4/23/99 Long Gap Shelter   Miles Today : 13 Miles from Springer : 41.4

- AM Update -

Well, my first shelter night was great. I slept well, it wasn't too cold and no mice on my face! Woke up to clouds today, the summit was soaked in pretty good. Got a pic with Eric, Kearsten, Connor and Michael (Night Shift). Got to Neils Gap and spent $50 on food and stuff for my bruised feet. Ouch! Well, I am going to shoot for Long Gap shelter, but my pack is heavy, so who knows AND it looks like rain.

Long Gap Shelter

Well, so much for my easy day today. My feet are still hurting but the Second Skin I got at Neils Gap helped a ton. I am going to try to stay on schedule tomorrow. But if the climb up Tray mountain proves too much, the bailout point is the cheeze factory camp site, 3 miles before. As for today, rain held off, but is iffy for tonight, so I am staying inside the shelter.

Wanderlust was abundant today. Stayin in Neils Gap for over 2 hours, chatting with other hikers, buying a fatty breakfast etc... Got moving pretty good until Tennessee Gap; the climb out if there was the worst yet, and the descent into Horseback Gap on the other side was worse. But then it happened, my first TRAIL ANGEL. These are people, sometimes thru-hikers, sometimes not, who live in the area of the AT and show up with little treats.

This angel, Even Steven, treated us to a peppermint lifesaver and a mountain dew. That was just what I needed! E Steven lives in the area and has hiked all of the AT from GA->NC. Now that he is 78 and can't climb hills anymore, he became a trail angel.

Well, I am here with Mike from MD and Carl tonight. Mike is done his long stint tomorrow and going to Helen, GA. I may bum a ride and see if I can find Dave Grossman, but who knows.

All and all another great day of hiking. On my way up the hill to join Jon, Chris, and Wayno for a bonfire and harmonica session. Life is good.

-Chomp

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