13.1 miles today. We hiked with a guy name David. He had taken the same shuttle out of Hiawassee and asked to tag along. He’s 68, twice our age, and he just crushed the miles. In fact, he killed me on the uphills. I want to name him “Energizer” or “King of the Hill” because he just keeps going up and up. While here I am, huffing and puffing, taking frequent breaks. He said he can’t stop because if he does, he’s not sure he’ll be able to start back up. We hiked all day together and will do the same tomorrow.
We woke up this morning a little after 6a and got picked up at 8a. It was $10/person for the shuttle ride. Well worth not hiking the 15 or so miles into town.
Today went by pretty quickly. We were starting back up on the trail by 8:30a. We took a lunch around 12p and arrived at the shelter by 4:30p. We had 3 big climbs today. The first 2 I expected and was prepared for, the 3rd I didn’t see coming at all. Everyone here (and in the log book at the shelter) has written something of the same sentiment. We were all happy to see the end of today.
As we walked into the Deep Gap shelter, we passed by a guy who was pretty stacked (big muscles). He said hello and then proceeded to pick up a couple of large rocks and do some reps with them. We laughed. What is he? A gladiator? I’m just happy to get from point A to point B and this guy wants to also fit in body building sessions.
My pack was heavy. I figured it would be since we just resupplied on food. I carry the food, which is awesome after we eat it down some. But disappointing when we fill back up.
I treated my blisters with special blister bandaids (they made a sort of 2nd skin) and then put Leuko tape on them. I could feel them throughout the day. It was uncomfortable, but I don’t think I sustained any further damage. As soon as we arrived at the shelter, I made sure to take my socks and boots off so my heels could air out. It’s cold, but is worth it if I can get better.
Today was the day of squirrels. I watched one run over a branch just above David’s head. Then I was thoroughly scolded by another for coming too close to his tree. Squirrels can be so funny to watch when they are angry.
It stormed pretty bad last night so I was glad we were in the hotel room. We passed several sites where people had all of their gear pulled out and were trying to air dry things.
Tonight was the first night we really hung out with people up at the shelter. It was fun making new friends. There’s a guy, Sam, who pulled out an MRE for dinner. Assuming that people were judging him He said, “Before any of you ask, this was given to me.” We just laughed. He’s an EMT and the people he works with gifted him a food drop – except it was 10lbs of food and most of it was MRE’s. MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) are crazy heavy. No one carries those. I’m not sure if he enjoyed his dinner, but I’m sure he was glad that he didn’t have to pay for it.
For dinner, we had a Knorr pasta side. It’s a common meal on the trail. We had learned about them long ago but had never bought any. They are much cheaper than dehydrated camping dinners (Backpackers Pantry, Mountain House, etc.). So most thru-hikers eat a lot of these. This was an experiment and it turned out pretty good. We have more to test, along with other dehydrated packets of veggies or soup mixes to spice things up.
Today was especially sunny, so we feel gross. What’s new.
Tomorrow we are hoping to leave camp by 7:30a and do another 13 miles. That’ll let us just break the North Carolina border! Ah! Exciting!
Now I am listening to owls and woodpeckers. One is sending off the day and the other is welcoming the night.
-blisters