Blog

Day 5- Wed March 30th

Griff’s Journal

I’m still on track for sleeping better than the night before, but its still not great sleep. Still no real appetite, but I am eating and water is plentiful. Actually got up early today and got my discipline in action and moved quick to start hiking, the first half mile was dreadful, and I had some doubts. Once I got warmed up, it wasn’t too bad. My shoes are not doing well, they are too small and I’m blistering pretty bad. I met up with “the train.” It consists of Al, Caryn, Emily, and Robert. Me and Robert are about the same pace, but the other three are slim, trim, hiking machines. Saw fancy dancer Olivia on trail, she’s going pretty good with the bum knee. Had the biggest climbs thus far today, Preachers Rock. Some of the best views, even better than the WV sxs trip. I’m having a blast with all the people, swapping stories and sharing stuff. I just hope I can keep up with the train. We plan to split a cabin in Neel gap! It would be cool as hell to go all the way with these guys even though I just met them. Met Tim or “Zano” i think, he is with the ATC. All the ATC folks are nice and insightful. Rain is gonna start soon and go on till morning, so my tent will be tested tonight. Looking forward to tomorrows adventure.

Day 6- Thurs March 31st

I forgot to share that yesterday I got my first trail magic! At the opening of the Chattahoochee National Forest Woody Gap, the local Sheriff handed out oatmeal cream pies! It was awesome to take a break and get a treat. That was from day 5 so lets move on the day 6.

Last night we had some rain and a butt ton of wind. My tent ended up collapsing twice and everything got soaked. I had to jump out and fix it in the cold, windy rain. Water even pooled in my tent. It’s my fault, I didn’t secure my stakes as well as I should’ve. Even though I was soaked to the bone, my quilt and pad kept me toasty warm. My equipment really impressed me this morning. But the big wheel keeps on spinning, so I had to get up and pack a wet tent, wet clothes, wet everything. I got a slight head start from the rest of “The Train” and soon they caught up. This was the hardest day so far in terms of elevation. Blood Mountain.

It took a lot and I pushed hard. I was humbled by the trek and built confidence along the way. The only major issue besides my lack of being in shape was my shoes. They are my regular size, which is a size short for thru-hiking. Always go one size bigger, your feet will grow! Lunch was at a nearby shelter, well we thought it was nearby. It was almost like the short off shoot for the shelter would never end, winding and winding. I at my taco filling, some peanut butter, and some beef jerky. After we stuffed ourselves with calories it was on to the big show. We went up around 1600ft, and boy I felt every one of them. Still, I have to stop and catch my breath on the up hills every 150ft. I finally reached Blood Mountain Shelter. It was built in 1934, all stone, even with a fireplace!

I put my sticker in the log book and we came down. Al and Caryn got a heart start down the followed by Emily, Robert and myself. We split a cabin, and having the promise of a shower motivated us to push through. Although the climb up was rough, coming down was rocky and slick. I discovered I hate the 3 R’s out here. Roots, Rocks, and Rain. When I finally saw the road leading to Neel Gap I took a picture. We finally made it to Mountain Crossings Outfitter. That’s the one with all the shoes in the trees. It’s been known as the first major checkpoint to see if you got what it takes.

We sat on a picnic table, had cokes and pizza, and Robert got a shakedown. they pulled everything out of his pack and eliminated the unnecessary items. He had the second heaviest pack they had ever seen. He lost about 25lbs and moves like lightning now. I’ll have my shakedown tomorrow. Meanwhile, I got fitted for some new shoes. The sales guy knew his stuff, taught me how to lace them properly, and now I’m walking on clouds.

We got our cabin, the Squirrel cabin. It has some poor taxidermy going on in, you guessed it, Squirrels! Al got one of his shipments and determined he had too much food. He’s doing a vegan thing and shared his surplus with us. Yep, I’m gonna try a vegan thing for a few days. We’ve done our best to was our clothes by shower and dry everything, and I mean everything out.

We went the whole night enjoying our company without ever turning the TV on. Tonight is the first time I’ve sat on a couch in almost a week, and I will miss it again soon. Tomorrow we’re shooting for around an 11 mile day with nowhere near the elevation.

I feel like I’ve fallen in with a good, solid group. We’re all different walks of life and we don’t take it all too seriously. No one has a trail name yet, but I’m sure they will come.

I’ve got high spirits and attitude, my body is sore, but healing and is still in acclimation mode. Even though my morning couldn’t have gotten much worse, it didn’t crush me. It didn’t even leave a mark. I am just too damned happy to be out her and a part of the AT Adventure.

Location and Counts

Blood Mountain Cabins “Squirrel” (AT mile marker 31.3)

Miles traveled today- 7.3

Total traveled- 40.1

Remaining- 2162.9miles and 183days

Oct 1st Average- 11.8 mi/day