04/05
As the sun rose, we once again did our morning chores. Packing up camp, scarfing down breakfast, refilling water at the nearby creek, and we’re on our way.
Camping at the foot of the mountain meant it wasn’t long before we began our ascent. Burning calves first thing in the morning has become just as engrained in our routine as brushing teeth. The trail itself was rather short but incredibly steep. Approaching the top, our paths became less of a trail and more of a rock scramble. With a heavy pack, every step requires your full attention. One wrong footing and the imbalance is a recipe for a twisted ankle or worse… Waiting at the summit was a stone shelter built during the Great Depression. How they managed to get all the materials up there, I have no clue. However, one thing was certain, the views were breath taking. At that elevation, mountains looked like tiny foot hills in the distance. We took our time soaking it in before we reckoned with the fact “what comes up, must come down”.
Yes the ascent is physically demanding, but the descent is down right painful. About this time the trail was being flooded with local day hikers enjoying the sunny weather. You could tell they haven’t been outside long, as the smell of fresh laundry wafted through the air behind them. Whereas I’d consider our scent more like motivation for them to put a move on.
Our day had been planned around a quick resupply at “Neels Gap”. The establishment right on trail promised a quaint cafe and lunch spot. Outside the building was an oak decorated like a foot locker Christmas tree. “Mountains Crossing” has become a popular tap out spot for hikers in over their head. So upon leaving trail, they follow tradition and throw their shoes on a branch. Walking away (presumably now barefoot) just 40 miles into the A.T. We, with no intention of quitting, walked eagerly into the building only to find it to be a mirage. Not a cafe, but a cash out. Overpriced “Red Barron” pizza was the only thing on the menu. That and a pot of coffee looking as though it’d been sitting out for weeks. Disappointed, we each traded our left nad for 3 days worth of food and limped our way back into the woods.
Another 5 miles and we found ourselves setting up for the night once again. With the forecast for the next day being filled with thunderstorms, the decision was made to hit the hammocks early in order to wake up before the rains arrival.