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Location Date Georgia (Usa) 
1298764800 Florida 1297987200 -
Location Date Hiawassee 1298764800 Dahlonega
1298332800 Gainesville 1297987200
30 minutes after that last post we got our first taste of trail magic. A couple that had seen us walking by the side of the road gave us a ride all the way to Amicalola falls. We never would have made it to the approach trail that night if they hadn't helped us. We misread the map and hauled our packs up the 500 or so steps to the top of the falls looking for the shelter only to find that it was at the base. We slept soundly that night and started out the next day on the approach trail which is easily the hardest 8.5 miles in Georgia. So up the falls again we went, over Frost mountain, Black mountain, and finally to the southern terminus of the trail, springer mountain. We camped there for the night an formed our first thru hiker friend Triton. As a side note my trail name is Joker and Brandon is Hawk. Anyway, Triton is a 36 year old adjunct professor who loves to talk and sing with us and shares our passion for Tolkien. Our fellowship is strengthened every day and we meet new and exiting people. My phone died on the last stretch of the trail so I don't have many photos but I'll upload what I have. I should be able to take more regular pictures and do a blog post every 4 or 5 days. I'm also writing down my thoughts and experiences in a notepad so my posts should be more detailed from now on. Im actually typing this from my comfy bed in a hostel we found by woody gap (17 dollars for a ride into town for supplies, a bed, a hot shower, all you can eat breakfast, and Internet). Tomorrow should be a ten mile day including the tallest mountain in Georgia.
- comments
Steve and Terri Glad to see you made it to the trail. We will enjoy following your blog. Stay healthy.
Carl's mum Steve and Teri...you must be the wonderful people who drove Carl and Brandon to the state forest. Thank you so much!!! You really went out of your way and it helped them enormously. Thank you to everyone who has given them a hand!
Garden Gnome I spoke to Carl about 12 hours ago. He was about to make a post to the blog and upload photos, but since he hasn't, I will add a comment. The next point he expects to be able to make wireless connection will be 4 - 5 days away (about 28th). At the time I spoke to him, they were in a lodge at Neels Gap. The wireless connection was not strong enough to upload pictures. He had stepped outside to speak and I could hear the wind in the background. He said it was quite cold outside at night. Inside, they had the company of many really fascinating people. One such person is Triton. His background is Political Science. So perfect for Carl! Despite the gruelling first part of the journey to reach higher elevation, both are in great spirits. Carl mailed his tent back to FL. That gives him up to 4.5 more pounds for food. There are shelters available every night in GA. He has a tarpaulin made of better material than the tent, should they find themselves without a shelter. Fresh water is abundant, and so are the mice at night in the very basic shelters. It apparently is a bit of a bother for some, but by the time Carl sleeps, he doesn't care about little feet. (Carl's feet are good.) Brandon left his water bottle at Rainbow, but came across a good one at a shelter, where there are exchange boxes for travellers. Earlier on when the path was all vertical, Carl and Brandon had underestimated their caloric needs. They need about 6,000 cal/day. Other trekkers gave them food until they could get more. The previous night, the two stayed in a hostel that was beautiful and the people were very generous. The hostel owners picked them up from the trail, took them into town to get supplies and to buy a big feast of Chinese food, then drove them back to the hostel, which had a comfy bed. In the morning, the owners fed them extremely well, and the result: Carl was turbo charged. He went 8 hours with a 2 minute sit down. Reaching the mountain top where David had taken him 6 months earlier, he lay on the rock and soaked up the sun until the others caught up. That particular vista inspired Carl to hike the AT. Apparently, the beauty of the land is enchanting. The trip has been marked by a deep sense of camaraderie and amazing serendipitous events. Carl's voice was very elated.
Frances Hello Carl, What a journey! We are thinking of you, and pray for your safety and we know you will always remember all of the wonderful things that you see and learn on this trip. Looking forward to hearing more from you, Frances
Garden Gnome Carl forged ahead doing 15 and 18 mile days for the last 2 days. The terrain was up and down. He is at Deep Gap shelter tonight. There are a few others he met there. Last night the mice took his sock. The backpack was not safe up on the wall. They ate through a bag inside his pack. No damage to the pack. Tonight, he will be using the ropes to hang his pack. There is a mouse nest up near the ceiling. Tomorrow, he has 3 + 11 miles day. The last part is off the AT. He will go into Hiawassee and wait for Brandon. His feet are sore today. Basically, he is about 12 miles south of the North Carolina border. For those in Australia, Carl is walking almost 3, 500 miles/5630 kms. This would be the distance between Cairns and Albury (Vic) via capital cities, or Perth to Melbourne.
Al & Bonnie Glad you made it to a nice hostel and a bed, shower, internet, and more food. What in the world do you have to eat to get 6,000 calories in a day? Who decides on your trail names? Take care of your feet! Enjoy North Carolina. It is beautiful!
Aunt Cathy Hi Carl The adventure sounds wonderful so far! Hope you continue to experience "trail magic." I'm looking forward to reading future posts. Take good care of yourself.