Date: 2018-05-01
From: Addis Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was an early start due to the Georgia alarm clock bird waking us up long before we were ready.  The hike started with a climb and let me tell you, it's not the best way to get warmed-up.  The only reward is knowing that you may be putting yourself in a position to finish the day going downhill. In this case, that was true as we were only going to be hiking 5.5 miles to Dick's Creek Gap (mile 69, page 13 in the guidebook). This was the exit point for Mark and Jeff as they were only doing a section hike. While hiking today, I was often in the middle and had time to discuss a few things with Jeff.  We talked about my love for eating vegetables with only salt and vinegar. He thought that was strange but seemed interested in giving it a try.  We eventually moved on to talk about pickles and how I was known as 'Pickle Pete' as a child for my love of pickles.  Next thing I know, we were both craving one of those single pack pickles you find at gas stations or small convenience stores. My mind was made up, I'd be sure to get some pickles in town. When you hike you talk about many things, most of which could be considered odd.Since they were stopping at Dick's Creek Gap where they had already left a car, they had asked me the day before my plans and offered a ride into Hiawassee. Of course, I was grateful and jumped at the change to get to a trail town after hiking close to 40 miles over the previous 3.5 days. It was a long downward decent to Dick's Creek Gap and we were all happy when we started hearing auto traffic signaling were we just about there.We packed into their vehicle and made the short trip to Hiawassee where they dropped me at the Budget Inn. I overheard them saying they were going to stop to get something to eat as Father took Son back to his car which was in town verses at the trail head. It's never been easy for me to say goodbye when you make a bond with others, and here was no different. Being alone in the woods is not easy and for them to let me tag along for three and a half days was truly a blessing. Especially seeing that they were on a Father and Son adventure. Listening to them over the time we shared reminded me of the times I spent fishing and gardening with my Father, times I'll always cherish. I shared my trail journal info with them and hope they stop in to read a bit or two. Mark and Jeff, I'm very thankful for your kindness and sharing in the adventure. I wish you two the best and be sure to go on more Father and Son adventures!  For me, I can only hope to find others like you along the trail.After checking in I took a shower and had one thing on my mind, time for some real food.  I headed over to Zaxby's, a place I'd never been, and got a grilled chicken salad and a limeaid for a drink. Although I was full, that didn't last long.  I headed over to Rite Aid and bought the only variety of pickles they had.  I even had to ask for them since I couldn't find them.  A 24 ounce jar of kosher spears. Guess what, I ate the entire jar within 4 hours and even drank all the pickle juice, yum yum! I also ate a noodle bowl that I could cook in the hotel room's microwave.  I took a two hour nap and then did laundry in the 4 unit facility at the hotel. Then, with hunger returning, I headed down to Ingles grocery store and did some shopping for evening meal and some trail items.  I bought some electrolytes to add to my water to help prevent cramps and some turkey smokies and two packs of ramen noodles. For my evening meal, that was sushi and sliced cucumber.You're not gonna guess what happened and you won't believe it but it's true.  After I finished my meal I realized I lost the filling in the tooth located next to the one I had pulled back on April 13th. I have to ask, am I hiking the AT or am I on the Appalachian Dentistry Tour? There was nothing I could do being late at night. Luckily no pain, so I quickly searched for a dentist and saw one .5 miles away that opened at 8 AM. That would be the first order of business on Wednesday morning.