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Day 6 - Tray Mountain Shelter
Mileage: 10.0 (56.5 total)
Today was another interesting day. I woke up around 7:15 to a wet morning, but a dry sleeping bag, which means that the rain fly did its job with the T-storms and the rain. Made breakfast under the fly (which was the last thing to come down). I left a bit late (0900) but had a good bead on the day. I figured Red and Dies were at the Blue Ridge Shelter, just a few miles ahead and I was correct. By the time I got there (around ten), they had long gone, but I made good use o of the privy, which was non-existent at my campsite the night prior. I have no problem with digging a hole in the ground, but really, if there's a throne a mile and a half down the trail, dammit, thats something to strive for, don't you think? After all movements, I decided to throw the iPod, tune to some hard rock and chase Red & Dies down the mountain. My guess was that they were headed to Deep Gap Shelter, which is about 14 miles from Blue Ridge Mt. As I started hauling ass down to Unicoi Gap, I realized that I had some serious "ups" and "downs" to negotiate today, and this was one of them.
After Unicoi Gap, it was up Rocky Mountain. I can see where it gets its name. I also noticed that my camelbak started leaking more than usual. This was evidenced by the wet, soggy ass I now had. After a classic "Cahalan WTF" spoken aloud, I became very grumpy because all work and wet ass makes Jake a sad boy. I very quickly decided to "diaper" the bladder with a ziplock bag. This seemed to work, so I pressed on. I also threw my packtowel down the bag to absorb most of the rest of the moisture. I hate gear that doesn't hold up to its name. (Wait a minute, this one was my fault...my bad)
By the time I started up Tray Mt. (my present location - elevation 4900 ft.) I could tell that I'd be putting myself into extremis (sub slang) if I pressed on another six miles to Deep Gap Shelter. I decided to check out the shelter on the summit and lo and behold, Red and Dies. were there, apparently with the same thought as me. This puts me at 11 miles from Dick's Creek Gap and a hot shower. After a double Ramen (Thats 2 packages, not 2 servings, yum) I met another fellow reservist military guy. He offered me the rest of his dinner which he "couldn't finish" (are you nuts, I'll eat anything at this point) Well, pass that s*** my way if you please :-) He also had a Bud Light and an orange that were donated to him from the sympathetic day campers we passed down the hill. Score! Boozed on the AT. Very nice! After some freeze-dried Neopolitan Ice Cream (I was hungry tonight), Van shows up with a case of Pabst Blue Ribbon that he apparently hauled up the hill. Man, I may not have achieved the distance, but I made out well tonight at this shelter.
Now that all my clothes are dry, the sun is setting, wind is picking up, and the temperature dropping, I'm ready for bed. There's a cold snap coming tonight with tomorrow's lows in the 20's. It might even snow. Yikes. I'm prepared for that, but all the same, I may take a "zero" day in Hiawassee at Cloud9 to wait it out. I've heard good things about that place and its only 20 bucks/day. I will reach the GA/NC border in about 20 miles and I'm excited for that, though no more "GA deliverance banjo" jokes.
Well, the 11 miles aren't going to walk themselves tomorrow, so I'm off to bed. (Its 9 PM)
Yak
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