Date: 2007-04-06
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Helen, GA
Miles today: 0.0

4/6 abt a mile, $57Terrible night. I slept approximately 2-3 hours. Shivered, tossed and turned, pulled the bag tighter around my face numerous times. At one point, I thought I would try to catch a ride into town at the next road crossing (Hogpen Gap) just a mile or so north to get a zero degree bag so I can survive the cold snap. Then I didn't like the idea of buying an expensive piece of gear only to use for a couple days until the cold spell passes - it might be cheaper just to stay somewhere for a few days. In the morning I told the guys my plans and was the first to leave at 9am. I didn't bother getting water, eating or brushing my teeth because I thought I would be in town by lunchtime.I was at the gap in no time. There were about seven vehicles parked there, and a couple more arrived as I was standing at the side of the road fully loaded. Several vehicles went by, but most were going the opposite direction I thought I needed to go. I waited for over an hour (I didn't stick out my thumb because in some places it's illegal to hitchhike) until I started to freeze and shiver again, then I had to start walking to keep warm. I found a piece of paper on the ground, so I used my neon pink duct tape to print "HELEN" on it before losing any fingers to frostbite. I was stunned to walk about 10 minutes from Hogpen Gap to see Testnatee Gap (aka The Nasty Gap). It had been a rough 300 feet elevation gain in .5 mile climb up that gap for a total of .9 ups and downs, and it can be done by car in about 60 seconds! That got me wondering if yellow-blazing is how some people do 19 mile days their first few days "on" the trail. I've seen quite a few people using topo maps this time. The second car I held my sign out to stopped to tell me I was going the wrong way! They said they would be back this way shortly and if noone had picked me up by then, they would. Once I got turned around and held out my sign, the second vehicle stopped. It was a turkey hunter who had hiked before and needed help when he and his brother had gotten soaked and cold. He took me straight into Helen and helped me with my pack. He said he had only gotten one turkey in three years; I had no doubt that he would get one today...The hiker rate is $39 at the Hofbrau Riverfront Hotel for a double queen with fridge and microwave, even on Easter weekend. I took a shower and even though I hadn't eaten all day, I took a nap until 6pm. My cheeks were red from the cold wind. When I woke up I turned on the weather channel: freeze warnings and record low temps expected. I called the office and extended my reservation through Monday night. I hate being here that long, and I know by tomorrow afternoon I will be bored mindless (the town will probably shut down for Easter). However, I cannot take freezing all night then hiking cold. I'm afraid lots of people will drop out if they try to stick it out in the mountains the next few days. I don't think the class of '07 will be very large after this week. I worry about Just Joe; he reduced his pack weight to just 21 pounds (including 3 days of food) at Neel's Gap. How much warm clothing can you have in a pack that light? I regret bouncing just my cycling gloves. The little knit gloves I kept were not warm enough.After spending these extra days in Helen, I am going to get back on the trail at Unicoi Gap. I will be skipping 13.6 miles of the trail (2 days hiking for me), but I have already done that section twice, so the ATC will still consider me a Thru-hiker when I get to Maine.After my nap, I walked down to Wendy's for dinner. The AYCE smelled wonderful, but was a little pricey at $18.95. On the way back I got a few moderately priced groceries at Betty's Country store. They have a very good selection, but are a little snooty as some small business owners can be (We don't need your biz - we're doing just fine). I love Helen because everything you need is within .5 and it is very pedestrian friendly. It is also very pretty and clean, with horse and carriage rides, flowers, and lots of cute restaurants.I realize my entries have been long up until now. You will get a break as I vegetate at the hotel for a while...Thankful for: warmth.