Date: 2014-09-05
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap, Top of Georgia Hostel
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

I woke and quietly made coffee this morning a little after 6. The other three were still sleeping. The rain had stopped but there was a thick fog. As I fired up my stove for my second cup they began to stir. I was using my red beam and ate breakfast while I packed. I said my goodbyes like I have so many times over the last 5 months and headed south. At a glance, my day appeared mostly downhill. However, this morning quickly left NC and moved into GA. The land of Puds. (Pointless ups and downs) Again, I found several Springs listed in my guide to be dry. I found sufficient water, just not as much as I expected. The day was hot and humid even as early as 10 a.m. I met a couple heading north just before Blue Ridge Gap. He was looking fresh and excited to be on the trail. She, on the other hand, looked as if she was wondering how she had been talked into a backpacking trip in this heat and humidity. We greeted one another and hiked on. My destination for the day was only 11.8.miles from where I began, but some of the miles were slow to come by today. Thoughts of home were beginning to interrupt my hiking. I tried to focus on getting to Dicks Creek Gap where I would stay at the Newest hostel on the AT. Top of Georgia Hostel was opened on the first of March this year by a previous through hiker; Sir-packs-a-lot. Or Bob Gabrielson. (Sp) As the day got hotter I began to think more about a shower and clean clothes at the hostel. I made it to Dicks Creek Gap in the heat of the day and started the half mile road walk down to the Hostel. When i arrived, there was no one around and a note with a pitcher of water saying I will be back soon. I took my shoes and socks off to dry and plugged my phone in to charge while I sat in one of those Crocker Barrel style rocking chairs. Bob showed up while i was finishing yesterday's TJ and offered me a.free lunch for keeping me waiting. I didn't mind waiting, but I haven't turned down food in months. He gave me the tour and offered me some scrubs to put on after I showered so all my clothes could be washed. He said we could go to town (Hiawassee 11 miles away) in an hour if I wanted. I needed 3.days worth of food and a beer. I said Great! It is truly an amazing story how he ended up here. Also, if you are into the reality TV thing, he is staring on Naked and Afraid this Monday night. On our way into town, we stopped at a local winery and met the owner and had a glass of wine. I must say the Chatuga Red is excellent. We then went for food and a beer at the local fav. Restaurant. Next he took me to the grocery store to buy my supplies and I got a couple beers even though it is against the posted rules to have alcohol at the hostel. I was, after all the only one there that nigjt. Later Bob made me marble, Epsom salt foot bath and we sat on the back porch having a beer, watching the sun set and telling stories about the trail while I soaked my feet. Man, am I rich or what? Breakfast is at 7. This has to be one of the best bargains on the AT. Another one of the many reasons to flip on the AT is to have the time to meet some of the hard working hostel owners and workers when they actually have the time to sit and talk. Today I am grateful that Bob, and others like him, have created the hostels along the AT so that us tired hikers have such a nice peaceful place to come rest and resupply.