Day 4 May 19 Lance Creek Camp to Neel Gap

We broke camp at Lance Creek early, tackling the uphill climb to Blood Mountain, the highest peak on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, before descending to Neel Gap where Carol‘s husband, Terry waited to take her to their mountain cabin for a cleaning up. We reeked of the trail, and thoughts of a shower, clean bed, and fresh laundry were a calling.

Leaving the Lance Creek tent site, surrounded by dense Rhododendrum thickets, hardwoods and pines, we kept a solid pace up a 1700' climb. I had some pack issues -the arch had collapsed, causing my pack to lie flat against my back (ugh) with little airflow relief. Sweaty, uncomfortable, yuck.. but manageable.
The climb leads to Blood Mtn 4459'. From its bluff looking eastward, lies Brasstown Bald, George’s highest peak at 4784'. On a clear day like this, the panoramic views stretch far and wide, the Chattahoochee Oconee Nat Forest lay like a verde rug below. In the far distant fog, it's the Blue Ridge Mtns. The view, such a contrast to the lonely wooded green tunnels behind us.
The descent on the north side was sketchy. Giant granite slabs replaced dirt and stone trails. It's tricky afoot, even when slightly damp. We managed it well, we thought, but missed a turn, ending up on a rough, boulder laden trail where we grunted, crawling down in places. Then, trail abruptly ended! Sooo, back up we went, more grunts, scrambling back up-over the same rocks we had climbed down. It took a few but we finally regained the AT. Phew!
We reached Neel Gap by mid afternoon and stopped at infamous Mountain Crossings Gear Store /Hostel, where out of the blue, I craved an orange bottled pop! WTH! I hadn’t had a pop in ages!
Terry picked up Carol and me, offering a ride to Blairsville, a bustling little town that caters to hikers. I stayed at Seasons Inn, an indy motel. The proprietors, Colleen and Chris treated me wonderfully, like royalty. Slow season, you see. I was their only guest! I celebrated civilization here! Shower, shave, Wedge salad, Shrimp/Scallops, Milk (real food yes!)...the works. No TV for me though. Spare me! Must say, Blairsville is a treat with lovely peeps!Read more