Another cold start to our day. Game plan: 12 miles from Woody Gap to Neel Gap. Our drive from the cabin to our drop off point was beautiful. We traveled down windy roads through green pastures and farmland with sights again of frozen mountain tops in the distance. We arrived at Woody Gap. There was trail magic still being offered by the Yellow Deli. We assumed they were out there all night as they were in the same spot we saw them in the day before. We were well rested, and both had a good size breakfast, so we bi-passed the trail magic this time.
The climbed up into the mountains. Everything was frozen. The trees, the trail, stone steps on the trail, and ice sickles hung from big stone boulders everywhere. We lucked out though. It was chilly, but yet we had another beautiful day with clear skies. We made it to Preachers Rock and snapped a few photos before meeting a few other through hikers. Evo is from the Netherlands, and Matt, a college student, is from here in the US. Matt is studying the effects of Global Warming and his school project he’s interviewing people as he hikes to Maine. Matt, Evo and Larry trekked on as I continued to take more photos. We made it up to the top of Blood Mountain (4458 feet). There’s a stone shelter there. I’ve been to this location several times before. It seemed different this
time though. It wasn’t my destination, but rather, just another hurdle to overcome in many on my 2200 mile trek to Maine. On our way down I came across a large stone that looked like a hand. I took some pics. My photo taking often causes me to fall behind. But capturing this experience is a big part of why I’m out here. So I’m not just stopping and smelling the flowers—I’m taking photos of them too ?
We made it to the outfitter / hostel known as Mountain Crossings. Formally known as the Walasi-Yi Inn. This place has everything for hikers. Hiking boots / shoes, packs, food, tents, sleeping bags, you name it. Even a place to shower and stay for the night. There’s a big tree outside with boots in it. These are the boots from people who gave up this early on their AT hike. Starting at Springer to Mountain Crossings is about 29.9 miles. I read a book that talked about a guy who made it here and gave up, caught a taxi, went back to the airport, and his wife got onto him for giving up so quickly. Especially after spending so much time planning this trip, and so much money on all of the gear. He went back to the start, hiked to the Walasi-Yi Inn again, and called the taxi to come get him. When the taxi driver picked him up this time he asked “what are you going to tell you wife?”. He replied, “oh, I’m not going back home”. ? I wonder where he ended up going.
We checked out the store for a bit, including insoles, as my feet have been hurting, then left to meet up with my Mom and Dad to eat at Daniel’s Steak House in Hiawassee. We got back to the cabin, showered, and hit the sack, to rest for an even bigger day tomorrow.
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