Date: 2007-04-04
From: Helen, GA

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Journal entry by TRAINMAN.Did I mention that besides coming into Helen to do the tourist thing, we also wanted to avoid a nasty storm that we knew was coming our way? Around 2 AM we heard the rain start and there was some thunder in the distance. Overall, nothing serious. However, we did hear later that hikers on the mountain this night had a tough time with lots of rain, wind and lightning. At daybreak they reported all their gear was thoroughly soaked. I guess we made the right choice staying in Helen.In the morning we partake of the free micro-continental breakfast: coffee, juice and danish. At least it's better than nothing. While imbibing we strike up a conversation with fellow tourist Joseph Kelly of Massachusetts. Chuck Norris recites the particulars on where we are hiking and why. Joseph lends an attentive ear. We have a nice talk.One of the reasons we stayed at the Super 8 was the check-in clerk's promise that it would be NO PROBLEM for the motel people to return us to the trailhead the next day. Well, it woulda been nice if the promise had been relayed to this morning's desk clerk. Upon hearing of the arrangement she flatly states that it's IMPOSSIBLE for anyone to run us up the mountain. There's a strong possibility that we've just been stung by the old bait and switch routine. The clerk continues, "Taxi's available for $3 a mile. Call Billy Bob's number on yonder wall."We quickly huddle around to analyze our options. Just as quickly I turn to Joseph, standing just a few feet behind us, and ask him if he might do us a REALLY BIG FAVOR by taking us to the trailhead, only 10 miles away, only 30 short minutes. Joe hesitates for a moment, then replies, "Well yes, maybe I can, let me check." Joe leaves for his room.Now at this point we do not know what type of vehicle Joe has. He doesn't look like a Harley guy, which is good, but he might also be driving a Prius. Darn hard to fit 4 hikers with 4 sets of gear in one of those!In about 5 minutes Joseph pulls up to the curbside with his seven-seat Dodge Caravan. Praise the Lord! (to borrow a phrase often heard in these parts), have we lucked out or what? Joseph slowly drives us up route 75, giving careful consideration the the many hair pin turns. At the parking area at Unicoi Gap Joe stops the van at the very foot of the stone steps that lead up the trail. He says he doesn't want us to get prematurely worn out by taking any more paces than absolutely necessary. We thank Joseph profusely, and dub him an official TRAIL ANGEL for the grateful assistance he has provided.The day's hike is wonderful. The previous night's storm has cleared out all remaining possibilities of warm weather. We hike in sunny 50-55 degree temperatures, pretty nice for the hard exertion required in the mountains.We decide to camp at Sassafras Gap. There are lots of nice grassy areas but the wind gusts are pretty strong. We expect to be cold tonight despite having winter sleeping bags rated for 15 degrees. Tonight the group consists of Chuck Norris, Tigger, Montreal and Leonard. While eating supper we watch the passage of 5 other hikers. They all keep on going to Deep Gap shelter, another 2.5 miles. Do they know something about the warmth of the shelter that we don't?