Saturday, February 19th

Woods Hole Shelter to Neel’s Gap

4 Miles

Total miles 31.3

I hiked over Blood Mountain today. Blood Mountain is the tallest summit on the Appalachian Trail in the state of Georgia. It’s called Blood Mountain because of a battle between the Cherokee and Creek Indians. 

This hike was challenging, but doable. Hiking to the summit was much easier than the 2 mile descent. Many rocks covered with ice made it treacherous. I was thrilled to finally make it to the bottom. 

Mountain Crossings outdoor store and a shakedown of my pack. 4 lbs sent home. I bought a sleeping bag liner that should help me stay warmer at night. I also bought warmer gloves and a larger titanium pot for my stove.

I’m spending the night in the Blood Mountain Cabins with another couple, Barbora and Tom Snodgrass. I hope to keep hiking with them, but they are faster than I am. One of these days I’ll get more fit and won’t be the slowest hiker on the Appalachian Trail.

Neel’s Gap has the famous shoe tree. It is said that a large percentage of hikers quit by the time when they reach this destination. Hikers that quit throw their shoes into this tree.

Blood Mountain Shelter  1934 oldest shelter on Appalachian Trail  It was made by the CCC. Civilian Conservation Corp

I love the pinwheel!

Famous shoe tree