Date: 2015-03-08
From: Low Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Almost everyone started late today, because the daylight savings started and we lost an hour. So we started at 9.30, rather than the usual 8.30. We finished about 5pm. Last night, I woke up a lot and had to try to cocoon myself in my quilt because it was so cold (but not freezing water cold). I had problems when my side would go completely numb, maybe from the cold ground or just from how uncomfortable it was. Every night except for the hostel, I've been waking up at least 6 times. Sometimes I wake up just because it's so quiet. I have to listen to podcasts all night when I'm in my tent, because every breeze against my tent makes me think it's a bear and I can't sleep again. But the best part of my morning was adding raisins to my breakfast instant oats. A great decision.Today we climbed 3 mountains. The elevation on the map looked like this: \/\/. There was brutal sunlight all day, which made the mountains a lot harder. It was a real struggle sometimes, and I sweat buckets. I had to keep taking off layers. As usual, the views were fantastic at the top. Multiple peaks this time. And there was finally some slow internet at the top of Tray mountain! (However, my IP address has been blocked my TrailJournal so I need to sort that out...)Started taking ibuprofen today which made things a bit easier for hiking, but still rough. Random jabbing hip pains, feet aching, back pains. My blisters seem to be healing despite all the climbs and rocky descents. The trail was muddy and rocky in places, and I rolled my right ankle 4 times and fell flat on my face once. Fortunately didn't get seriously hurt. Listened to my music whilst hiking, which also helped the time past faster. I also managed to leave my poles behind at a stream on Rocky Mtn but realised not too long later and ran back for them. I regretted the running. We had some trail magic today too! A man called Slowrider was doing burgers, hot dogs, fizzy drinks and crisps. It was really amazing. Trail magic is just like a dream every time. I practically inhaled my cheese burger and had a strawberry fizzy drink, and Cheetos to take with me. Pretty much anything tastes fantastic compared to the just add water stuff that I'm usually eating.Tonight I had instant mash potato with bacon bits, then I had a hot chocolate. The shelter here on Tray Mt is pretty small but there a few people here camping, and a nice little fire. It's supposed to rain tonight, so I'm a little worried about my tent leaking. I'm planning on putting all my waterproof stuff against the mesh walls for some protection. Also, today is the 5th night we have stayed with Greywolf. We caught up with him at the trail magic today. He's an almost retired policeman from Germany. It's nice to see someone familiar every day, it's definitely a bit comforting to know someone else at the shelter rather than seeing all new people every time.Tomorrow we're going to walk about 10 miles and spend the night at a super cheap hotel in Hiawassee. It's good, because my headlamp died tonight and my camelbak bite valve has been leaking since the night it froze. I also have to resupply (more mash! No more peanut butter!!) and Mikayla has to get her supply box - she'll be walking tomorrow without contacts, so hopefully she'll stay on the trail. Most importantly, we will get real beds and real showers and real food. I absolutely cannot wait. I've noticed already that the day hikers when they go past leave a waft of cleanliness. I know already that I smell absolutely foul. The sun makes for beautiful weather, but it makes for very smelly hikers. At least maybe it makes us less appealing to the bears.