Date: 2017-03-09
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Blood Mountain Shelter, GA
Miles today: 13.2

Day 02: Gooch Mountain Shelter, GA to Blood Mountain Shelter, GA - 13.2 miles:Awake at 6am after a sleepless night consisting of a rotation between freezing and drenched in sweat, I was glad when my alarm chimed for the start of my second day. With my gear packed and my first deuce out of the way, I made my way ~200 yards to grab Sarah's food bags stored near the shelter, Odin keeping company at my side.Just before 7:30am, we strolled outta camp, the goal of reaching the old stone shelter perched atop the rocky outcroppings of Blood Mountain. Another cloudless day promised a beautiful sunset at the completion of the day. After the first five miles, Sarah, Odin, and I reached Woody Gap where a few hikers sat enjoying not only the first trail magic of their season, but also their lives. It was a pleasure watching passing hikers thank the trail angels - one, a 2016 thru-hiker - from nearby Dalohnega. I enjoyed a banana and two cans of Mt. Dew. Sarah polished off two bags of Doritos and a Mt. Dew, and Odin continued playing what has become a game of using his large, soft eyes and innocent stare as a way to score rations from any hiker who falls victim. Chips, Star Bursts, donuts, ice cubes, and even a can of chicken and Spam I found in a nearby bathroom - the dog has made quite the killing in his three days on the trail so far.After another ~4 miles we reached Lance Creek, a special place to me due to it being the location I received my trail name of from Rock Boat nearly two years ago. It made me recall his Forest Gump impressions, and I missed him at that moment. The remaining ~5 miles of the day would be a series of ups and downs, gradually leading up to the climb up Blood Mountain. With just under a mile from its summit, Sarah and I reached a side trail promising water. After following it for nearly 10 minutes, we decided it was a path to nowhere before returning to the AT and gambling a water source was just ahead. With only just over a liter between us, it was a setback when we discovered we had lost the bet. With evening approaching, aching legs, and Odin unable to keep himself from falling asleep within moments of stopping, we decided to reach the shelter and endure an evening of little water.After reaching the summit and finding a place to pitch our tents, we were able to enjoy a great evening under the stars after first watching the sun disappear behind a ridge to the west. As we sat on an exposed rock cramming in mouthfuls of junk food, hunkering from the cold wind in the few warm items we have, we were joined by three people originally from Venezuela. On their way across the country, their first stop was to Blood Mountain to enjoy the soft yellows, oranges, and pinks spreading out before us. Immediately attracted to us due to the help of Odin's "feed me" game, they talked of seizing life and adventure. As they offered us a dish of rice, plantains, and tomatoes, I listened as their accents flowed and danced like the star-studded sky above. At 8:30pm, Sarah and I said we unfortunately needed sleep and, arousing Odin from his warm spot in an indention in the outcroppings, we parted ways. As we left, Coco, Eduardo, and D told me I'd always be one of their pantas - or bros. Though only one of many brief relationships that occur on the trail, they wont be forgotten anytime soon.It's now 9:30pm as I wrap this journal up. Sarah just updated me on the approaching weather, and it now makes sense why this mountaintop is empty, save a half dozen or so people. Storms should be rolling in within a few hours, a complete contrast from the clear skies above. At ~4,400ft, this night has the potential to get pretty hairy.