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 ........ Friday, April 26, 2002
Miles ........ 12.2 miles Climb 3250' total
From ........ Blue Mountain Shelter
To ............. Tent camp at Sassafras Gap
Weather ... Cold mid-30's AM,

Friday, April 26, 2002

Blue Mt GA 4025', Rocky Mt GA 4017', Tray Mt. GA 4430'

It was real cold this morning - nobody wanted to leave the warmth of their sleeping bags. I had to - my early morning bowel habits forced me to. I quickly returned to the warmth of my sleeping bag where I was able to enjoy a beautiful sunrise. I decided to get up and going to take advantage of the cool morning. I discussed my plans with Dan when he got up. He intended to linger around camp and would catch up if he could. He was still way behind in his journal work. My plan was to hike to tray Mountain shelter at least, and if I had the energy to push on further so I would be within striking distance of my next supply stop - the Blueberry Patch hostel and Hiawassee GA. I would leave a note at Tray Mt. if I were going further. I knew Dan would want to linger on Tray Mountain. I had to meet Brett and had the Great Smokies ahead. If I lingered anywhere, it would be there. I told Dan I'd take care of his hostel stay if he were able to join me.

Dan was hiking his own hike at his own pace. When he hiked, he hiked steady and fast. His priorities were far different than mine. Most importantly, he valued my friendship, as I did his, and he was having a good time. He (and I) realized he was holding me up and did not want to interfere with my schedule, which, at this point was a rigid obligation as far as meeting Brett was concerned. I had no way of contacting Brett. I just had to be there to meet him. Dan and I parted the best of friends with good feelings for each other. I had helped him a great deal and enjoyed his company tremendously. We promised to keep in touch.

I hiked quickly to the 4025' summit of Blue Mountain then began the descent into Unicoi Gap (2949' elevation) where GA 75 crosses and goes 9 miles to Helen, GA. Just before reaching the road, I saw two plastic grocery bags hanging from a branch next to the trail. Peeking inside, I saw the work of a TRAIL ANGEL. There were assorted candy bars, soda pop and orange juice. On the way down the mountain I had a yearning for some orange juice. What a coincidence! I helped myself to some of the OJ; I had plenty of candy. I crossed the highway to the big boulder containing the AT plaque, deposited my trash in the nearby can, and started up Rocky Mountain.

Along the trail I came upon several bottles and cans of COLD BEER. Now what a treat that would make when I reached my resting place for the night. But, I decided against lugging all that weight up the mountain. Some other thirsty hiker could enjoy this TRAIL MAGIC bonanza. I met up with a group of school kids on a field trip. Some were enjoying themselves, some were not. I would have enjoyed myself at their age; I would do anything to get out of a day of school and a field trip in the mountains, why, that would have been absolutely divine.

The AT paralleled a stream on its way up the mountain, where I got close enough to a chipmunk to actually see him make his chattering chuck chuck chuck call. From 6 feet away, I could see his chest and cheeks move. The little rascals make a sound that carries through the woods for a very long distance. Despite having dozens of the critters around home, I had never before actually watched a chipmunk calling.

The top of Rocky Mountain wasn't really rocky but was nicely wooded with high grass between the trees. There was a clearing that provided splendid views and an excellent spot to break for lunch and soak in the scenery. An elderly gentleman, short of breath, passed by, then the stragglers from the school group went by.

I descended 900 feet into Indian grave Gap, then began the 1300 foot ascent to Tray Mountain, passing through the former Cheese Factory site, now a campsite. At the top of the mountain the views were rapidly disappearing as rain closed in. I went to the shelter, got water, and left Dan a note that I was moving on, trying for another 4 or 5 miles. A hiker came in with his two well-behaved dogs.

With my rain parka over my T-shirt, I headed up the trail. It was cool, wet hiking for an hour or so, then the rain let up. I reached Sassafras Gap, 4.5 miles from Tray Mountain at 5:00 PM. That left me only 6 miles to hike to the highway at Dick's Creek Gap tomorrow and would put me there in plenty of time to take care of my resupply business and have a little leisure time. I set up my tent, got some water from the not-so-close spring, ate supper, hung my food sack from a tree - out of reach of bears, I hoped - and turned in for the night. In the tent I was cozy - it was 10 degrees warmer in there than outside (45 degrees) and out of the chilling foggy mist. I got very good nights sleep.

Tent camp at Sassafras Gap.

 

Daily Journal Entries

~ Journal Part 7 ~

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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            

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