Date: 2004-03-09
From: Tray Mt Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Dressed in warm clothing. Backpack all packed up. Leki's strapped around my wrists. I'm ready to start hiking.   I grab my Nalgene, take a swig of water, and almost spit it out. There's something solid in my mouth and it came from my Nalgene bottle. I look down and discover more of it floating in the water. But at least it's safe to drink. There is ice in my water bottle. That's how cold it got last night.   Met Guiness & Toebreak today. It's funny how people "know" you before you've even met them out here. This isn't the first time that I've introduced myself as "Leki-Less" and the person responds "Oh yeah! You leaned your poles against that van!"   Not a bad day for a hike. NOT warm, but not cold. Then, as we were climbing up another steeper section, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me.   Is that snow?   Sure enough, a few flakes were falling. We made it to a shelter just before it REALLY started coming down. We ate lunch inside the shelter while a group of guys outside were huddled around a fire they just built. Some outdoors club that comes out every Tuesday. They made some small talk with us, and Joy made the mistake of asking, "How's the hike from here to Dick's Creek Gap?"   Don't ever ask "How's the hike?" They'll always tell you what you want to hear, and it will never be true.    There wasn't "just one more up." There were many UPS.    It wasn't "not too bad." It's always bad. Unless the ground is flat, free of rocks & roots, and covered with soft dirt or leaves. Uphill burns your thighs & calves. Downhill bothers your knees. Rocks & roots hurt your feet & ankles.    Don't ask "How's the hike?" And if someone asks it to you, exaggerate. Do them the favor and lie. Tell them it's the steepest climb yet with lots of boulders & fallen trees & raging rivers & a cyclops.    They'll thank you later.   We left after the snow stopped falling. The sun quickly melted away any trace of it. Heather & Arwen were excited that it had snowed. Being from Houston, Texas, they're not used to that weather. At 28 years old, it was the first time Heather ever stood in falling snow. Being from Massachusetts, I'd say she's lucky to not have to deal with it.   Our day was almost over. Just another mile or two. But what's that sound? Waterfall? Rain? Popcorn?   That thought process only lasted 3 or 4 seconds before my body was being pelted from above.   First snow. Now hail. Then came snow with hail. At least it wasn't rain. Nor was it cold. So, I can't complain.   When we made it to the road, a young couple greeted us with beer & wine. Trail Angels. These are people who come out of there way to do nice things for hikers. This couple even removed everything from the back of their truck so we could all fit in for a ride to Hiawassee. (Thank YOU!)   Joy, Bloody Cactus, Castro (Jon's new trail name), and I all pitched in for a room at the Holiday Inn Express. I tried calling Amy, but the reception was horrible. It sucked not being able to talk to her.   Our biggest motivation for hiking over ten miles today was knowing that Town existed at the end of our hike. Town. I will forever spell that word with a capital "T" Town is wonderful. With roads and buildings and tasty food. Hardee's cheeseburger and fries and cheesecake ice cream and pepperoni & pineapple pizza. And showers! And laundry! Ah, Town. I love Town.