Wow!
let me say that one more time with emphasis WOW!!!
So many awesome thing to tell about!
So to start sorry for the abbreviated post from Neel's Gap. Picture a long line of people waiting to use the restroom and me walking into the only bathroom intending on reading Harry potter from cover to cover, that was the situation for internet access at Neel's Gap.
I have made two great and life long friends already Hedge Hog "Tom" and Sticks "Bruce". I met Sticks on my first day's climb up Springer, as we were both trying to find where the approach trail had gone ( you wouldn't believe how hard it is to follow the approach trail and the Appalachian Trail the first few days, the blazes (( marking on the trees 2 inches by 4 inches in wich to mark the trail))leave a lot to be desired! I met Hedge Hog on my second day the first day I was on the Appalachian Trail (the approach trail that leads to the start of the Appalachian Trail but is not consider part of the A.T.) and we three have been camping and hiking together since!
The weather has been great! We have had one really hot day (coincidentally the day with the least water locations along the trail), one rainy day , and all the rest have been perfect hiking weather.
We have had some great camp locations too! The best of which was on top of Preacher Rock just outside of Woody Gap. I slept on the leeward side (the side with less wind) in a perfect divet in the rock that made a perfect cradle.
Neel's Gap was a circus and a half! They have an outfitter and a hiker hostel, its also the only place where the A.T. passes through a man made structure, and its the first major stopping point for people coming from Springer Mtn. so naturally it was crowded.
Today is our first zero day (a day with out hiking) and we are staying at this small motel in Hiawassee. not much to say about it except I wouldn't go making reservations any time soon!
On a special note this is Kaci's second visit! She visited at Neel's Gap taking Me, Hedge Hog and Sticks to Ma Gooch's Restaurant and to the store for Resupply. Today she came up today for Easter and to have lunch and it has been great seeing her this much!
So you maybe be wondering my trail name as my two hiking buddies have gotten theirs. Drum roll please! I am officially known now on the A.T. as "Hollywood"! in honor of my sun glasses! and yes I would highly recomend bring a pair to any potential tru-hiker as they are a necessity for hiking before the trees get their leaves!
So I will leave off with more more friend I have made along the trail. His name is Post Card and he has done a few tru-hikes already. He is an awesome writer and artist. He has wrote a few books one called "We are off to see the wilderness, the wonderful wilderness of awe", a very cool guy. Look him up on Google!
Well until the next stop thanks for everyone's thoughs and prayers
~ERIC~
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