Thursday, April 11, 2019

Day 9

Happy Birthday to my sweet granddaughter Grace.  Love you ๐Ÿ˜˜ 

We got a taxi back to the trail at 8am as the shuttle would not get us back to the trail until 10am and we wanted to go before it got hot as the weather forecast said it would be.  We have a long climb today from Dick’s Creek to Muskrat Creek Shelter.  We go over a series of ups and downs but ultimately get from an altitude of 2,600 to 4,600.  The 2,000 elevation gain isn't too bad on the surface but actually we climb a bit more since we are going up and down the mountains as we go. These legs are being tested!  These mountains in Georgia are no joke.

Weather was cloudy at the start but we got some great views today.  I just love these views looking down into the valleys. 



Also crossed into North Carolina today.


Periodically we hit sections of “green tunnel” which is pretty neat.  Can’t imagine how cool these rhododendrons are when in bloom.



We meet many hikers along the way.  Wonder Woman is carrying over 40 pounds!  She is going pretty slowly but is still going!  Had breakfast with Cowboy who is a rancher from Ohio and solo hiking.  Others along the way are going at different paces but everyone is friendly and the trail comraderie is great.

I was tired when we got to our destination so it will be early to bed.  Most of the tent sites close to the shelter were taken so we camped a short distance away in a more secluded area which turned out great.  It’s windy up here higher on the mountain but our site is protected so I think we are good.  May get some rain tonight.



I need to tape one toe which is irritated and my pad may have a slow leek๐Ÿ˜ข.

Looking to do a couple of twelve mile days and get into Franklin on Sunday.  Time to go to bed to get ready for tomorrow.







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