Date: 2010-03-21
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

What a day, what a day! It's been a wet, rainy day, but it's been awesome! I started off with a quick, easy 3.5 miles downhill to Dicks Creek Gap, chatting with Longhaul much of the way. It started raining 10 or 15 minutes after I left the shelter, but after having a few days break from it, I welcomed it. When I cruised into Dicks Creek Gap around 10:40, I was greeted by Mad Dog doing some wonderful trail magic. He and several other hikers (Kentucky, The Crusher, and D squared) were hanging out under the awning of his camper. He had cokes, chocolate chip cookies, oranges, and other goodies. I got a cookie and realized I hadn't even taken my pack off yet. In only a couple of minutes of talking with folks there, I had decided to go into Hiawassee for lunch. Just a couple of minutes later (and after watching The Crusher demonstrate his crushing skills!), Pilgram arrived, fresh from shuttling other hikers to town. He loaded up the five of us (Longhaul had just joined us.) and we headed to town. I was able to leave my pack and poles with Mad Dog, so I felt very light and free. During a quick stop at the Blueberry Patch Hostel, I traded my boots for crocs. Pilgram, kind as he was, even took them, along with my gaitors, back to the gap and left them with my pack. Pilgram dropped me off at the Hiawassee Inn. After a nice chat with my mom, I walked to Subway for an amazing, high-calorie lunch. I almost asked for Lite Mayo on my sub, but then remembered that I'm hiking, and asked for the real stuff. After a very satisfying lunch, I returned to the Inn and talked for a moment to Ron Haven himself (a bit of a trail legend for all the help he gives to hikers), I quickly found out that they weren't running any more shuttles to the trail for the day. I thought for a moment about calling one of the numbers they have and paying for a shuttle, but then I decided to do something that was a big first for me - I walked up to the road, started slowly towards the trail (11 miles away) and stuck out my thumb. After 10 or so cars, a sedan with an insanely nice couple pulled over. I had hitchhiked once before, but never by myself. I'll admit, hitching alone was a pretty liberating experience. I realized just after they dropped me off that I forgot to get their names, but thanks SO MUCH, you two!!! Back at the gap, I had yet another great conversation and more kindness from Mad Dog, then collected my gear and was on my way. Mad Dog and Pilgram, who both thru-hiked in '06, were absolutely amazing. Thank you!!! On top of that, I walked up the trail about 100 yds and came upon a box left by Traveler, from which I selected a pack of Oreos that made a great desert. All of this trail magic made my day!Most of the way to the shelter, I walked with the most interesting man. He is in from Germany for a conference in Nashville. He went out for a walk from the gap with just an umbrella - in loafers and a dress shirt, no less! We just walked and talked, about our two homes, thru-hiking and the reasons people do it, and various things about our local environment. He walked to the shelter (4.7 miles), took a picture, and then just turned around to walk back. It was such an odd experience, but a delightful one! I realized after he left that I didn't get his name, or even a picture with him. If you do make it to my journal and read this, sir, please say hello. It was a pleasure walking with you! Life out here is just full of such wonderful surprises, and today was a perfect example of this! I'm so happy to be on the trail!Postscript, March 21, 2011: I'm glad that I got a jump on the solo hitchhiking experience, because this time was only the first of many times to come. A lot of flexibility is added when one is willing to hitch alone.Juergen, the man who walked with me to the shelter that day, visited my Trail Journal site and then stayed in touch and cheered me on all the way through the finish. Gotta love the trail!!!