Dates ........ Monday, April 22, 2002
Miles ........ 10.5 miles
From ........ (new) Gooch Gap Shelter
To ............. Woods Hole Shelter
Weather ... 47 degF, cloudy, showers and very windy morning. Cloudy, breezy and cool (50's) afternoon.

Monday, April 22, 2002

Big Cedar Mt. GA 3737', Turkey Stamp Mt. GA 3770'

It was cool and rainy in the morning. The shelter had a nice overhang that allowed cooking while keeping dry. Mongoose and Paul left early, Dan and I followed about 8:30. We passed the side trail to the old Gooch Gap shelter and entered the gap, disposing of our trash in the bear-proof trash bins. Every shelter had postings warning of bear activity and dangers. We hoped we would see one but were very careful to avoid leaving any food where one could get at it. We weren't worried about an encounter - black bears are easily scared away unless you are unfortunate enough to get between a mama and her cubs.

The early morning rain stopped and high clouds remained as we hiked to Woody Gap and the GA 60 road crossing, and then climbed from the gap to Big Cedar Mountain. We passed Paul, traveling slowly and painfully with his bad blisters. Dan was getting blisters on his heel and had hot spots on the balls of his feet. His boots were not quite right for him and he was carrying an awfully heavy pack. And, he was having problems with his pants chafing his thigh. I was OK, but tired and seemed to lack the energy I had the last couple of days. I attributed that to fitful sleep, adjusting to sleeping in shelters and just not getting a full night of sleep. We did not catch up to Mongoose.

Near Big Cedar's summit was a huge flat rock outcrop that gave us great views to the south. We met a group of 10 kids out on a group hike and Randy, sporting a huge pack. Randy said he'd go as far north as he could. We reached the Woods Hole shelter at 4:15, got water, ate supper, tended our blisters and wounds, and turned in at dark (about 8:30). At the shelter was Paul "El Toro", Mongoose, and Andy "Squidleyman" Hall and myself. Andy was tall and lean, and embarking on a through hike.

View from flat rock near Big Cedar summit.

It was extremely windy and quite cold overnight. So windy and cold it drove Dan into the shelter from his tent-hammock.