3/18/14

3/18/14                Carter Gap Shelter

12.5 miles today up one of the nicest mtns so far. By nice I mean not a steep grade. A long slow uphill will always win against a mtn with a straight up path to the top, if that makes sense. The morning was pretty awesome for hiking. The peaks and a few ridgelines were above the clouds; and clouds were everywhere. If you looked out, it seemed like you were island hopping from peak to peak between the white fluffy clouds. Sadly I didn't get a picture because my camera is all used up. Will have to pick one up in Franklin, amid other things. Also, as I was walking I had a lot of time to think. There's a lot of stuff most people wouldn't realize about the AT. First the barter system is alive and well. Examples are mostly with foodstuffs; "You have honey?! I'll trade some for a little peanut butter!" as well as trading Advil for some fuel or w/e  is necessary. Another is theft doesn't happen. Yes there are always shady people who will but that is like 1%. Most people out here realize, "Hey, if I take that, it'll just be added weight to my pack. Screw that!" Most people are also nice, anyway. Word spreads surprisingly fast on the trail. If you're an asshole, you can bet quite a few people in front of you will know and treat you as such. Which brings me to the final point. News travels way fast on the trail. Most people have at least heart of you one way or another. That and everyone will always crowd around to hear if it will rain, when the sun will let up, whatever is. The only thing more valuable than a weather report might be your spices of hot sauce. Seriously, hoping for 12ish miles tomorrow.

- Sam

(Editor: Will insert awkward drawing of a face later)