Snow Storms and Hiking

So, I catch the shuttle out of Helen, GA at 8:45am yesterday back to the AT. They drop us off and up the hill about 7 of us go! I was in the lead, but got passed by "One Thing" eventually. The further up the mountain I went, the worse the weather got. By the time I was 0.5 miles from the peak of Tray Mountain, I had red legs and the snow had blown such that ice crystals were forming on my leg hairs. So, I stopped and put on both layers of pants and that warmed me up! "One Thing" and I made it to the top of Tray Mountain and stopped at the Shelter. I wanted to get out my camera because I figured nobody would believe me if I said we had snow storms.

Once I was all set, I looked at One thing because he seemed a little apprehensive about hiking in the snow by himself or letting me hike by myself in the snow for fear of getting lost. He told me it was fine with him if I felt safe enough to take off hiking without him. So, I said goodbye and headed off on the trail. It was pretty easy to follow the trail despite the blowing snow. The terrain was rough and the day was getting late, but I was enjoying the snow, especially when the mountains would block the wind! I have some great photos from yesterday. As the day wore on and I found myself getting colder and people kept passing me talking of going into town, I began to think they had the right idea.

When Dark Helmet and Lobster Boy passed me in the last little bit to the shelter and said cricket, Lisa, sheeba, and they were all headed into town, I said I had to go in with them. So, I made my way to the road where I met up with Bootleg who was trying to catch a ride as well as Dark Helmet and Lobster Boy. They got a ride first and by then there were 4 more hikers out of the mountains. I rode into Hiawassee with Lisa, Sheeba, Cricket, and another guy. The other guy headed to the Blueberry Patch and I headed into town with the others. All four of us got a room together at the Holiday Inn Express and did some laundry, showered, and then went for dinner. It was kind of a surreal night. This group of hikers is tons of fun. We were up until midnight laughing, joking, and drinking beer. It was tons of fun! I think they may be taking a 0 day today and then back out on the trail tomorrow. Although, Sheeba sounded like she wanted to be back on the trail so they may head out today. We will see what happens.

Currently, the sun is out and I am waiting for the 9am shuttle to come take me back to the mountains. I have a semi long day but it will pale in comparison to yesterday as the sun is out and I am not doing 16miles with fierce winds! :) The forecast looks iffy for the next week though. I look forward to what it throws my way! Looks like thunderstorms around the time I meet up with my father, so I hope he is prepared for that! It is wicked out here on the AT in the thunderstorms. Lets hope for no lightening strikes nearby during those days!

Take care everyone and know that I am making good choices and staying safe! My love goes out to everyone!