Day 4 - Magic

Miles Today - 15.4

Last night was rough. I did not fully understand how cold it would be. My foot warmers ended up in my food bag, and stumbling around in the arctic temperatures to retrieve them did not seem like a fun prospect. So I curled up and gritted my teeth through the night.

The morning was a bit better. My second pair of socks and bandana had frozen solid. It took a lot of willpower to crawl out of my mummy bag. I packed up quickly and wished my companion good luck. I immediately realized that the last night had left me unprepared for the miles today. I was stiff, sore, and my long toes felt bruised from smashing down hills. I set a slower pace, resting up a lot. The icy temperatures made me stow my poles and shove my hands deep in my pockets.

The trail wasn't that bad, made up of rolling ups and downs. Trees blocked out any views, but by noon it had turned sunny and warm. I continued to start and stop my way along the trail, snacking and meeting a whole bunch of people. A group of Canadians down for 10 days from Alberta, Mad Max, hiking the trail in his year off from studying economics, Fancy Pants, who's section hiking her way through the South.

At Unicoi Gap Fancy Pants offered me and another hiker a ride to Hiawassee. I graciously accepted, excited to stay in a motel and rest up. But first we came across Peaches, who was doing some trail magic at the Gap. I gorged on sodas, chips, and Oreos, feeling beat after a hard day.

At Hiawassee I poked my head into the Budget Inn. The sign had the "no" in "no vacancies" lit up, but it was the cheapest place in town so I wanted to be sure. The manager took one look at me, and decided to give me one of his rooms that someone else had reserved earlier. "You get a feel for people, you know? And I feel this guy isn't gonna show." Charging me only 40 bucks for the 80 dollar room he handed me my key. And gosh what a room. TV, kitchen, fridge, shower and two beds. I feel like I'm in heaven.

After resting up on the couch here I plan to hit the town for supplies and a big ol' dinner at the Chinese restaurant around the corner. But not before a good shower. Tomorrow I plan to take it slow, as I think my feet with still be howling, and stop at a shelter either 8 or 14 miles down the road. The gain tomorrow looks challenging, so tonight's rest will be much appreciated.