Date: 2018-04-03
From: Low Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

As usual the day started out going up. We tend to camp in gaps between two mountains, so the only way out is up.  Yesterday was difficult for me physically and Texas is nursing a couple of aches so he decided to hike with me today. We chose to only do 7 miles to Blue mountain shelter. The last big up for us was Blue Mountain, and the plan had been for the tramily to meet at Blue mountain shelter. Water was sparse today, and it was HOT on those mountains. I was too dry, and definitely did not have enough calories in me, so Blue Mountain was a tough climb at 4010ft elevation! For my medical friends I voided a small amount at 7am and did not void again until after 5:30pm. I was too dry the day before as well so this was not good. I felt dizzy, and a little nauseous. Even still, the hike was beautiful. Lots of green and even a few flowers are coming out. It was the prettiest day so far. Anyway, just before we reached the shelter about 7/8 of the way up Blue Mountain there was a sketchy looking trickle of spring water. I was so thirsty that I didn¢t care what it looked like. I drank over a liter and filled up a bottle to carry. I ate some turkey jerky too. Much improved!  We reached the shelter, and no Tramily members were there. The shelter really was not well protected from the winds, and a storm is rolling in tonight so we don¢t blame them for moving on. Everyone should hike their own hike.  After reevaluating our situation we also decided to go two more miles to Unicoi Gap and have a shuttle bring us to town.  A welcomed opportunity for a storm free comfy night in a hotel. Texas called our shuttle guy from Neels Gap. He said he would pick us up at 4:30. We waited until after 5pm and no sign of Gene. The wind started picking up and it was turning cool. We had to put our jackets on. I finally decided what the heck, I¢m hitching a ride. And for the first time in my life I hitchhiked! It only took about 5 minutes before a young man in a pickup truck stopped. We threw our things in the bed and I climbed in there with our gear. Texas rode up front.(my preference) The young man took us straight to our hotel and wouldn¢t accept a penny for his time. He was coming home from work in Hiawassee to Helen and ¢it was no trouble¢ he said. We arrived in Helen with plenty of daylight. I¢ve never been to or even heard of Helen Georgia before, but it¢s the cutest little place! We loved it! I think it¢s a fantastic vacation spot for a long weekend or Spring break. Dinner was BBQ with baked beans and coleslaw. Texas also got an appetizer to share. It was cheese fries with bacon, pulled pork, and pickled okra. DELICIOUS!! Drink refills were free, so I refilled my cup twice. On the way to a local market after dinner we walked past a park with a waterfall. For a joke we got out our water bottles and Sawyer Squeeze to take a photo. We sent it to the rest of the tramily with a caption ¢great water source here¢! That spawned a funny group text. Turns out they were on top of Tray Mountain today when we were at the bottom at Unicoi Gap. Only about a mile from us. I hope they fair well tonight with the weather. At some point our tramily will become completely separated. It¢s just the way the trail works. But if I never see the other 3 again, it¢s been a blast!  My hi-lighted tramily member today is Flower Boy.(aka flowers, Mike from Maine). Flower Boy owned a flower shop for many years. He¢s extremely talented! For our Easter dinner he stepped outside and cut some greenery  with a cute little purple flower to make us a centerpiece for dinner. In addition he made a fancy tomato mozzarella treat with fresh basil & balsamic vinegarette drizzled on top. Yummy!  He sold his flower shop in 2016(I think) and also a fitness center he owned. Now he has rental property and enjoys life!  But he misses his flower shop. If there¢s anything I can personally say about Flower Boy it¢s that he¢s one of the kindest most caring people I¢ve ever been fortunate enough to meet. And he¢s got a sense of humor that keeps us all laughing. Sometimes until we can¢t breathe! He¢s the one who carried the hotdogs we could not eat at Easter dinner, and it was him who cooked mine for me when I finally arrived very late to camp. I don¢t think I would have eaten otherwise. In addition he helped with my tent while I was eating. He¢s also been our weather man! We¢re thinking of doubling his salary! It¢s been great getting to know you, Flower Boy and if I don¢t see you again before hand, I hope to see you in Maine!  I¢ll put my boots back on tomorrow and continue this awesome journey   Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?