Date: 2012-04-16
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap (Hiawassee)
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Pushed to Deep Gap Shelter last night and got there right as the last rays of light were fading. I set up my tent and Big Rig opted again for the shelter. We ate a late dinner and Big Rig wanted me to wait for him to finish eating and cleaning up his pots/plate to hang his bear bag with his a few feet away at the bear cables. I was already chilled and stated firmly NO and went to bed. Tired, Sore and Cranky, I wasn't in the mood to accommodate unneeded requests. Sorry Big Rig, I had enough of the day and needed to sleep.Sleep I did. It was the best night's sleep so far. Exhaustion, ear plugs and Benadryl must have contributed to it.After waking up later than usual (7:30?) I lay there and listened to a wood pecker going after a tree with vengeance. I had a leisurely breakfast with Big Rig, Super Mario and Phoenix. Phoenix is in her 70s and out for a solo section hike all the way to Fontana Dam. WOW! You go! There was a knife at the shelter that Super Mario found. There was a previous entry from Talloaf the Trail Ent that he had lost a knife. SuperMario volunteered to carry it in case he ran across him.Another beautiful day! Sunny with white puffy clouds and a few dark ones mixed in. The humidity level seemed to be rising along with the concentration of bugs. I may need to get some Deet soon.A short 3.6 mile Nero Day (next to zero or low mileage day) into Dicks Creek Gap. Hiawassee is located 11 miles west on US 76. We were going to try to hitch a ride in before calling for a shuttle, but saw a big white van marked 'Ron's Budget Inn'. They cater to hikers and give a free ride to those staying at their establishment. Others they charge $5. A bargain in my book! I had a room booked at the Holiday Inn Express and we started a ride into town that resembled a rollercoaster. The driver, 'Shuttles', got us there faster than I would have liked. It also started raining a few minutes after getting into the van. How's that for timing? [Long Sigh] Day 6. This R,R&R (Rest, Relaxation and Resupply) is desperately needed. Showers and laundry transpired, then a walk across the road to Daniels Steakhouse. They had a lunch AYCE Buffet for $6.54 tax included. Big Rig sprang for the meal and tip, thanks buddy! I appreciate your support for the beginning of my hike. At the restaurant, we saw a table of about 10 hikers from the trail, they were all staying over at the Budget Inn.Filled up to the top but still able to walk, we entered the local IGA so I could resupply. Wheat thins, single Spam packs, pepperoni, soft tortillas and some Cosmic Brownies were part of my non nutrition for the next couple days. Big Rig opted for a six pack of Bud Light Lime to partake in back at the Holiday Inn. I called my daughter and checked in on her past day or two. I really miss her and am looking forward to getting further north on the trail so we can see each other. I also spoke to my father and am having him send me two articles of clothing that I am going to switch out. One is a cotton pair of boxers to sleep in (breathable) the other is a long sleeve light hiking shirt that I can hike with in hot weather and not expose my arms to sunburn. I am currently slathering it on and still burning. I am sure that the leaves on the trees will be filling in more and this will not be so much of an issue soon. Bidding farewell to Big Rig tomorrow (actually almost today in a few minutes) as he flies home. Then I will be back to the trail. Forecast calls for thunderstorms and rain the next couple days. It will definitely be different than the past six days in more ways than 'One'.