Date: 2004-03-19
From: Jarrard Gap, GA

To: Neel's Gap, GA
Miles today: 5.4

This is another entry that I will recreate from memory.The objective of today was to have a short mile day in preparation for ascending Blood Mountain, elevation 4,461, the highest mounain on the AT in Georgia. Then, I would stay the night in the Mountain Crossings/Walasi-Yi Hostel in Neels Gap. The skies were clearing, but the wind has been with us (me, PeakABoo, and CuppaJoe) for the past several days. I'm really tired of it, but luckily, the weather could be worse. Shortly after Jarrard Gap, we began the hike up Blood Mountain. I really didn't think that it was that bad. Peakaboo, who had already hiked this portion of trail in the past, warned us that the north side of the mountain would be tricky since it is mostly slanted, rock face. Luckily, there was no rain or it could have been downright dangerous.After a while, we made it to the top of Blood Mountain where another thru-hiker, Vagrant was taking pictures and enjoying the 360 degree views. On top of Blood Mountain is a shelter made out of stone. It almost appears like a small fortress, to me. We hung out, took photos of each other, and enjoyed the sun since the past few days brought rain, wind and fog. This was a relief. I was finally beginning to enjoy myself and was becoming more confident that my body was staying together. (knock on wood)Sure enough, we descended Blood Mountain. It was rather difficult, but we all made it. Peakaboo had been having trouble with her ankles and blisters, but she's a trooper for keeping on and putting one foot in front of the other. CuppaJoe is a steady hiker and has a high level of willpower.We came into Neels Gap, Georgia to Mountain Crossings . There, many people pick up their first food drop and/or stay the night in the hostel. I enjoyed a fine lunch of a Slim Jim, Combos pretzels, and Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies. Peakaboo and CuppaJoe decided to move on, northbound, in anticipation that I could catch up with them in the morning. I had planned on staying in the hostel to socialize with my fellow thru-hikers. After all, people might think of hiking the AT as a "lonely person's" thing, but it is very much a social network. Every hiker will leap-frog with others throughout the day, exchange stories, and may eventually find themselves camping or staying at the same location that night.The hostel was, well, just OK for $15. It was occupied with 11 men and 3 women. I had my first shower on the trip. It felt great since during the days prior it seemed like my body parts were sticking to each other from the perspiration. After the shower, I hung out in the common area and watched the cheezy movie, "Not Another Teen Movie." I felt guilty about not being out on the trail and hiking further that day, but I felt that if I let my body rest a little today, it would benefit me later in the long run.At 6 PM, a couple of shuttles pulled up to take us into the town of Blairsville. We ate at the All You Can Eat (AYCE), Cookie Jar restaurant. The restaurant is so named because of the collection of cookie jars of all shapes and sizes that adorn the perimeter of the dining area. The food was not fine cuisine, but for $7, which included a drink, it was the best bargain so far on the trip.We all returned to the hostel after dinner and then took a side trip to the grocery store. Several people were watching movies in the common area, others worked on their journals, still others fell fast asleep. The next day, I was prepared to get up early and catch up with Peakaboo and CuppaJoe.Saint Rick in front of the Blood Mountain Shelter, GAThe view from Blood Mountain, GA