Plum Orchard Gap Shelter to Blue Ridge Gap – 1.3 miles

Total Mileage – 75.2

What, back so soon?

Today was an exercise in situational awareness, proactively using resources, and tempering confidence. No injuries or any life-threatening events, just to get that out of the way (yes, Mother, I still have regard for your poor nerves).

Last update, I remarked that I should have stayed longer in town. The 18 hours in Clayton did not provide enough refueling, rest, and research to prepare me for this week. I got back on the trail yesterday with a not-quite full stomach, knowing I’d be fairly hard-pressed to overcome the calorie deficit with my sufficient but not abundant food supply. I was scheduled to pass by an outdoor center on Friday and figured I could top off on meals there if need-be. Not a dangerous situation, but definitely suboptimal.

Then there’s the matter of my joints. The downhill sections are rough on the legs, especially my right knee. I picked up a knee brace in-town to ease the load, since the ligaments are just a bit sore. Nonetheless, I didn’t get off my feet as much as I should have.

Finally, I didn’t have the opportunity to stop at any outfitters. I have a few ideas to lighten my pack, but wasn’t able to implement those over the weekend.

These issues range from inconvenient to concerning, but nothing I couldn’t manage for a week. The tipping point for today was the forecasted thunderstorms tonight. While the risk of lightning can be mitigated in the wilderness and there are very few people struck by lightning each year, the only safe solution is to be indoors. Outdoor thunderstorm safety relies on getting to lower elevation, yet the next 10-20 miles are all uphill to 5000 ft.

These factors lingered in the back of my mind while breaking down my soaked campsite. I planned to get started early and make it to the shelter a few hours before the storm to drop my stuff and hunker down off-ridge. But I couldn’t shake a bad feeling about the prospect of riding out the storm at high altitude.

About 30 minutes into my hike, I bumped into Peter, one of the hikers I met at Hawk Mountain Shelter. He notified me that a hostel I passed on Saturday could pick me up at the gap just a half mile ahead. I was in the middle of praying the third sorrowful mystery of the rosary, which focuses on humility. If God was dripping any hint to get off the trail, this was it. I booked a bunk and dialed the shuttle.

Around The Bend is one of the more full-service hostels on the AT, with onsite outfitter, food supplies, friendly cats, and typical hiker amenities (shower, laundry, the works). I was greeted by every hiker I’d seen since Day 3, both a surprise reunion and confirmation I’d made the right choice. Once I got settled, I immediately acquired and demolished a frozen pizza (after it was baked, wasn’t that hungry). After a few purchases from the outfitter shop, I spent the rest of the day coordinating logistics for this weekend’s stay in Robbinsville, NC. Dinner and breakfast are provided tonight and tomorrow morning, and with those two hearty meals I’ll be back at it again on Tuesday.

Anyway, figured I should send an update this evening to let you know I was tucked away safe from the lightning. Though I was reluctant to lose a day and drop the extra cash (the $2 candy bars and I are having a starting match), I’ll be in a much better state to put some extra miles going forward. The weather is projected to cooperate, too, staying clear through the weekend.

Additionally, thank you to all those who have commented on the posts, reached out via text, and/or sent prayers. I read every comment, and your encouragement helps turn the miles into smiles.

Safe and sound,

Max