Date: 2015-03-08
From: Blue Mountain

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

The crimson glow slowly emerged from behind the mountains. Within a few more minutes, morning had officially arrived. It wasn't as cold last night, but it was still cold. At least it was above freezing this morning.I started out and nearly instantly gained the summit. As soon as I crested it, the trail swung back down towards the Uniqou Gap. The path descended steeply and brought me to a two lane road crossing. There were maybe about five or six cars in a trail side parking lot. There was one fellow who seemed to have a spread set up on his pick up truck tail gate. It was an incredibly nice trail angel named Sherpa. He was so kind and had an assortment of delicious and welcome treats. First and fore-most was the coffee!! I already miss it. There were also fruits and snack cakes! What an amazing gesture!After soaking up all of the goodness, TreeNinja and I headed up the next mountain. It was good because it got us good and warmed up. The top of Rocky Mountain had some rhododendron and mountain laurel thriving on the top. They (sans the mosses) are the only green things we've seen.The back side of the mountain was again steep an even had some stone "steps" on the way. It went by quick and headed down to Indian Grave Gap. As I got closer to a small dirt pull off, another bright and kind face was standing by his pick up truck.SlowRide was yet another inexplicable case of extraordinary kindness.    He prompted me and TreeNinja over and asked, "would you like some trail magic?"We replied, (of course), "Heck ya!!"He graciously gave me a beautiful hot dog, bag of Cheetos, and a Faygo! It was the perfect lunch!!! As I sat and munched away, other hikers came down the trail with the smell of grilled hot dogs wafting down the trail!Here I sat and ended up meeting Recon, who also lives in Michigan. Next down the trail, were the RhodeIslandExpress and the rest of our posse NotYet and Hermit.It was absolutely unbelievably wonderful!!! I think my dad may be reconsidering not coming along after hearing about this!!! Ha!The day continued to be a fantastic, warm, and sunny day. The most obvious pattern of the trail so far-- climb a mountain (or a knob), then descend to a gap, then repeat over and over!I encountered my favorite name so far on the trail--Swag of the Blue Ridge....(I passed it today). It was basically just a saddle/gap.The trail was good today, especially with the long-awaited sunshine. Water was a bit more elusive today. It had been really plentiful thus far. I had to hike off-trail a couple times (downhill, of course) to find water.I decided to pull up short tonight in an effort to hit town first thing tomorrow morning. By camping at Deep Gap, I would only have a four mile hike to Dicks Creek Pass. That is the access point for the town of Hiawassee.I got to Deep Gap at 4 pm, which was actually 3pm, but we had daylight savings today....I think....maybe...It was good for my feet to stop short and rest them today. My heal blisters are large and torn open, but I am keeping them clean, so they're ok.I found Recon there along with Houdini and Tribute. Shortly after arriving, Smasher, the RhodeIslandExpress, and TreeNinja.We are dinner and hung around and NotYet and Hermit rolled into camp. Cool deal. I am excited to hit town tomorrow and start eating!!!Finished at Deep Gap. 15.5 miles