Magic in the Mountains

March 24, 2021 (15.6 miles)

Gooch Mountain Shelter – Neel Gap

Woad what a big day! Our plan waking up was to only go 8ish miles to Lance Creek, but the threat of thunderstorms made up push on to Neel’s Gap.

The morning was super socked in and uneventful, and we even stumbled on more trail magic at Woody Gap! Sue and PTL were out making pancakes and sausages for thru hikers, so we stopped for a snack and got to talking to Drew, Erika, and David. Drew and Erika were on the phone with Blood Mountain Cabins to reserve a room, and they had space for 6 total. David hopped on real quick, and once we heard about looming storms and exposed ridges on Blood Mountain we decided to book it! Before starting we swore we wouldn’t do more than 8 miles a day, so it’s funny to have already gone back on that. The day wasn’t too rough, and Blood Mountain wasn’t as scary as it was cracked up to be.

The lore of pizza and beer could have made it easier to climb the highest peak in Georgia, though, Once at the cabin, Drew, Erika, and David called a shuttle to the grocery store. When they got back we feasted like kings on wings, pizza, and beer. We stayed up until nearly 1am talking and laughing. It’s supposed to downpour tomorrow so we’ll take our 1st zero at the cabin. No rain so far!