Date: 2006-03-17
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap (Blueberry Patch Hostel)
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up at 6:30 and immediately began packing my backpack. Last night some guys were telling of the bad weather coming, which I had heard about while in Hiawassee. They had a plan for beating it to Franklin, which was to hike fifteen miles the first day, then 18, then about 10 or 12 into Franklin. I didn't know if I could do it, but figured to try. The ridgeline is above 5000 feet and freezing rain does not sound like fun.I got on the trail at 7:15, a record for me, but still 45 minutes merely to pack a bag without eating any breakfast.As soon as I started hiking, I knew I wasn't doing any 15 miles today. The hike to the road begins with a short 300 foot climb. I could barely make it, stopping often to rest. It was 44 degrees and the wind was blowing hard. We were up in the clouds (about 4000 feet). I was cold, tired, wet, and feeling sick.Once I cleared the ridge and put some landmass between me and the wind, hiking was easier, but I was still tired, cold and wet.I made the road finally and settled in to wait. I drank a little water and had a breakfast bar. Navigator was there from the Hiker Hostel, and offered me a ride back there for a free Saint Patrick's Day dinner, and I could stay to rest up as long as I wanted. It was tempting, but psychologically I didn't want to go backwards. I still remember when I did that last year from Neels Gap, my wife asking me why I went back to a place I left three days before and my not being able to explain. It would be a perfect place to rest up, but maybe too perfect. I could see myself getting stuck there for three or four days. Of course, I would be fully better by then, but still....Anyway, I thanked her but said no, and off she drove. Of course, then I immediately regretted my decision. I stuck out my thumb and started hitchhiking. Forty-five minutes later I REALLY regretted my decision.Finally Gary Poteet from the Blueberry Patch showed up to drop off hikers, and I rode down with him. Three other hikers came with him: hiker and wife Scott and Jennifer, and Cindy. All three are from NH! What are the odds?I was feeling pretty badly, but the sun came out and I sat in the sunshine for a while. Then I showered and changed clothes. Gary went into town to the post Office and I road in with him. I stopped at Ingle's and bought an orange, an apple, and a Gatorade, and got $60 cash back.Gary has two donkeys, Sweet Bea and Hallelujah, which he calls Jesus donkeys. They have cross markings; that is, along the mane and back there is a line of black fur, and from the shoulders down each leg. The black fur forms a brown cross. They get the name "Jesus donkey" because they have this cross on their backs. Legend is that all donkeys with this cross are descended from the donkey on which Jesus rode into Nazareth.I ate some chicken that was in the fridge and Gary said was fresh, then Tinker showed up with some pizza. He was on his way home. He had a good hike and enjoyed himself, but is not looking forward to being at work next Monday, after a week or so enjoying the freedom of the hills.Then I took a nap and woke up with the chills and feeling out of sorts with a sour stomach. What is wrong with me? Is there any reason why I feel so badly out here when I'm fine at home. I NEED to feel better.Once again I could not force myself to eat, so I gave my Lipton Dinner away and ate the orange.I am trying to drink water, but am still working on the first Gatorade bottle I filled when I got here. It isn't enough, I know, but drinking it makes me nauseous.Gary just gave us the deal with breakfast, which will be ready at 8:30. We leave for the trail at 9:30. I hope I can do 12 miles tomorrow when I won't start hiking until 10:00.I hope I feel better.Or at least as good as I felt yesterday morning.At this point, I will take anything I can get.