Appalachian Trail: Day 9
Disclaimer: This post is NOT sponsored. All the gear mentioned in this post was purchased by me at retail prices. I have no affiliations with any of the companies or brands mentioned.
Took the shuttle from Hiawassee back to Unicoi Gap. Met a fellow hikers named Bubbles on the shuttle. When we got back to Unicoi, some Trail Magic was happening. A couple ministries were out there doing a hiker feed. Met some other nice hikers including Slow Burn and Machete.
Ended up hiking with those 3 off and on throughout the day. They left me behind on the inclines, but I tended to catch up on the downhills. My calves are feeling better. Still some pain, but not as bad. My legs might finally be getting use to all the hiking. My endurance still sucks though. My pace does seem to have improved slightly though. Maybe these mythical trail legs are a real thing.
When we got to Indian Grave Gap, there was a second Trail Magic going on. A smaller hiker feed happening. Two Trail Magics in a day is definitely something.
We made it to Tray Mountain Shelter for the evening and have setup out tents. My goal for tomorrow is Deep Gap Shelter. I think some of the others are planning on getting to Dick's Creek Gap and shuttling back into Hiawassee for resupply.
North Carolina is only about 20 miles away.