Date: 2010-03-25
From: Tray Mnt shelter and Deep gap shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.0

We got a little bit of a late start leaving Tray Mnt shelter. Over the winter this year Georgia has seen really bad weather in the mountains. This means alot of blow-downs. The Georgia maintainers have been doing a great job of clearing the trails. Up to this point it hasn't been too much trouble. Wed morning it took us a bit of time to start off with because of blow-downs. I'm not talking small brush. In some cases there were huge trees blocking the path. Hikers who started the trail earlier this season had to get off trail. They either couldn't find the trail or it was just too dangerous. We were hiking down to a gap and came across several obstacles. Trying to get over this with a 40lob pack is interesting. A word of advice, lean into the mountain. I made a rookie mistake of leaning away from the mountain and almost went ass over tea kettle. I righted myself and tried again. Cabana Boy ,Dutch Tape and I were laughing so hard I couldn't get over this mammoth tree. Cabana Boy thought this was a Kodak moment and filmed me trying to do this. His photos will be posted on their site shortly if you want a laugh. It turned out to be a beautiful day after the freezing cold night we had. The word for the day for me was sunblock. I got into Deep Gap shelter early and hung around with some other hikers(Half Way,Blue,and Bruce, and some ladies that came in late). It is so interesting to listen to peoples stories. I am learning alot about myself just listening to other people. Our excitement for the night was when Cabana Boy went to the upper part of the shelter and destroyed a mice nest. I am not sure who was more frustrated the mice or Cabana Boy trying to get it. It was pretty funny.The sad part of our day was when Grolar Bear,River,Fable, and Joey left camp. They were hiking farther than us today and we may not see them again. They became great friends and hiking companions. Safe travels my friends. Please keep in touch. This happens on trail. You meet hikers, hike with them, get to know them, and then they are gone. Hopefully, we will catch up with them at trail days in may. Trail days is a hiker party in Damascus,VA.This morning we left Deep Gap shelter by 8:30am. We only hiked 3.5 miles into Hiawassee,GA. Before we got to the road we came across some more trail magic. Apples,Oranges,and soda. Yum!!!! You can't imagine how good this tastes after not having them for awhile. The trail magic was left by Tagless and Tag along. They had thru hiked last year. Thanks guys. It was awesome. We had to resupply in Hiawassee. Emilie, a friend of Dutch Tape and Cabana Boy, picked us up. She immediately took us for lunch. I had a big fat cheeseburger with all the toppings,sweet potato fries, and then icecream. I felt like I was in heaven. My hiker appetite is kicking in. You wouldn't believe how much food you can eat after burning all the calories. I had a craving for icecream really bad and Grolar Bear and Cabana boy had been torturing me. Tonight I get to stay at Emilie's log home. She has a friend who lives down the street named Mountain Mamma. Mountain Mamma is a wealth of information, given the fact that she has done several long hikes. My God what nice people! Emilie made pizza and we bought beer. Then we made smore's over an open fire. What a day. Thanks Emilie and Mountain Mamma for being such great hosts. If there is ever a time I can reciprocate let me know. I am satiated and happy. This log home was built in the 50's. Much more rustic than my log home. It is next to a river(like on the river). Just when I thought I wasn't going to be in my home in Vermont for so long, and I get this. Wow! There is trail magic everywhere. I couldn't be more appreciative. Tomorrow it's pancakes for breakfast with real coffee. Drinking instant Folgers makes it almost not worth even having coffee on trail. Probably rain tomorrow. A continuous hike from 2675 feet to 3840 feet over 9 miles. I will be fully resupplied for the next 5 days.Maybe sometime soon I will see some wildlife. The snakes should be coming out shortly. We have been hearing owls and coyotes, but no sightings. Things appear to be getting greener, but no flowers yet. Tonight I may see wildlife in the cabin. Evidentally there are mice. I will resume singing to the trees tomorrow since nobody else wants to listen. Today Cabana Boy and I practiced the Brady Bunch,Green Acres, and Yellow Submarine.Happy Trail Y'all,City SlickerAre the songs in your head yet?