Date: 2014-03-12
From: Lance Creek

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.4

After 3 days of perfect hiking weather, the reality of the AT hit. It started raining at 1:00 am.   We knew the hourly forecast from those that have Verizon and Internet access. I got out of my tent at midnight to pee, so I wouldn't have to go out in the rain later. This morning though, still dark and raining, I dug my 1st cat hole! I was at a campsite without a privy, a daily occurrence once we hit Tennessee. I stayed dry in my tent and kept what needed to stay dry in multiple dry sacks. The tent was wet though by the time I had fully packed up. Got out of camp this morning at 8:30, wanting to get a head start on what was a deteriorating forecast of wind and cold temperatures coming in later today. I made plans last night to hike with Maverick, one of my hiking buddies in the hiking bubble I am in. We met our 1st day on the trail, and both wanted to hike with someone over Blood Mountain, to be safe and smart. There are plenty of hikers I've come to know, but it's good to have someone you know is looking out for you when the conditions are iffy. I kept taking layers off and putting them back on as the weather and elevation warranted. Maverick and I stopped at a shelter near the summit. We were muttering that it was .2 of a mile off the trail and it seemed forever to hike in. We starting seeing shelter mirages around every turn. Once we got there, I made us mocha lattes: instant hot cocoa with Starbucks Via French roast, and dehydrated whole milk. Tasted delicious. We have 6 months to get to Maine and part of the allure of the trail is savoring simple moments like this. We were in a beautiful place, living in the moment, enjoying all that nature has to offer. We headed into Neel Gap, the 1st of many trail towns and lucked out getting a cabin for four at Blood Cabins. I'm here in a cabin with Go Heavy, 80 Dollar, and Maverick. I told them it was fitting. 75% of hikers on the AT are men. Here I, representing the 25% women was spending the night with 3 others guys. I got one of the double beds though. Maverick is on the futon. Thanks Maverick for the company today, taking the futon and building us a nice fire tonight. The cabin owner did our laundry. There was a lot of talk and anticipation on the trail today of a shower, warm bed, getting out of tonight's below freezing temps, and drying out wet gear. We have gear hung from the rafters, literally. You come to appreciate quickly life's little pleasures: washing out camp dishes with dish soap in a sink with running water instead of swishing water around your pot or cup and then drinking that water. Heck if you took the time to purifier it, it's precious water you don't want to waste; throwing your trash in a waste basket instead of carrying it on your back until you get into town; and the obvious shower, clean clothes, and flush toilets. Getting late. Well past hiker's midnight since I am in a warm bed and blogging on a plugged in and charged phone. When on the trail my blogs will be shorter as I try to conserve my phone battery and will blog more, and be more thoughtful, like tonight, when I am in towns. I will only upload entries when I get into towns, so expect a number of entries all at once, then none for a few days. About photos, lots of hikers upload photo's on the trail. I am taking lots of pics on my water proof, shock proof camera, not my cell, so you won't see many photos on this site. When I get home, family and friends will see them all.One last note. I am having a blast!