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Day 10, April 12

Unicoi to Blue Ridge Swag



Rocky and I spent the last two nights in Hiawassee riding out severe rain and thunderstorms.  This morning we caught the first shuttle to the trailhead at 11:00 a.m.  The problem with going to town and riding shuttles is they are normally at a much lower elevation than the AT.  Going down to the shuttle is fun; climbing and regaining lost elevation is not.



The weather prediction for the day was a high of 75 degrees, with a high wind warning for the later afternoon.  I started hiking in shorts and a t-shirt.  After a few miles, the clouds began to darken, and the temperature began to drop.  I was hoping to get to the Tray Mountain Shelter before I put on additional clothing.  Then it started to rain, then snow.  We stopped and put on weather appropriate clothing.


Along the way, Rocky met a kindred spirit, Masie the Backpacking Dog.  Too bad Masie and her family were only out for a couple-day hike.  Rocky enjoyed some canine companionship.




We stopped at Tray Mountain Shelter to hide from the wind and have something to eat.



We continued hiking until we reached Blue Ridge Swag.  The rain was picking up again and the temperature dropping.  We quickly made camp; dined on a cold dinner of tortillas, cheese, beef sticks, granola bars, and fruit; and then hung up the bear bag.



We're now hiding from the rain and wind in Rocky's portable doghouse, snug in our sleeping bag.

Good Night!


Comments

  1. Rick MaxwellApril 13, 2024 at 9:05 AM

    Sounds like you are dealing with fair amount of bad weather. I assume it will get better as the season warms up.
    What mileage are you at?
    Hang in there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dan and Rocky’s Big AdventureApril 14, 2024 at 7:45 AM

      The weather has been interesting and the trail even more so. There's a lot of climbing up and down pretty rocky, wet, mossy, leaf covered trail. There's a lot of ankle busters if you're not careful. I'm at mile 72 and moving slowly.

      Delete

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