Date: 2015-04-05
From: Cheese Factory Site, GA

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 13.0

Awoke to another cold morning, but luckily clear skies and an 800ft climb quickly warmed my fingers and muscles up. Rock Boat and I stopped atop Tray Mountain at the shelter to relieve our bodies of a few extra useless ounces in the privey. You quickly realize it's a lot like crossing a high bridge or climbing - simply don't look down. If you do you'll find yourself in a strange sense of awe at a mound representing a few weeks worth of human waste.With business complete, we continued down the mountain (my knee still suffering from sharp pains,) but the trail gradually leveled out and/or was relatively uphill which was much easier on my knee. We covered 8 miles in around 3 hours, passing only a few other hikers in the process. We passed a campsite where someone had a table offering free water, snacks, stove fuel, etc. I was too lazy to dig out my fuel bottle so I passed on the fuel, but did top off my water.Around 11:30am, we began passing handwritten signs every 20-30ft along the trail advertising a "feast in the woods" including "bacon, bacon, bacon." Needless to say, it didn't take much convincing to take the half-mile detour off the trail down into Addis Gap. Once there, we found ourselves in a hiker's oasis. A tent, seemingly overflowing with delicious delicacies, awaited us. What began as a pitstop for treats like apples and oranges in the 1980's, the annual event on Easter weekend has grown into something most backyard grill warriors would be envious of. The group of ~10 people offered up endless portions of bacon, blueberry and pecan pancakes, eggs, bacon, muffins, a variety of breads, cookies, bacon, cheeses, fruits, veggies, orange juice, ham, turkey, bacon, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, hotdogs, bacon, and, perhaps most importantly, creek-chilled kegs of beer. Rock Boat and I, like children in a candy store, quickly went to grabbing and piling on treats to our plates. We would continue the process with rounds 2, 3, and 4. Old and new hikers alike rolled through during the 2 hours I spent there. Stories and laughs were traded, stomachs were stretched, beer flowed like the nectar of the God's. Among the weary hikers that would find refuge in this beyond gracious event would include Fiddler on the Hoof, Airlock, Star Crunch, Moosehead, General Burnsides, and a group of 5 people from Indiana (near the Louisville area) who I had been following in trail registers as we gradually gained on them over the past few days. I can't say enough thanks to these kind people who alone prepared and offered 30lbs of bacon to weary hikers over 4 days. How awesomeAt this point I would set off from the group I've been traveling with the past few days as I moved at a slug's pace out of the gap with a full stomach and even fuller appreciation for the kindness of people. I should've looked at my trail guide before eating so much; climbing 800ft in a mile is difficult enough without a full stomach consisting of the variety of stuff I had just finished packing into it. I made my way 3 miles to Vista campsite where I originally thought my group would be camping for the night. I relaxed for 30 minutes, called my mom to wish her a happy Easter, and then realized no one was showing. I threw my pack back on and headed what I thought would be just a quarter mile to the last shelter before Dick's Creek Gap. Somewhere along the line, I must've missed the turnoff. I asked some weekend hikers who happened to have a GPS (weekend campers, right?) who insisted it was just a bit ahead. Needless to say, I soon found myself in Dick's Creek Gap. No worries, though, as I headed north on US 76 to Top of Georgia Hostel & Hiking Center (www.topofgeorgiahostel.com) - the place ran by Bob "Sir-Packs-Alot" Gabrielson. For $28 and change, I was given a bunk in an open room, laundry service, a shower, scrubs to wear, and a complimentary Coke. Also offered for additional charge is drinks, pizza, ice cream, snacks, as well as a decent selection of resupply gear at the on-site gear shop. The staff is more than friendly, and it's a good way to meet new hikers. 2 hikers have been here close to a week already recovering from various injuries. I hope not to join that crowd - currently icing my knee as I type this update.Tomorrow I will take a shuttle into Hiawassee, GA and will be splitting a hotel room with several other hikers. More important than a stay in a hotel will be the continental breakfast, hot tub, and an all-you-can-eat buffet next door. Was glad to hear UK lost and will be watching the National Championship game as well. Hopefully my lingering injury will get enough rest with a day off the trail, but will have to continue to be monitored. If plans remain the same, I will be meeting back up with Rock Boat in town and continuing towards NC on Tuesday, my first state crossing, now only 10 miles away.