04/04

We woke up just in time for a homemade breakfast before Lucky, keeping a tight schedule, dropped us off at Woody Gap to pick up where we left off. It was hard saying goodbye to our new found friends as many of us went our separate ways. So instead we exchanged a simple “see you on trail!”

Walking from the drop off, we passed an ominous sign “Now Entering Blood Mountain Wilderness” dun Dun DUNNN. Many hikers have spoke of this section with dread. You see, Blood Mountain is said to be the most difficult summit in Georgia. Sitting above the clouds with an elevation of 4,442 ft, it is also a historical sight. The name, given after a horrific battle between Cherokee and Muskogee-Creek natives. With all this in mind, we trekked fearlessly into the forest. The weather, surprisingly nice, allowed for spectacular views atop “Preachers Rock”. Drenched in sweat we continued, with our sights set on “Woods Hole” Shelter.

Slowly but surely we seem to be getting our trail legs, once again arriving at camp early. It wasn’t long before we were joined by “Raven”, a self proclaimed nomad, born and raised in Belfast during a period known as “The Troubles”. With her curly grey hair and kind eyes, she wasted no time sharing her experiences. Growing up in the middle of a civil war had ultimately led her to explore beyond her home. There was such surety in the way she spoke. Not of any opinion or politic, but of herself. Searching for beauty in the world, anywhere she could find it. She’d flown to Nashville from New Zealand just a couple weeks ago visiting a friend. Deciding she’d “like to go for a walk”, she hitched hiked with a minister all the way to Georgia, where she started the approach trail 03/31. Same day as us… what a badass.

Sitting around camp we shared stories and watched the sunset over the mountain tops. PFFFFARRRRRT. We looked around. Raven setting down her raised leg claimed it with a grin, “The lentils”. After a good laugh we went to bed, saving the summit of Blood Mountain for tomorrow.