Date: 2012-04-14
From: 0.5 mile north of Poplar Stamp Gap (GA)

To: Steeltrap Gap (GA)
Miles today: 15.2

Day 4: "The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on..." Actually, we're hearing more from the calves than the dogs this morning. Not to say the dogs (both left and right on each of us) aren't saying they are still sore from yesterday, and vote for less miles of walking. To which a majority of the joints chime in with a hearty "I'll second that!" All of the other body parts have plenty of time to discuss as our "break camp" skills are still far from perfected, you might even say inefficient (if you wanted to be generous). However, in end we quieten them with Vitamin I, and we are on our way.Today we wanted our highest miles yet, but the slow packing put us in a hole from which we never recovered. A truth of the trail is there are some miles that are just not like the others today it was three major climbs, each with 1,000+ feet of elevation gain: Blue Mt., Rocky Mt., and Tray Mt. Nice views and clear weather on all, but taken as a package - Wow!The highlight of the day was two 'Trail Magic' experiences: one at Unicoi Gap and one on the southern slope of Tray Mountain. 'Trail Magic' is when someone(a trail angel) does something unexpectedly good/nice for thru-hikers. Nine times out of ten it involves food & drink.Here's how it went... it's just a bit after noon and we're picking our way down an incredibly rocky, steep part of the trail into Unicoi Gap. We come to the road crossing (which in itself is an adventure, as we have not seen a car in hours!, and the cars & trucks zoom by very fast through the gap). With a short line of sight, hikers must hurry across the road (try hurrying with a full pack - ugh!) There in the parking lot is 'Solo' GA>ME 2011 with an assortment of drinks, snacks, lawn chairs and a willingness to take our trash. We fueled up on soft drinks (sugar & caffeine!) and some tasty, salty homemade Chex Mix. Needless to say, after all that, the climb out of Unicoi Gap seemed effortless! Oh! And the other good part of 'trail magic'? It draws thru-hikers like bees to nectar! Lots of conversation! Thank you, Solo. By late afternoon when we are tired, hot and fighting off the urge to call it a day, even though we haven't gotten in enough miles yet, we were crossing an level area with a view of the very last, but very steep climb of the day, up Tray Mountain. We spotted something on the west side of the trail in a forest service road parking lot. It turned out to be a grill manned by the three members of the B Team. Hamburgers with all the trimmings, pancakes, fresh fruit, water, coffee, Gatorade and soft drinks. Holy cow! Most of you know X is not a soft drink kind of gal but in less than three hours she finds herself chugging down her second Coke of the day! And, again, it comes at a time when we needed help from somewhere other than within: that's Trail Magic! Thank you, B Team. After cresting Tray, it's time to think about a campsite. We rule out Tray shelter (mice, probably crowded, and 2/10 mile off the trail), pass up several less than great spots, and luck out with one with a good water source and the leader of the 300 for company. -N