Today started out with a half mile climb up about 500 feet in the freezing cold out of Tesnatee Gap. At the summit, the sun started to peek out over the ridge and shine through all the frozen ice on the tree limbs. It looked like a frosted fairy land.

It was a short day with an early finish at Lowgap shelter. I ran into Moxie, a trail runner, along the way who reported that the temperatures were expected to be well down below freezing tonight. She suggested everyone stay at Lowgap to stay warm.

After arriving at Lowgap shelter, many people showed up who I’ve met along the way from Springer Mountain. It was a great afternoon of trail community and sharing stories of the rain and the cold.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #6 (3/18/23)
Start — Tesnatee Gap (37.3)
End - Low Gap Shelter (42.8)
Today's mileage:  5.5
Total section miles:  42.8
Section Avg:  7.1
Total miles on AT: 1078.3

Strangers are just friends I haven’t met yet.

Will Rogers

I took a day off trail today to get out of the rain and get some rest. I’m in a hotel in Blairsville Georgia until I go back on the trail tomorrow.

The rain has been heavy all day, and I’ve spent most of my time restocking and re-organizing for the next leg, which will take me to Hiawassee Georgia.

After averaging more than 10 miles a day for my first 31 miles, I have decided to try to slow down my pace to ensure that I’m going to make it for the long-haul. I’m planning to do less than 8 miles daily until I get to Hiawassee, and into North Carolina.

A good story can take you on a fantastic journey.

Walt Disney

I hiked out of Neels Gap this morning, on my way north again. Neels Gap is the first major mile stone on the AT for NOBOs. The shoe tree is there; it has a great outfitter too.

There were some great views, and the hike ended at trail magic. I got a ride into town for zero tomorrow when the rain comes in.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #4 (3/16/23)
Start — Neels Gap (31.3)
End — Tesnatee Gap (37.3)
Today's mileage:  6.0
Total section miles:  37.3
Section Avg:  9.3
Total miles on AT: 1072.8

To move the world we must move ourselves.

Socrates

Today I got a ride to Neels Gap and hiked the 10+ miles back to Woody Gap for another night at the hostel out of the cold and wind. I only had a day pack and without 20+ lbs on my back it was awesome.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #3 (3/15/23)
Start — Neels Gap (31.3)
End — Woody Gap (20.5)
Today's mileage:  10.8
Total section miles:  31.3
Section Avg:  10.4
Total miles on AT: 1066.8

We should all start to live before we get too old. Fear is stupid. So are regrets.

Marilyn Monroe

Today was a spiritual day. I’m met so many awesome hikers today, including one guy who gave me such great inspiration. There’s a video of him coming up on my YouTube channel. I’m at the Above the Clouds Hostel tonight and I’m going to slack pack from Neels gap back here tomorrow.

Boy am I glad I’m at the hostel. It continues to be in the 20’s at night with lots of wind.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #2 (3/14/23)
Start — Devils Kitchen (14.4)
End — Woody Gap (20.5)
Today's mileage:  6.1
Total section miles:  20.5
Section Avg:  10.2
Total miles on AT: 1056.0

Loyalty to country always. Loyalty to government, when it deserves it.

Mark Twain