Even though it rained again today, we got a wonderful sunrise from beneath the clouds.
The rest of the day was relatively uneventful as we journeyed further south into the Georgia hills. I enjoyed the chance to bounce among small groups of hikers and hear what their thoughts are on finishing the trail.
By afternoon, we made it to an AT icon: Mountain Crossings. This outfitter and hostel at Neel Gap marks the only time the trail crosses under a roof. Mountain Crossings is also a very popular place for northbound thru hikers to end their hikes, as it’s the first major road they cross (right after the first big climb). There is a tree full of shoes of from hikers who have called it quits here.
I chose not to hang my pair and instead journeyed up Blood Mtn.
The stone cabin on top was a wonderful place to eat dinner, but became less wonderful as the night went on. We had hung rain flys and tarps over the windows, but a windy 4 am storm brought all of our barricades down and a leaky roof allowed the water to pour in. I’m going to miss the AT, but not nights like that!
Ps-Rachel brought us more trail magic today, and we are very grateful!