Campsite
Miles today: 8.3

Ahh today was much better. It started out a little rough though. I woke up still freezing and damp. I made some oatmeal, but my hands were losing feeling. I got my tent and stuff packed up and headed out, but the wet gear made my pack considerably heavier. I continued on, stopping occasionally to take pictures of the views. I was also in my sleep clothes because my day clothes were wet, so I changed on the trail and was cold from the damp clothes, but they dried on my body as I walked. I stopped for lunch at Woody Gap. It was nice and sunny, so I laid out my day clothes to dry. Thankfully I had service. My phone was low on battery so I used my external battery for a little bit and was able to post and check in! It really made such a difference in my mood to be able to check in and dry things out. I had a tortilla with peanut butter and more of my trail mix. A lot of people were bailing for the night and going to Suches, GA. There were cars frequently going by, so it was nice to see civilization like that, but as long as the sun was out, I was good to keep going.The hike after was not too long. There was also a beautiful view at Preaching Rock! I stopped there and chatted with another thru-hiker named Willow the Mountain Goat/ CVS / Dan. He had a lot of stories and we chatted for 20 minutes, looking out at one of the most spectacular views I¢ve seen on the trail so far. The climb up was very rocky, but I almost preferred it over the mundane up & down I had been experiencing. I met some people later on who were night hikers! Nightwalker was the first guy¢s trail name; the others didn¢t have them. It actually didn¢t seem that crazy to me to hike at night, considering you¢re moving and might actually be warmer. But it¢s full of rocks and roots here and I can¢t imagine trying to navigate that. Apparently they all had the night shift at their last job, so it was just an easy adjustment. I met Bernie Man and his dad and Superglue earlier. Hoping to meet some more! I arrived at Lance Creek Campsite before I expected to and was able to hang up the rest of my stuff, including my tent.The same trail ambassador from last night was here again, and he truly is a grandfather figure, standing there telling stories about every place and shelter on the trail. We could¢ve started a campfire, but people were tired. I was actually doing well. Not to give TMI, but I did have to do my business in the woods today. Honestly it was not too bad; the only annoying part was walking so far away. The other campsites had privies, which are basically open port-o-potties... yeah they were gross. My feet are starting to blister and are definitely mad at me, but other than that I felt good. I haven¢t mentioned my pack weight, but it¢s 34 pounds with food and water. I think that¢s pretty good, although I know people go for lighter. I¢m sure it will change if I get new supplies. But 34 pounds for 13 miles on rocky downhills can kill feet. I was expecting that and have very nice wool socks and liners. I wanted to bring more pairs, but they took them out at Amicalola. I¢m at a point where I could add some things I need and still carry the pack. It¢s a lot of weight, but I¢m doing it! Comfort, especially at night, is pretty important to me. I chatted with the trail ambassador, his daughter, and his grandson, as well as a guy named Chatham, who gave me another trail name possibility today. I got sunburned, which hadn¢t even occurred to me since I¢ve been freezing and it¢s March and at home the sunscreen comes out in the summer. And I know you can get sunburned at any time of year, even while skiing. It just hadn¢t occurred to me. Honestly, as much as I don¢t want to damage my skin, it felt good to have the heat. I¢ve been so cold. It¢s just my hands and face... which led to Rudolph. So giggles or Rudolph? I¢m hoping some more choices will come into play haha, although both are fitting. I always laugh at everything and I have always been the odd ball person that is misjudged, but once people get to know me, it works out well. We¢ll see on the trail names haha. Pink nose Rudolph is tired.I had Mountain House Chicken Teriyaki for dinner, but got full too fast and almost didn¢t finish it. I started reminiscing about the beautiful rainy forest I saw yesterday. I took some pictures, but I wish I took more. It really was like walking through Lord of the Rings. I think I¢m going to need to take out my GoPro and use it more! I was so excited to have it, but the overwhelming first few days put it down on my priority list. I will definitely take it out and start to film more of what I¢m seeing. I¢m in my sleeping bag now, no pad tonight; there¢s no sense in bothering and it¢s still wet. My bag is warm and I¢m cozy, but could be comfier. I originally was going to go farther today, but settled here. All day I was thinking ¢either site works¢, ¢wherever I want to stop¢. I¢m glad I stopped here. It¢s nice listening to the creek, and I was able to fill up on water! It¢s definitely chillier here than I was expecting and I don¢t think I brought enough layers. I will check out the store tomorrow! I can¢t wait! I¢ve put so much money into this trip, but it¢s worth it to me. I want to be comfortable and as happy as I can be, and I have the power to make that happen. On my Overland trips I actually had a sleeping bag that was too cold and I remember them going and getting me a new one, so even on group trips like that, they want everyone to be comfortable and it¢s expected that gear might change. I definitely went in with that mindset, but I was hoping the changes would occur later on. I realize the benefit of getting them fixed now. Oh well! These things happen. Song of the day is ¢Natural¢ by Imagine Dragons. Such a jam. I played it after lunch with all that food energy and it was great. Off to bed! Hope I sleep tonight! Thanks again for the love and support everyone! Diana/Giggles/Rudolph