Date: 2018-12-06
From: Mountain Crossing hostel

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 0.0

I really did sleep well getting up just once for the bathroom. I got up to start my day at 6:30, planning to hike out at 8. They say the trail provides and sometimes that's absolutely true. There were 4 packages of plain oatmeal in the tote where my backpack was stored for me. The tote is actually a hiker box. I took 2 of them and made hot water in the microwave with my cup from the hot cider last night and I used a package of real maple syrup I had to sweeten it and I made a decaf coffee to go with it. After that I ate the half bagel left from yesterday with a butter packet I had from Paul's restaurant. Because I could see my breath out there in the kitchen/lounge area I took my loot to the bunk room and ate on the side of my bunk. When I finished I cleaned up, packed up and put my backpack in the tote and Gene's sleeping bag back in its bag and on the bunk he'd left it on. At 8am I made my way across the street and began ascending Blood mountain. It was 2.4 miles later that I'd reached the top and met a young man who had hammocked there last night having his breakfast. We said hello and I moved on past the shelter and began the descent down the other side after lingering to enjoy the beautiful views and send a couple of videos out. It was a cold but decent day just 15° at the start but clear and sunny so it warmed into the 20's nicely with no wind. I hiked in my fleece all day and never got to take it off. I enjoyed the views on Big Cedar Ledges before descended to Woody Gap where I stopped at the pit toilet in the parking area. Then I begrudgingly climbed Ramrock Mt and and felt myself slowing down on this last 4.5 miles to Gooch Gap. I had arranged for shuttle driver Donald to pick me up and his girlfriend Mary was there to meet me. She'd picked my backpack up at Mountain Crossing on the way and she brought me to Barefoot Hills Hotel in Dahlonega where I had a reservation in the bunk room. The fee was $50 which left me a bit irritated as I felt it was excessive however I hadn't asked how much it would be when I arranged it yesterday. I checked in with Chris and the bunk room was the nicest I'd stayed in....by far. The entire property was gorgeous and I'd highly recommend it. Once I was settled I went to the main building and watched TV in the lobby and ordered a burger. It was around 3pm and I devoured it along with a beer and Coke before showering. Fully satisfied I relaxed on my bunk until almost 6pm when I went back to the lobby and ordered a grilled cheese and tomato soup to enjoy there and a 10" pizza to go. I met Wildlife's Mom in the lobby and we talked for a few minutes before she left to head into town for dinner. I also called some shuttle drivers and arranged my ride back to the trail at 8am tomorrow for $30. I made it back to the bunk room where I sat on the edge of the bed and ate half the pizza. Let me explain, I need more calories when it's cold and I'm already running on a deficit. I wrapped up the other half of the pizza to pack out with me tomorrow so I'd have enough fuel. At 8pm I made my way back to the lobby and used the bathroom to brush my teeth and get ready for bed. There's no bathroom in the bunkhouse but that's not unusual for bunkrooms and hostels, they're often located outside or in another building. I settled into my comfortable bunk and admired the Christmas lights and decor outside on the porch thru the glass doors before closing my eyes. Breakfast is at 8am but I'll be at the lobby at 7:30 as Lauren offered because that's what time she gets in, so I can grab something before Splitter arrives at 8am to drive me back to the trail.