Day 3 - A Little Windy 

Today was cold and windy but the sun was out and shining. The original goal was to make it to the top of Blood Mountain and to the shelter there. It's actually the oldest shelter on the entire Appalachian Trail and Blood Mountain is the highest peak in Georgia on The Trail. 

Check out some really interesting info about this shelter. Appalachian Trail Histories | Blood Mountain Shelter (appalachiantrailhistory.org)

After making it to the shelter, they decided to hike on another few miles to hopefully make it to Mountain Crossings before they close at 5pm. This would bring their mileage for the day to a little over 15. Mountain Crossings is really well known also this is where Neels Gap is located. It's a store for resupply and a hostel. Gavin was really hoping to get a pizza but by the time they got there at about 4:40pm there were no more pizzas being made. He settled for a chicken sandwich and Jeff a burger. 

Also, this is the iconic location of people that have thrown their boots into a tree. Depending on your situation will depend on why those shoes are in the trees. Some people quit their thru hike right there at mile 31.3 so they throw their shoes up in the tree. Or, a southbound hiker has made it this far and throws their well-worn shoes into the trees as a sign of how far they've come. 

They ate and then got in the tent. It was really windy and about 26 degrees. Gavin was able to shed about 6 pounds yesterday, but I believe it's been decided that he will fill up more food in his pack starting tomorrow when they resupply. My boy is hungry. They are burning a lot of calories and he's not getting full enough. They both got fresh fruit this morning from Fresh Ground. 

They are staying with a hiking partner kind of by chance so far. Cool Hand Luke is his name. He's the guy that does the pull ups and push-ups with Gavin. 

Also, I finally got enough video to make a Youtube video!!! Check it out!

I'll keep you posted.

~Julie

DAY 3 Youtube Video