Date: 2006-03-21
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter, GA

To: Neel's Gap, GA
Miles today: 15.6

We have enjoyed the past 4 days on the trail. The trail always has its "ups and downs" though (haha). Hanging out with Crusty and Shoto has been a highlight of the trip this far. Shoto has everyone laugh each night at the shelter and he even makes everyone hot chocolate! The only sore muscle on my body is my jaw from laughing so much. Today was a beautiful day. The rain subsided and we have been watching the clouds burn away. Branch's parents live near Neel's Gap. So, we decided to hoof it from Gooch Shelter to Neel's today )(15.6 miles). Then we'll take a zero at her parents. Aaaahhh, nothing beats Mom's cooking.Day: 4Date: 3/21/06Start: Gooch Mountain ShelterEnd: Neel's Gap/Branch's parent's homeMiles: 15.6A.T. Total: 30.5Clay: Today we decided to walk slow and steady. We decided that it would be worth it to pass the first shelter, traverse Blood Mountain, and go to Branch's parents home just south of Neel's Gap. Following Ray Jardine's advice, we decided to leave camp and eat breakfast during our first break. Branch left camp at 7 AM. I had to stand in line at the privy. I enjoyed talking with Bear while we waited for our turn. This is his third attempt to thru-hike. I hope he makes it. I left camp at 7:15 AM and I took time to hike with Crusty and Shoto. We hiked for a while until we got to Gooch Gap. There Branch was getting our no-cook breakfast ready. We said goodbye to our friends at this point. Since they have no tent, they needed to push on to the shelter just in case the weather turned fowl. Unfortunately, they were caught in "the shelter races". What are the shelter races? These are when hikers try to beat each other in an unofficial, unspoken hiking race to gain a space in the shelter. Unlike most people, these guys really needed the shelter.After we said our goodbyes, we hiked on. This section of trail was bloated with fond memories from hikes in our past. For fun, we used to hike to Ram Rock just for a bit of exercise and a good view. Today, as we stood on top of Ram Rock, we were literally above an ocean of clouds. Below the clouds, in the valley, is "R" Ranch. Branch and I were married there 3.25 years ago and the A.T. on Black Mountain is in our background of our wedding pictures.Branch: After looking out over the ocean-esque clouds we headed down Ramrock and I felt as if I were home. I have probably done this section at least a hundred times. Every rock, every turn held some kind of memory and some story. I talked about the time that my 2 sisters, my brother, and I had a makeshift picnic on the rocks of a tricking waterfall. I talked about the time my mom and I camped and I had blisters under many of my toenails. I talked about the numerous times that my family and I made the short jaunt up to "Preaching Rock". All along the way, Clay proudly kept telling other hikers about how he proposed to me on "Preaching Rock". When we got to Preaching Rock, we sank down onto the rock, prayed, and renewed our vows. It was obvious to me and to others how proud he was and how much he loves me. I don't think that I've felt that special in a very long time.The second coolest part of the day came later in the afternoon. We had been walking in the fog since yesterday morning and we had not seen the sun at all. This afternoon, as we climbed out of Henry Gap, I looked up and noticed a small patch of blue sky. Then, without warning, the sun began to peek through the fog. For a brief moment, both sunlight and fog coexisted in the landscape and made for the most beautiful, eerie, and fascinating sight. As the wind blew the fog around and as the sun began to melt it away, there was a battle of sorts over which would occupy the territory we were walking through. One minute we'd be sweating under the brightest of sunshines, the next we were freezing under the chill of the dense fog. The result was some of the most beautiful weather I have ever seen. Clay and I whispered praises to Jesus, the Almighty Creator for the awesome beauty that we were priviledged to witness.Clay: Two other highlights from this day came at the days end. We had been leap-frogging with "Coffee Break" and his hiking partner for a number of miles. Coffee Break has long hair and looks like a hippie. To my surprise, he is an intellectual Christian guy that will be pursuing a masters degree later this year. We hope to run into him again. Another highlight was completing over 15 miles, walking from the trail to Branch's parents' car, eating a home-cooked meal, and sleeping in an area where a stranger is not snoring or "snuggling" you.