Date: 2016-03-09
From: Lance Creek

To: Bull[s***] Gap
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was supposed to be a relatively short day. The climb up Blood Mountain was tiring, but the fog dissipated just as we reached the summit. Breathtaking. Logistically, everything worked perfectly. We arrived at Neel Gap right around noon to a pleasant surprise of Trail Magic. Burgers and Grape Soda. Delish. As my sister walked a half a mile to the parking area where her rental car was parked, I had the difficult job of talking to the people nice enough to make us food and watch her backpack - don't feel bad for her, I still have another 2150 miles to go... The burger wasn't enough, I was still craving a BBQ meal before heading off into the woods for another 4 days. So I grabbed my pack and started walking to the car with my sis. In the short distance to the car, I could feel the stares searing into the back of my head. "Another one bites the dust", many are thinking. One kid even stopped to tell me "Don't quit man! Give it another shot! Just a few more days!". These assumptions weren't without just cause. 25-30% of people attempting an AT thru-hike quit at this very spot every year. I really didn't give a damn what anyone thought, I just wanted a sloppy pulled pork sandwich and then I'd be right back at it. After verbalizing this to a few, I could tell they were not convinced. Whatever. One of the guys I had hiked with and camped a few times with by then ran over to the car and handed me a $10 bill for a pack of cigarettes. At least he knew I was coming back, and the plan was to meet at Bull Gap - just 1.1 miles past this outpost.Pulled pork sandwich was everything I had dreamed about and after washing my face and hair with hand soap in the the restaurant bathroom, I finally felt like a legitimate thru-hiker. Disgustingly dirty, smelly and determined. And it felt great.Grabbed two packs of smokes with the $10 and headed back to Neel Gap. Emptied the garbage from my pack, restocked with the food/fuel I had staged in my sister's car and I was ready to rock again. Pretty sure my sister shed a tear that she had to get off the trail, but unfortunately, not everyone can retire at such a young age. I count my lucky stars every night out here...Anyways. 1.1 miles until Bull Gap. A.k.a. home for the night. My sister and I had crushed 40.5 miles over the course of about 3.5 days. Not too shabby at all, so I wasn't worried about pushing it today. Plus my left ankle was starting to become more than a slight pain. I'd put it at about 4/10 on the scale (tickle - dead). I was excited to rip my boots off and slip into those sexy green and pink crocs. Okay...It's definitely been 1.1 miles. Where is this place???! Apparently I wasn't the only one that knew I should have been there by now. A girl up ahead called to me, "Do you think this is Bull Gap?" referring to a clearing with a fire pit and enough space for a few tents. After looking around briefly, I confidently said "I don't think so, the guide says there's supposed to be a reliable water source. No water here..." Water is the ultimate necessity and it's totally idiotic to risk running out. That made the decision to push on easy. I knew my friend that asked for the cigs was ahead of us and he planned on stopping at Bull Gap too; another reason to be reassured this wasn't the spot. Now that we knew we'd at least be setting up shop at the next good location, we exchanged names and continued hiking. I noticed that her gait was hindered by some underlying feet issues just like mine. Blisters are extremely common in the beginning of a thru-hike as your body struggles to adjust to the pack weight and high mileage. 2 miles later, we finally arrive on a ridge that has one tent pitched and a smiling familiar face. "1.1 miles to Bull Gap?! More like Bulls*** Gap!", he yells. At least we're all on the same page. At least I can unload these cigarettes.4 other people trickled into our campsite with other colorful words about the 1.1 mile. Misery loves company. That being said, after pulling off my left sock, I would not wish that on anyone. The duct tape/moleskin combo helped a little bit, but the situation was getting gross. The blister that was previously about the size of a silver dollar pancake had popped and was now a gaping wound that was multiple layers of skin thick. After doing some surgery and applying antibiotic cream, I hope it heals a bit overnight. Pictures to come...Very windy night - beautiful sunset.