From: Hugh Davis [mailto:hughdavis@charter.net]
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 8:00 AM
Subject: AT 3
It is Friday morning and we are at Niels Gap Ga. 30+ miles from Springer Mt.
Got dropped off about a half mile from the trail intersect, north of Springer. Left the girls and hiked to the intersect, then south to the top of Springer then turned north and off we went.
Went about 3 miles to the first shelter, Rainey, foggy, warm. Sunday up and on the trail by 830. Stopped at Hawk Mt. shelter for lunch. Continued on in the rain turned to sleet and then to snow, then hard blowing snow as the temperature dropped.
About 3 pm we were still a ways from where we had planned to stopped but were both shivering. Found a flat spot, pitched both tents, put the gear in the small and Jeremiah and I in the larger. All of our clothing were soaked, Had about an inch of sleet and ice stuck to our left side.
Temp was 9 degrees over night with a 50 mile wind. We were cool but ok in the tent.
Mon. Tues. and Wed, continued very cold. 15 degrees Mon. 19 deg. tues, low 20s Wed. and thurs. Slept in the tent each night.
Thurs. we climbed over Blood Mt. 4400 feet, tallest mt in GA.
In the Wawasi Yi outfitter store about lunch time Thurs. Bought a pizza and checked into the Hostel, 18 men and women in a bunk room on double bunks. Bought spaghetti dinner, great. The staff from the store helped us reduce our pack weight.
We we started in Springer my pack weighed 48 #, Jay and I sent 20# home, sent back out tents and bought a teepee style tent that weighs 1.7# in stead of 5.1#
I am now at 34 # Know my knees will appreciate it.
Physically and Mentally this is a tough climb for me. Short of breath going up climbs and shooting pains in my hip abducter muscles on flat and downhill.
Knee is working well.
Keep praying, mostly for mental endurance. We are only going about 2/3 of the distance we had planned on. I am waiting till I get my trail legs in about 5 weeks.
All for now.
Love to all.
Hugh and Jay
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