Date: 2003-03-25
From: Chattahoocee Gap

To: Unicoi Gap-Helen, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This mornings 7 am wake up call was provided by a nearby woodpecker. As the sun peeked through the trees, a few other birds greeted me as well.It was yet another beautiful morning. The temp must have been close to 60*. I hit the trail at 8:30. It was pretty level with some rocky spots. I spent some time trying to sort out if I should slow down my daily pace. I feel like I might be missing some of the journey. Hmmm. Trying to balance the challenge and journey is not easy.Ive been a little surprised at the limited amount of wildlife that Ive seen. In 4 days of hiking, Ive only noticed 2 squirrels and a few songbirds. I was lucky enough to see a beautiful bluebird yesterday. I have heard a couple of owl calls. They have a neat sound. The last one that I heard was in the middle of the afternoon which surprised me. Perhaps he was on Australian time.I was expecting more of spring to be present also, as in wildflowers and budding trees. Other than seeing about 5 early wildflowers, this area is still looking like winter, without the snow. It will be nice to watch the progression of spring.Spending the night completely alone last night was a little strange. I liked the solitude and feeling of independance, but it also was a little creepy. Im amazed at how your mind can play tricks on you. I started to think every noise that I heard was a bear. I even pulled my hiking poles inside my tent as a form of protection. Eventually, my fatigue took over and I dropped off to sleep. Speaking of bears, I learned something new while reading on the way down last Thursday. My plan was to play dead if I were to be attacked by a bear. In my info book about the AT, it says to fight for all that you are worth if attacked. The likeliness of an attack is very, very rare so Im not truly worried about it happening. I would love to see one though.Its now 5pm and slow down is exactly what I did. I was needing to restock food which meant hitchhicking the 10 miles to Helen, Ga. I was not lookimg forward to hitching. After reaching the road, I convinced myself that I could do it. So, there I stood, thumb out, feeling like a complete fool. I guess the biggest reason that I dont like hitching is because I dont like having to be dependant on other people. Maybe I will get use to it???So, after about 25 minutes and several passing cars, I decided to hike on. Hiking hungry would be better than hitching. As I geared up, a college aged gal was coming back to her car after a morning hike. I was bold enough to ask her for a ride. She thought for a second, obviously considering the potential danger of picking up a complete stranger, and then agreed. I was very thankful. It turned out that her friend works for the visitors center and she dropped me off there (thanks Ginger).Returning to civilization immediately triggered my feet to start aching. Consequently, I soon found myself checking in to the Helendorf Hotel. I was swimming in the pool within 5 minutes. The only other person in the pool was another AT hiker from Michigan. Too funny. Swimming, hot shower, real food...I know exactly what you are thinking, this is NOT what hiking is about! Well, you are right. But, it works for me. Dont get me wrong, Im back on the trail early tomorrow, assuming I can get a ride back up to the trail. This is my 50 mile celebration. It turns out that this town is a miniture German wannabe tourist trap. After spending last summer in Germany, this place makes me laugh. I guess I just dont uderstand the concept of trying to recreate another culture in a place like this. But, if people are enjoying it, and they seem to be, more power to them.After a Wendys tripple burger and baked potato, I headed up to the library to check in online. Thanks to everyone who signed my guestbook. I ran out of time to reply to everyone. Sorry if I didnt reply to you.Ive restocked my food and I look forward to retunring to the wilderness tomorrow. Its suppose to rain in the afternoon. I actually like rainy days, but I havent experienced one as a hiker yet. Tomorrow may be my first.On Thu, I hope to stay at a place called The Blueberry Patch. It is an organic farm that allows hikers to stay for a cheap price in a family style setting. Sounds like a fun place to me.Each night I sleep a little better. Tonight, sleep should not be a problem. Lets see, should I take a hot bath and then swim in the pool before bed? Or, should I swim and then take a hot bath? Such tough hiking decisions!Thats all from Germanorgialand.Ah, before I go, a HUGE thank you to my bud Jane for posting my journals. I really apreciate it.Peace,Scot