Brandon has completed day 4 and if my calculations are correct (Spencer please correct me if I'm wrong) I think he has hiked around 42.5 miles since leaving Springer Mountain around 2 pm on Sunday afternoon.
Unfortunately, the clouds in the picture I posted on Tuesday morning did not clear and Brandon said he hiked all day in the rain. In spite of the weather, he seemed to thoroughly enjoy the trek up Blood Mountain, the highest peak on the Georgia section of the A.T. with an elevation of 4,461 feet. The view from the top of Blood Mountain is alleged to be spectacular, but Brandon said it was so foggy he was not able to get very good pictures. As they approached the summit he said the wind was blowing very hard and the rain changed to sleet. He made sure to mention to me that his "capilene kept him toasty warm."
Brandon pulled in to Neel's Gap around 3 pm yesterday. I think the pizza and root beer Spencer posted a picture of was a welcome meal after all the ramen noodles! Of course, Brandon LOVES ramen noodles and has been known to eat them every day for several days in a row sometimes.
He said this morning started off bright and chilly (the temperature was around 39 degrees last night) but that the day warmed up fast. He hiked yesterday and today with a guy we met on Sunday. We hiked up to the top of Springer Mountain with Brandon before we left and as we were sitting there taking pictures another solo hiker arrived. Talk about divine intervention! I think that was an answer to a mother's prayer. The two of them immediately struck up a conversation and I think Brandon has enjoyed the "on and off" company of his new friend. He was originally from New York, but has been living in San Diego for the last several years. Like so many during this difficult time in the economy, he has been out of work for a while and decided to attempt the hike. Brandon also met a father and son from Florida. I believe that Spencer is right -- there is a different kind of bond that forms with folks that are out there facing the same challenges.
Brandon is spending tonight at a camp site at Poplar Stamp Gap. He said it is about 1 mile past Low Gap Shelter. If all goes well he hopes to arrive at Hiawassee in 2 more days.
Keep taking it one day at a time, Brandon. Know that we have you in our thoughts every minute of every day. Anything is within walking distance if you've got the time and you've got plenty of time.
Hey Bro! So glad you're having fun! I'm glad too you have met many new people along the trail! You're doing awesome! Every morning & every evening we check your blog to read all about your day. We have been keeping up with your hike on a map; posting the date at each stop you make. Keep ROCKING!! We love you! {post a pic soon of you!}
ReplyDeleteLove- Mal, Curtis & BoMan
By now, as I sit in the comforts of my home, disgusted with the contrasting trajectories of our respective lives over the next few months, I am SURE that you are well on your way to discovering exactly what it is that you are made of.
ReplyDeleteUndoubtedly you are realizing what we, your friends and loved ones have known all along. You are a stubborn S.O.B. who finds joy in the midst of grey, and in the simplicity of a life which can only be realized by walking the trails of such a grand landscape. That is... a joy in the little things. Things like Totino's pizza, and Barq's rootbeer.
And by that measure, may your trip be judged successful. I hope that your surroundings and insight to self continue to provide ample motivation for putting one foot in front of the other.
If not... If nothing else.. I hope that you are having an awesome time!
I wish you safe travels, light feet, and miles of discovery. And selfishly... Selfishly I wish I was there with you.
Proudly your friend,
Zach
mee mee and paw paw are thinking about you every day and wishing you happy happy trails.Keep safe and dry as you can.
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