Free Spirit’s ( Al's )

Appalachian Trail Journal

Amicalola Falls - Springer Mt. GA to

I 40 Davenport Gap, At the TN - NC border (Part 7)

 

Dates ........ Tuesday, April 23, 2002
Miles ........ 4.1 miles - HALF DAY OFF
From ........ Woods Hole Shelter
To ............. Neels Gap - Walasi-Yi Hostel and outfitter
Weather ... Extreme wind overnight. Sunny, cool 38 degF morning, breezy.

Tuesday, April 23, 2002

Blood Mountain GA 4461', US19/129 Neels Gap - Walasi-Yi Hostel

The sun warmed the day quickly and the winds diminished to a pleasant breeze. The trail up Blood Mountain was well graded and smooth until it neared the summit where it became rocky and rough. The summit was beautiful. It was rocky, unobstructed, sunny and clear. Great views were available in nearly all directions. Dan and I took photos and had lunch. A family of four, hiking north on the AT as far as they could go in 6 months, enjoyed the summit with us. An older couple out for a section hike also enjoyed the vistas.

Turkey Vulture soars below the summit of Blood Mountain.

I wanted to take pictures and move on, anxious to get to Neels Gap, my resupply and some off-trail food. I was on schedule, but I had blown the one-day lead I had. Dan was enjoying the sunshine and mountain scenery so much he didn't want to leave. He has mastered the art of trail relaxation and enjoyment. Reluctantly, he joined me as I headed down the mountain.

Dan "the goat" and Free Spirit at Blood Mountain summit and shelter

Neels Gap was a refreshing oasis in the wilderness. It had a well-stocked outfitter, a decent hostel, and some good food, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly employees - and Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream. What more could a hiker want? It also had an awesome view down the valley off its huge stone deck. Mongoose got there ahead of us. Many other hikers / customers came and went. I met lots of interesting folks there. Getting sanitized was the first order of business, then a call home and then eating. It sure felt good to be showered, shampooed and shaved. I got my sweaty hiking duds washed and dried too.

Dan examined his pack contents and made the difficult decisions on what to send home. He got lucky with his boots - Mongoose swapped his good Gore-Tex hiking boots for some cash and Dan's old boots. Dan also purchased some supplies he badly needed and made a serious dent in his cash reserves. I helped him out by covering the cost of the hostel stay. Paul came along and the Utah family of four headed down the road to a rental cabin.

After eating a microwave burger and a couple of ice cream bars, I ordered and bought two pizzas and some soda for Dan, Paul, Mongoose and myself. Sadly, we were in a "dry" Georgia county, so no beer or wine was available. One of Winton Porters employees gave me a ride into town to pick up some bread and our pizza. After eating, I made P&J sandwiches, reassembled my pack with the new food supply and mailed back my exposed film, trail notes and what little surplus gear I had. Then it was off to bed just after dark. Dan stayed up until the wee hours of the morning talking with hostel employees as Paul and I slept.

 

Daily Journal Entries

~ Journal Part 7 ~

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
04/24/02 04/26/02 04/27/02
05/05/02 05/06/02 05/07/02 05/08/02 05/09/02 05/10/02 05/11/02
05/12/02            

Open Main Index In New Window

Hiking Partners Wanted

Spring/Fall hikes - 15 miles/day - Contact Al. aljohn@jmclum.com.
Last Updated 07/26/02

Traffic & Privacy Policy