Date: 2009-03-15
From: Camp Site at Jarred Gap (Mile 25.7), GA

To: Neels Gap Hostel (Mountain Crossing), GA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Cell GoodOG Notes:Last night was quite an experience sleeping in the pouring rain. Our Tarptent was a disaster for us. Every time a hard raindrop hit the tent the water would go through and get C6's sleeping bag would get wet. Also the sides were too short and the gear around the parimeter also got wet. One night like that was enough, we bought a new tent today. Our new tent is a Big Agnes Seedhouse 2, if their tent is as good as thier sleeping bags we'll be happy.The rain went from a hard rain to a drizzle at 7am when we got up. We did a quick packup and were hiking by 8am. The drizzle and fog lasted all morning as we hiked.Today was a relatively short day of 5 miles. We hiked over Blood Mountain, the highest mountain in Georgia. We stopped at the shelter for a few minutes and then went on. It was as cold as I remembered with the wind blowing. We didn't waste any time getting down from Blood Mountain. We're in a hostel tonight, we took showers and our clothes are in the wash as I type. We've sprawled out our gear in the bunkhouse to dry. Life is good.C6 Notes: Today wasn't as cold as yesterday was while we were hiking, but it was still raining. We hiked a short day today, but a couple mountains. I'm surprised to find my muscles feel better already. I still have to take Ibuprofen, but I found the ups nd downs to not be quite as hard as the last two days were. A few Army Rangers ran by us this morning. They were running down Blood Mountain as OG and I were creeping up the mountain. Oh, to be in the physical shape they are in!!We're in a hostel tonight. After getting thoroughly soaked last night, this is heaven! We got here around noon, so most of our stuff is dry. Took a shower, had a snack, and are washing our clothes right now. Free dinner this evening, too!We were so wet last night, that we bought a new tent here today and are sending our tent back home. Aidin (Red Leg) and Neil (he is using "Old Gear") are here, and each bought new tents today, too. Aidin had the same tent as ours and got wet last night. Neil wanted a lighter tent (but he got et last night, too). Aidin put his old tent in the hiker box (a box for hikers to take anything that's in the box they might need).Yoni and Shai stopped by at this place today. They decided they need to hike 100 miles each week to accomplish their goal, so they moved on. Tom (Hightop) and Lori (Finch) were here last night, but have moved on as well.Red Leg explained his call sign - artillary officers have a red stripe down the leg of their mess dress. His wife sewed a red stipe dpwn each leg of his hiking pants. He's a real nice guy. Neil, too.Even though it's cold and wet, I'm enjoying this completely so far. C6 add on Notes:This hostel is wonderful!! "Pirate" is an amazing caretaker. He does everything with heart. Keeping the place clean (which is a major undertaking with how dirty we hikers come in, especially after a couple of days of hiking in rain!).Pirate had dinner for us at 6.00pm...pulled pork, cole slaw, and baked beans, with beer and/or wine. Some hikers arrived later, so Pirate put out Jambalaya (left over from last night's dinner) and changed the menu board so they would feel as if they were part of us. So considerate!Pirate hikes the AT every year. He has hiked the AT 21 times in 18 years!!!!!! Unfortunately, there is no caretaker when he's away. He said the hostel gets trashed when he's gone...to the point of even cutting the lock on his personal room and stealing things from that room, too. Pirate cheerfully says he just starts over when he returns!! What an amazing man.This place is owned by the State. The store upstairs leases the space from the state. There are 3 apartments above the hostel, and most of the store staff lives there.This building was originally a restaurant and motel, called the Walasiyi-Inn. The building was built in the 1930's, as one of the CCC projects (Conservative Conservation Corps). Part of what makes hiking the AT so special is the community that forms immediately. I love seeing Neil and Aidin each evening. There are also "The Bills", a father and son. They don't have trail names yet. Wonderful people. I look forward to seeing them each day.This experience is magical.Old Goat & Check Six