Origin: Unicoi Gap
Destination: Sassafras Gap
Today's miles: 10.4*
Total miles: 64.3
* I ended up doing 15.2 due to backtracking
Anyone who knows me relatively well will not be surprised at the first part of this post.
I couldn't find my wallet yesterday (a ziploc bag with money, a credit card, an ATM card and my driver's license). I had to take it out at Blue Mountain Shelter to reserve the hotel room and I assumed I hadn't put it back in my pack. I took everything out of my pack and flipped it upside down, but no luck, so I assumed it was left at the shelter. No problem - one of the hikers would pick it up and I'd head them off somewhere on the trail.
We got dropped off at Unicoi Gap around 8:45am and I told Magge to hike on her own while I backtracked and I would catch up with her later. As I passed hikers on the 1,000 ft ascent, I found out none of them had seen my wallet. I walked all the way back to the shelter, 2.4 miles from the gap. No wallet. I searched under the shelter in case it had fallen through the floor boards. No wallet. I searched around it in case the wind had blown it away. No wallet. I decided to search my pack fully one more time before heading back down. There it was. I wasn't sure whether I was angry at myself or relieved. Still undecided, I headed back down to catch Magge. After a couple more climbs and descents, we met up in the early afternoon.
As bad as yesterday's weather was, it was incredible today. Sunny skies, light breeze, and the perfect temperature for hiking. If I didn't have to make up so much ground, today would have been perfect. Well, not making up ground and not losing my Leatherman tool. And not getting the bear bag line snagged in a tree and having to cut it down, losing 20 ft in the process. And not finding a hole in our tent. A nearly perfect day.
We will have a short day tomorrow as need to go to Hiawassee, Georgia to resupply and make a visit to the outfitters. We need a new bear bag line, a tent repair kit, a Leatherman, and an ankle brace for Magge.
It's still light out, but today took it out of me so I'll try to get some sleep now.
*Shaking my head compassionately at the thought that it was in your bag all along.
ReplyDeleteNote to Magge: ask Jeffrey where he has looked for the missing item and then retrace the same steps to find it. He takes after his dad.
Beautiful day with just the right conditions should make this day great! You will sleep soundly tonight. Keep those earplugs nearby in case you get awakened by any type of noise. Sleep tight and don't let the bugs bite. :)
Oh Jeff that is so funny and frustrating at the same time, bless your heart, I am glad you are a good sport. Mags I am sorry you need an ankle brace, but hope it helps. Mary is here visiting Mom so we saw her last night. The sky is a glorious Carolina blue today; I hit the Farmer's Market early and am headed to the garden. Love you both I so hope your sky is as blue and clear as ours.
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