Date: 2007-03-04
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Got up and out by 0815. Chilly 33 degrees, tuff to get going. I did betta when I tented, despite having to take down my tent.Hiked 3.5miles by 0930 and jumped off as planned in Hiawassee, GA.Several recommended Hostels here but I only need to find a church, grab a meal (cuz I can!) and get back hikin. Several thru hikers I'd later meet would stay at the Cloud 9 Hostel, where they dine on a bonus free meal of pan seared fresh caught trout courtesy of their hosts. People are SO friendly and kind to hikers. I'm not used to that being from CT and New England!Hiked past the hostels and finally caught a ride the 11.5miles to town.Found a couple tiny odd churches and decided to grab breakfast before. Huddle House. Mmmmmm. tasty. Asked some patrons if they knew of other options than The Cowboy Church across the street or the Baptist Church I'd seen. They mentioned a brand new Methodist Church up the road they go to and I had just enough time to get there if I caught a quick ride. (They didn't offer.)Not quite Roman Catholic, but I already anticipated having to wing it and go with the flow, knowing it might be hard to find Catholic churches near the trail especially in the south.Got lucky hithchin with a quick ride and cruised in just in time. Wow. What a surprisingly pleasant greeting at the church. Nametags, took my coat, helped me stash my pack asked about my hike, etc.Even arranged a ride for me afta church. Not the Catholic or New England reception I'm used to. Service was nice. Different but nice.My ride offered to take me to the gear store a few miles up so I said sure. Even waited for me to look around and gave me a ride back. It's a good thing. joke of and outfitter store with kinda lame stuff. After Neels Gap Outfitter store many outfitter stores (Gear Stores)would look pretty weak!My ride offered to buy me lunch in about an hour after they helped open the family Pharamacy Store, but I declined.Had lunch at Daniel's Steakhouse. Steak of course. Gotta eat Protein, salad bar & veggies, etc. whenever in town to keep nutrition up. Hay, gotta do it. It's not that I wanted to eat steak... he he.Hit the IGA for some minor resupply snacks, still plenty of meal type food. (carrying about 4-5 days for now)Caught a ride back to the trailhead afta a bit and hit the trail by 2pm.Not much time to hike, but gotta get a few miles in. Got to Plumorchard Gap Shelter, 8.3 miles, couting the access trails to both shelters, but ONLY 7.8 net forward miles on the AT count! Oh well. This is what we call a half day or "nearo". Not a true "zero" day with not mileage hiked at all, but pretty close. Some is much betta than none though.Got to shelter by 1830 hours. Solo. Very dark. Can't let mind wander. Bears. ??Other critters. Miles from anyone else around. Nobody knows I'm even here. I did sign the shelter register (and at other shelters I passed) as recommended. Helps them find the body. That way they know where to start looking based on your last entry.Not a big day, but expected some days won't be able to do 20.Slept well. Awoke chilly, Definitely much less than 30 degrees.FedEx