It was 19 degrees at the drop off point this morning but there was a bright blue sky with plenty of sunshine. I ended up doing a “slack pack” day which means hiking with no pack or a pack with only minimal items needed for the day. The reason for this was that there is a 5 mile zone in my trail today where camping is only permitted if you have a bear canister. I opted to bring with me on this hike a bear bag because it’s easier to pack and is less weight than a canister. So, I had the choice today of hiking only a short distance and camping before the bear canister requirement zone, hiking a longer distance than I have planned to at this point, or hiking a full day today, getting picked up and staying at the Hidden Pond Hostel again tonight and then getting dropped off at Neel Gap and hiking beyond the restriction zone tomorrow. The last option is what I chose which meant I could leave 10 pounds of gear behind this morning, making the load I had to carry today much lighter.

Without question today’s hike was the most beautiful yet as I crossed over Blood Mountain, which is the highest peak in Georgia (4,458 feet). From the summit the sky was crystal clear and the view was beyond stunning. I think some places on this earth are so magnificent that you should have to encounter challenges and difficulties to see them. If you ever get a chance to hike Blood Mountain on a beautiful day – do not hesitate for one second to do it!

The hike down from Blood Mountain was pretty slippery as there was still ice on much of the trail and especially on the rocks where I had to step. There was one large rock formation where a very large bolder was perfectly balanced on the rock beneath it. It looked as though a strong puff of wind would be enough to make it tumble, but I’m sure it has been there for thousands and thousands of years. Nature is so amazing.

My hike ended at Neel Gap, which is the first waypoint on the northbound AT journey. There is a well known hiking outfitter store there called Mountain Crossing, and it’s the first resupply point for thru hikers to pickup food and supplies for the next few days. It’s also a famous location in that 10%-20% (not sure how solid this statistic is) of all Northbound AT thru hikers quit at this point in the journey, and many throw their shoes over the tree branches in front of Mountain Crossing. I texted my wife and told her that I would be leaving with my shoes on my feet!!!!

Sadly, a gentleman I met at the Amicalola Lodge, and who was on the same flight down to Atlanta from Boston, was coming out of Mountain Crossings just as I opened the door this afternoon. We took a few minutes to catch up on the past week and then he informed me that he was calling it quits and flying back to Boston tomorrow. Good job Johnny K and I wish you a safe trip home. Will miss seeing you on the trail!

Back to my tent for the next 2-3 days and then i hope to take a zero day in Hiawassee, GA.

Photos: Blood Mountain Shelter, Summit Blood Mtn, Lunch With A View, Balanced Rocks, History of Blood Mtn, The Quitting Tree, History of the AT in Georgia