Date: 2018-03-12
From: Whitley Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

Day 6Although our mileage for today shows 11.1, we also did the 1.2 back to the trail from Whitley Gap. When we finally braved the elements to get out of our bags it was pretty late. With the time change and it being overcast it doesn't get light any too early. We quickly packed up our damp bags and had some oatmeal and tea. Again, no lingering this morning as the temperature had dropped significantly over night and what started as mist was quickly changing to sleet. We headed back uphill to the trail, questioning our decision to hike in so far to the shelter. Even though we didn't have a wet tent to pick up, we didn't exactly stay dry and warm. When we made it back to the trail intersection we found "Jedmorgensen" and "River Jack" looking mighty forlorn with a wet, sleet filled camp they were breaking down. I'm still not sure what the better decision was, but either way the morning has been kind of harsh. As we hiked on to Low Gap shelter for lunch the temperature continued to drop and the wind was now howling in many areas. Snow/sleet was falling and covering the ground and trees with rime ice. The only thing that was not white was the brown trail. As we descended into Low Gap the wind died down and it was warmer so things were just wet and muddy. At Low Gap shelter we had lunch with "Waltnuts" "Bo-Bo" and the "Colonel" "Bo-Bo" decided to stay as he had come from Neel Gap this morning. Everyone else was moving on including Brandon and Mark who we met coming in as we were leaving. It was going to be a pretty big day for us as we already had done 1.2 miles just to get back on trail. Mary's legs were sore and her pinky toes are both still bothering her even with them taped. We stopped at one point to stretch, and Mark and Brandon came up the trail. They stopped and we chatted for a few minutes. They are from Lowell, MA. They first said Boston, but once they realized we were from NH they said "Oh, then you know where Lowell is. They are hiking together and said they have been friends since high school. As we hiked on the weather cleared and we actually saw some blue sky! The wind never fully let up, blowing most of the ice off the trees, occasionally pelting you in the face. As we neared camp with about 2 1/2 miles to go Mary's legs began to fade. The final miles to the shelter are a rocky traverse with a good climb into camp. We made it with plenty of light and had a good tent site, but it was cold and the wind was howling. Hiking in zip-offs and rain pants, long sleeve top, another insulating long sleeve top, down puffy coat, rain coat, neck buff, hat and gloves and I'm still cold after I stop for more than a few minutes. Lots of hikers here tonight including Brandon, Mark, "Bluegrass", "Waltnuts", "Flo-Bo" (Phlebotomist who goes with the flow), "Colonel", Tyler, who we call "Bum Knee", "Awakened Ghost" (or "AG on the AT for short), "Mega Cache Pop Tarts" (I think?), and Logan. There is a fire in the fire pit tonight, but again it was too cold to hang out too long. Once again we ate and retreated to our down sleeping bags. Once we were in the tent we decided that based on the weather report of even colder temperatures tomorrow night, and the condition of Mary's toes and legs, we should go to town and take a zero. Instead of waiting two more days to go into Hiawassee, we can hike into Unicoi Gap and catch a shuttle to the Budget Inn. With a plan hatched, we tried to get some sleep.Forgot to mention that we experienced our first trail magic this morning at Hogpen Gap. "Wokman", a previous thru-hiker (2016?), had donuts, muffins, and cold drinks in the back of his truck. He would have had hot coffee as well, but his inverter wasn't working. We each had a glazed donut, and chatted with him and a few other hikers that had also stopped. It was too cold to stay too long, but "Wokman" did mention NH was his favorite state on the trail.