Day 8

We took our time getting underway in the morning after yesterday’s  adventure but we only have 5.5 miles to get to Dick’s Creek Gap.  First order of business is to hike a half mile down to a water source to fill the water bottles and then return to have breakfast, pack and start hiking. The sun was out and this helped to partially dry our soggy gear and clothing.🤗

The hike took us up over Kelly’s Knob (4300 foot peak) and then Powell Mountain (3800 ft) before descending to the Gap.  We got good views today under sunny skies.

We got to the Gap around 1pm and got trail magic from Magic Mike; cold beer, soda and snacks.  Mike is supporting a friend doing the hike by meeting him at road crossings with supplies and he does trail magic while he waits.  He also gave us a ride to the hotel so we didn’t have to wait for the shuttle.  So the three of us together with packs, Magic Mike and his three dogs crammed into the SUV for the 20 minute ride.  He said his dogs are all rescue dogs.

Little did we know we would see Magic Mike and friends at the hotel knocking back beer and smoking clouds of reefer later that day.  They had the room next to ours. LOL.

We also saw the Hiker Yearbook guy (Odie) and his bus which I’ve seen on YouTube or Facebook in the past.

We stayed at the Hiawasee Budget Inn.  The key word is budget.  Rooms for $45/night.

We did laundry, dried gear in the sun and resupplied at Ingles Supermarket.

Had dinner at Daniel’s Steakhouse.  They had a pretty decent buffet for $8.95 and I saved another $.45 with my senior discount.😂

Back to the trail early tomorrow.  We want to get an early start as temperatures are expected to be warmer.  Hydration will be important so we will need to carry more water.  

I did send home a few things from the post office to lighten my pack.

Next town stop is Franklin NC in about 4 days.