Guess what folks? It is SNOWING here at the shelter site! Actual snow! It’s also subfreezing tonight and will be my coldest night yet. Go go gadget Western Mountaineering bad-ass winter sleeping bag!
So I did finally get up at 120pm to start my day. I began with coffee which required a trip to the stream to gather water. While having coffee, the sun came out. I’d decided earlier that I needed to move forward and not stay there the whole day. The sun coming out when it did cemented the decision. I had to pack up and get the hell out of Bly Gap.
When your at a low, you have 3 options. Go backwards, which would mean the end of my trip. Stay put, which delays the decision. Go forward, which keeps me keeping on. I have to assume this low state of mine is temporary, and so I simply HAVE to move forward. Even if it’s only a few miles, it’s something.
I took my time hiking which involved a lot of climbing. I snapped a few photos and shot one silent video as I didn’t feel like narrating. At one point I had a cool distant view of a lake in the direction of Hiawassee where I was 2 days ago.
I arrived here at the shelter just as an ominous cloud moved in. I thought for sure the bottom would drop so I set up my tent in record time. I then grabbed the necessary supplies to make dinner and headed to the shelter.
Tonight was Macaroni and Cheese which was awesome. Not quite as good as Stoffers, but we’ll give it a pass. While eating I chatted with some folks there and enjoyed the warming fire they had started earlier in the day. Also while at the shelter, it started snowing! Everyone was grabbing their cameras to snap photos.
Then it was time to retire, as the temperature began to drop rapidly. Everyone is in their tent or in the shelter now. I can hear some snoring in the distance… should be nice to go to sleep to. Good night!
Wandering on…
Kelly
hey there big brother im sorry youve had a low couple days but its gunna happen as you said but DONT GIVE UP!!! Just keep on movin on wish you all the best and cant wait to see you. Love you brother
Thanks vic! Sorry that Gatlinburg won’t work out.
First of all, congratulations making it thru GA!! Many thru hikers quit before Neel Gap–some just after reaching Springer and that’s OK–it’s their hike! Second of all, I marked a page for you in Gene Espy’s book (you know him as the 2nd thru hiker to hike GA to Maine back in ’51–he’s now 88). I thought you might need this when you reached a low day. Espy had just hiked through a hailstorm in the White Mts, 2nd week in Sept., hiking alone, and “was chilled to the bone”. Espy: “As I leaned into the wind to stay on the trail, I looked longingly at a couple of homes in the valley below with smoke drifting cozily out of their fireplace. I wondered why I was up there freezing when I could be down below, staying warm and comfortable. Only my intense determination to reach Mount Katahdin kept me going at times like these”. Leslie Mass (T name Gotta Hike!) wrote in her book “In Beauty May She Walk” about hiking over 60. She boiled it all down to 2 things she learned: “Hiking is hard, but the trail is beautiful”. She’s the hiker I told you about that did her flip flop to Springer 2 days after 9/11, saw no one on the trail, and was combating deep depression and, for the first time, fear. Hey Mojo…you’ve got this!! You came prepared, and you’ve got a support group:^)
Thanks so Nancy, for your thoughtful comments. These really do help during periods of low mental states! After a bit of reflection here in Franklin, I’m hiking on… New posts coming soon.
You are amazing, cuz!! I know there will be many more low days. It is part of the package! But the highs (literal elevation AND figurative awesomeness) will be worth it. Wintery days are numbered now, too! I love you very much!
Thanks Jenn! Love you too cuz 🙂 looking forward to seeing you in VA!
Hey Kelly I hope your enjoying the day. Hiking in the snow is, well an “experience”. Just don’t fall off.
While your out hiking in it, look for some cool picture opportunities. Greg went for a day hike on the A.T. after an ice storm and came back with the best pictures of spring blossoms in a frozen world. The trail was going above and below the frost line.
Anyway there is beauty out there if you look for it. Hope you have some fun out there today.
Thanks Dave. The snow was definitely pretty but on my bailout I ignored some great photo opportunities. Bummer. Perhaps the Smokies will provide a chance to fix that.
There was a bit of snow in Richmond this morning, too! Keep trekkin! Or truckin?! Live long and prosper!
Woohoo! Friends from VCCS! thanks for the comment man!
You had us @ the VCCS worried when there was no post over the weekend.
Glade your back! keep on walking!
Hey Kelly,
It’s Kimberly from VCCS. I’ve been keeping up with your posts and really enjoying them. Every time I read one I picture where you are. I just did GA over spring break last year so it’s still pretty fresh in my mind. I remember it was tougher than I expected. I thought it would be more like Virginia. We both know better now.
I hope the snow isn’t getting to you too much. If you can believe it it actually snowed here in Richmond today. Nothing stuck but it was snowing here for a few hours!
You have some beautiful terrain coming up and I’m looking forward to reliving it through your eyes and seeing all your pictures.
Hang in there.
Thanks Kim! I remember your story of your section hike last spring! You did approach trail thru winding stair Gap in like 2 weeks, right? You guys were CRUISING to cover that 110 miles that quickly! Thanks for reading, more to come!
Kelly,
I checked my notes and we actually did that section over 8 days. We stayed at Sir Packs-a-lot’s hostel half way through and really enjoyed that. Had an epsom salt foot bath with marbles and I still remember how happy my feet were afterwards. The longest I’ve been out is about 10 days but I’m hoping to do a section north of Mass in August for 2 weeks. Still working out the details.
I guess you’re going to be doing a flip flop. Sounds like a good plan.
Can’t wait to hear more about your adventure.
Yeah, I’ll be considering a flip flop depending on when I’m projected to arrive in Harper’s Ferry. If it’s any later than about June 10th then I’ll flip to Maine and finish southbound. I’m hoping my average will build up over the next month. We’ll see!
You’re doing great, Kelly. Love the posts. I have been examining your gear list and your shake down trips closely as I plan 6 days this May in VA. I am curious how your tent is holding up so far. Been looking at that brand based on your early reviews.
Hey Liz! Yeah I love my lightheart gear tent. It is spacious and doesn’t let water in. Condensation is a bit of an issue, but that’s true in most cases anyway. The only water incursion from outside is minimal and occurs near the bottom when pelting rain splashes just outside the tent. Overall I’m quite happy with it. Keep in mind though that Judy doesn’t make Cuben Fiber tents anymore. She only does SilNylon.
Hey Mojo trail man I am sure this weekend was really cold but hey, you made it! Remember, you can only eat the elephant one bite at a time—-or in your case, you can only complete the AP trail one step at a time. Be present in the moment and look for the small things keeping you there. You have a lot of love and support behind you! Wander on…….Christine
Thanks Christine. I’ve been holed up in Franklin for a few days, but I’m heading back out Wednesday morning. More adventures to follow!
hope you doing well, temps should be rising the cold front has moved out.
several of us are waiting for your next post.
Thanks Darrell… I’m replying to some comments and then will be bringing everyone up to speed. Hitting the trail again Wednesday morning.