Date: 2021-04-27
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Locust Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.6

Today was a low mileage but long day. We had planned to head into the NOC in order to get our GSMNP backcountry permits printed as well as a resupply. This morning was the first morning where I felt comfortable sleeping in and wasn't cold at all! I'm glad it's warming up but at the same time, the midday heat and the sun beaming on you is just so much. We had an especially dry stretch again today without water and I've been drinking lots more than usual. The first few days I had to force myself to drink water and now I'm chugging it like no tomorrow.Once the doors open to the general store, we all flooded in only to be disappointed. Only basic stuff like granola bars and small "To Go" packs of Nutella and PB. I need the whole jar!!! I ran out of Nutella this morning and it has been a great "pick me up" so far. The only really good thing that we got there were microwaveable breakfast sandwiches. I got a french toast sandwich with egg, sausage, and cheese, delicious. The rest of the stuff wasn't quite up to snuff and or was just outright expensive. Even a small soda costed $3. I guess you can control the prices when you're the only option around.I hung around a bit and got my permit printed as well as sorted through my food bag. I think I still somehow got too much food but only managed to spend about $20. ($35 is a good 4-5 day resupply at a dollar general, this wasn't). Eventually Shooter and I decided to leave the pack and head up the steep climb that was in store for us today. I had forgot to do something on my phone and had Shooter start alone. We eventually caught up at the end of the day though. I had a tough time finding exactly where the heck the trail started in this small town. I had to navigate through a parking lot, next to railroad tracks, and up a hill only to eventually find myself backtracking half way. I found the trail though.Halfway up this climb I was exhausted. I decided to take a lengthy break only to realize that the guy next to me was one who I had just seen before a few days ago. He had recommended the Budget Inn I had stayed in while in Hiawassee and I had told him of my experiences there. We both laughed about it and caught up. He eventually told me that he had stealth camped at the NOC last night with an ex cop who turned out to be my good friend Spokes from a few days ago. Small world huh?I continued on only to be told by a woman that there was a rattlesnake ahead. I had only seen one snake on trail so far but it was harmless. I met up with the guy from before and he showed me photos of that very same snake, it was MASSIVE. To think I had been scared of a small 3ft one, this would've been a whole other story. I continued up trail and had quite the day and really slowed my pace and took my time. I caught up with Mike as well as a lady who was a thru hiker in 2019. She gave me some tips as well as recccomended some gear. It was pretty late in the day and I was beat. I put on some music, ate some raw ramen noodles and cruised down to a campsite only to find Shooter and Andrew. We caught up and talked as we ate. No crazy convos this time...I'm excited but hesitant about GSMNP. It's only a few days out and I plan to stay a night just outside Fontana. I'm hoping all goes good like so far and we don't get too bad weather (crossed fingers).