Well I made my goals. Slept at Gooch Mountain shelter the first night, and Neel’s Gap last night. Still at Neel’s Gap making this post. The walk to Hawk shelter was pretty easy. It was early so it wasn’t terribly hot yet, there was water everywhere, plenty of shade, and not too terribly much in the way of ups and downs. I figured the walk to Gooch would be simple. Turns out it wasn’t. The sun came out full-force, suddenly none of the trees had leaves, the trail started going into some pretty severe, and there was no water for 6 miles. Most people ran out of water on that stretch, including myself. Some pushed on pretty hard and ran into some pretty severe heat exhaustion. When I ran out I found a spot of shade, shed my pack, and laid down in the cool dirt. When I started shivering, I moved on but took it slow. First trail magic was Justice Creek, because it was a glorious shaded creek with very cold water. The night at Gooch was nice – the water source is in fact quite good. I was awakened at 6:30am by a mouse chewing on something over my head. I’m glad it turned out to be something unknown, and not my gear.
Yesterday I made a pretty easy hike to the base of Blood Mountain, then spent about 6 grueling miles climbing and descending Blood Mountain. It’s pretty gorgeous up there, though the entire descent was slanted slabs of rock, which play havok on my knees and even gave me a couple blisters. Had a couple hot dogs, a BBQ rib sandwich, and a root beer at Neels Gap. Spent the night here too. Popped a blister this morning and drained about a pint of blood from it, then dressed it and a couple other minor spots. Going to hike a short day today – probably 6 miles, then 10 tomorrow. These 16-miles days are destroying me (First day was 15+1 ’cause I hiked south from USFS42, second day I forgot my sleeping pad at Gooch shelter and had to go a half mile backward then forward again).
An older gentleman gave me the trail name Pink Floyd yesterday, on account of my Dark Side of the Moon hat, and my pink duct tape.
This is incredibly difficult. There’s no way you can understand how strenuous the hike is, without actually hiking the AT yourself. Imagine moving everything you own into a top-floor apartment, 8-10 hours a day, every day, for 5 months. That’s hiking. My calves are insanely tight and sore. My knees hurt. Definitely doing some shorter days for awhile.
Hi Andrew. We just got back from a walk around Okaloosa Island which pales in comparison to what you’re experiencing. The weather here continues to be nice and we hope it stays that way there on the Blue Ridge. I read there are some pretty amazing warblers in that area. Hope you spot a few. They should have a distinctive song. Sounds like you’re paying attention to your body and make sure you continue to do so. Have a Happy Birthday!! It will most definitely be one of your most memorable. Love you!!
Make sure you don’t push yourself too hard. You’re making good time! Miss you and love you! Happy Birthday!
Yeah, I was wondering why you didn’t train more. Let me know when you lose a toe nail or two. ;)
All my toenails are in tact and my 2 blisters are pretty much healed. I’m pretty much invincible.
P.S. Happy Birthday
We haven’t heard from you in four days now, and I’m beginning to worry because I know there were a lot of severe storms in N.C. and VA, and thought there may have been a few in GA, as well. I’m hoping you made it into Hiawassee for a break. Post your phone make and model number here if you’re not able to find a new cell phone battery and I’ll find one for you and mail it to one of your stops.
I know we all talked to him today so we’re all happy once again. I wanted to let you know we purchased a new battery for his phone today and it will be mailed first thing tomorrow. He’ll get it very soon!
Guess I was a little premature in posting my worried comments! Thanks for calling me last night. It was really nice to hear from you. BTW, I found the blog for the hiker who gave you your trail name. Pretty cool! Also, he wrote about the blueberry pancakes and how kind the couple who ran the Blueberry Patch was. I wish I were there with you, even though I know I’d be hurting something awful. Can’t wait to see photos and videos! I know it goes without saying, but I love you. :)