Neel's Gap Shakedown
Today started out horrible. I woke up and it was cold and windy. My tent was sagging, and my gloves were useless, and I became cold quite rapidly. I quickly made the shelter picnic table my headquarters, and began the process of packing up as quickly as I could with nearly frozen hands, or so it seemed. I decided to move out quickly, so I just ate a granola bar and some cheaddar cheese crackers. I decided to take the Freeman trail around Blood Mountain because the weather was sketchy, and I was determied to get to Neel's Gap in short order. The Freeman trail has a lot of rocky stretches, reminds me of hiking in Maine. I covered those stretches was ease. The trail is fairly level, no significant climbs or descents. Apparently I missed the toughtest part of the AT descent into the Gap, I found the final 1.5 miloes to be enoyable. At Neel's Gap I had my pack shook down by Winton. I ended up buying a Jetboil, a sleeping bag liner, stove fuel, and some food resupply. Winton is a fantastic man. He helped me resolve a fiasco with my debit card. He answered every question I cound think of, and always has a smile on. When I started running low on cash on hand, je even offered to give me cash, as long as I paid him back once I hit Hiawassee. I declined, but it is the tought that counts from my perspective. Tomorrow morning Winton said he will help me pack my pack in a way that makes it carry better. Currently I am having friction problems along my waist, plaster tape has been quite useful in resolving that issue. Winton also said that he might be able to find a more effective way to set up my tent. I also learned my wool socks have built in sock linters, so I was able to send a pair home. I kept one just in case blisters develop. I have never had blisters on the back of my heels. Tonight I am staying at the hostel in Neel's Gap, overseem by Pirate. He is a nice man, strikes me as humble and quite friendly. Seems to be enjoying lige. I am currently watching Deliverance, waiting for my Domino's pizza to be delivered. I believe I will try for Low Gap Shelter tomorrow, not sure though. I will be in Hiawassee in three to four daus, a zero mile day might be in order. Kirby
Ga>ME 2008
