Day 5

03/05/12 - Low Gap Shelter - 43.2 miles


This morning we waited for the Neels Gap store to open, then opted for the pack shake down.  It was a very humbling / sad experience.  I dropped 8 lbs. total... including my camera and my GoPro, along with many other little things I felt like I should have kept.  But when I put that pack back on, I could feel it.  And it felt so good.  I also got a knee brace, and it made a huge difference.  Today, Anna and I did about 11 miles, and the last 4.5 were done in about 2 hours.  We got a late start (eating hiker heaven food and drinking Diet Coke and OJ) so we wanted to push ourselves to try and make up time.  Now our tents are pitched down from the shelter by a nice babbling brook.  It's cold and peaceful.  Thank you, Lord.

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Day 4

03/04/12 - Neels Gap - 31.7 miles

Woke up earlier this morning and caught the sunrise.  SO COLD.  Mountain winds were chilling us all day.  Hiked up and over Blood Mountain (snow flurries) and met some other thru-hikers.  Arrived at Neels Gap with every delicacy imaginable.  I bought a knee brace, a Philly cheese steak, two slices of pizza and two diet cokes.  Anna bought some Aquamira droplets, a chicken cheese chimichanga, two slices of pizza and an orange Fanta.  Talked with Baltimore Jack for a bit.  Super nice guy with a lot of good advice and encouragement.  Anna and I are doing laundry now, then headed behind the building where our tents are set.  The hostel was full for tonight.

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Neels Gap, the only place where the AT goes through a building