Date: 2005-03-12
From: Addis Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: clear sky

March 12, 2005Well it has been a short day. Terrapin needed to take care of a bounce box in Hiawassee so we decided to stay (plus we ran into Phoenix this morning and he was coming back in.) the Maryland Crew will be here so one more day with the gang won¢t hurt. We will be over the Georgia border and into North Carolina tomorrow and a total of four days on so into Franklin via Winding Stair Gap for a rest. This morning was very nice. We went to sleep around 7:30ish in the high winds and snow but when we woke up the snow was gone. The ground was dry so I guess the wind blew it out of the gap. The section hiking group was up at sunrise packing. I woke up but since it was still cold I opted to read until terrapin woke up (around 9). It was nice break to be able to read for a few hours. Kelly Knob was our first challenge since we camped at its base in the gap. Another uphill struggle. The rest of the 5.3 miles to Dick¢s Creek Gap was mostly downhill so we cruised in without a problem. One thing I forgot to mention yesterday was the abandoned tent we found at Sassafras Gap It was a big 4 person tent that was flailing in the wind on its side. Terrapin called out to see if anyone was inside but no response came. Inside were 2 sleeping bags and lots of clothes and food ¢¦all soaking wet. At the water sign a canteen hung abandoned. It was a bit ¢Blair Witch¢ style and we decided not to camp there. We did refill our water supply since Addis Gap¢s closest water was a half a mile. As we were crouched down repacking our bags Terrapin jumped and yelled which of course freaked me out so I jumped. Another hiker had walked quietly up behind Terrapin and tapped him on the shoulder LOL. So much for us being outdoorsman?. Other than relaying the things that occur day-to-day I guess I haven¢t said much so far. Phoenix, Terrapin, and I were discussing the battle earlier. During the day when I hike I go through a range of emotions and mind games to get up the hills and keep going. In the back of my mind is the little voice that asks why. I made it up Frosty Mt, Sassafras, Justus, Tray, and Kelly Knob¢¦of course I can do the others¢¦ so why bother? Other than the fact that I have started this journey and can not walk away yet I have no answer and have to ignore that voice. Then there are the small battles. Sometimes I look up and see Terrapin 10 ft ahead¢¦ then I see the snaking thread of trail that seems to rise vertically away. We reach the start of that uphill and I focus on the first switchback¢¦then I go through it and promise myself I will rest at the next one¢¦then I break that promise and skip the rest. Rinse and repeat until my body slaps me down. Other times (when it is mostly dumb) I just look at the ground in front of my feet and try to zone out. Wildcat Mt, directly out of Testmalese Gap is currently my standard that all climbs are compared to. It was short, extremely steep with acute switchbacks and I am fairly positive it would make baby Jesus cry. Anyway I just wanted to give an example of the mindset in a given day. I expect the crazy mind games will continue. As long as I can trick/convince myself to move forward I will be fine.                                                                No-Legs