Hiawassee, GA (USA)

Thanksgiving Day!  I got breakfast at McDonalds in Hiawassee (0810) and, while eating inside, formulated my plans for the day.  During several previous trips to Hiawassee, I’ve looked at the trail guide for the area southeast of town on US-76 and thought “that’s too hard, I’ll hike it later.” Today, the bill came due... The temps started in the 30s again and I stayed in town until the sun started warming up the mountains. After breakfast, I drove east to the AT Trailhead at Dick’s Creek Gap. By 0915, I started SOBO, starting a steep, 1,500 foot climb up Powell Mountain. It had warmed up into the 40s but it was cooler in the shady areas on the west side of the ridge. I started with two layers (one a short sleeved shirt) but, when I came into the warm sun, it got too warm. But then a cold breeze tried to blow off my hat! For the next two hours, I layered down and layered up several times - I was either sweating or shivering... Almost immediately after I reached the summit of the first climb, the trail dropped down again (almost as steep) into Deep Gap (I was disappointed in the lack of creativity of the names nearby - there was another Deep Gap only 15 miles north in NC). On the way down, I got a good view of Hiawassee and Chatuge Lake in the distance. I passed another hiker (Ridgerunner?) and a trio of backpackers in this area - didn’t chat. After the Deep Gap Shelter, the trail climbed up another 1,000 feet to the summit of Kelly Knob (duplicate name for an AT landmark in VA). And, after I’d plodded up there (more good views), I headed right down again. Talk about PUDs! The next few miles after that were mini roller coaster hills that bottomed out at large campsites. When I reached Sassafras Gap (my intended backtrack point) I decided that I wanted to get some extra distance - I felt good and thought I could shorten my planned hike for the following day. Using my pedometer, I continued for another mile until I encountered terrain/trees that I could use for a turnaround point. Then I headed back towards my car. I didn't stop very often but, when I did, I noticed how quiet it was (nice!)... The temps rose into the high 50s and I still had energy - it made for a good afternoon. The two huge climbs I had left seemed daunting but I trudged up carefully and steadily until they were done. When I started my descent to US-76, my brain was wiped and my body was full of endorphins! Actually, it seemed like I was hiking brand new trail (I thought “did I really climb this hill?”). I was done by 1545 after around 14.5 miles (some of this was retread from 2014).  I didn't have a long drive to get back to town and I decided to clean up quickly before heading out to try the one restaurant I'd heard was serving meals and/or the grocery store.  Despite my haste, I must have taken too long getting ready and almost every single thing had already closed (Ghost Town!).  Luckily, the Ingles crew was working, as they'd promised.  After looking around inside for a bit, I discovered that they had a Thanksgiving Dinner spread set up behind the glass in the deli.  I ordered some delicious turkey and some good sides (including a huge slice of Southern cornbread) - the employees seemed glad that someone (anyone) had come by to try this meal (and justify their being open from 0700 to 2300 all day).  I think they were very generous on the portions!  Also picked up a Lazy Hiker six pack (Wesser Evil Porter) and headed back to my room (1655).  I set up in my room on the bedside table (plastic fork and spoon) and watched football.  Mollie and I talked in the evening about her own holiday experience (it sounded great).  Spent the evening resting and reading (until bed time at around 2300).  Felt really good to have taken this bite out of the trail today - will climb some more peaks in the area tomorrow! AT Today = 6.90 miles / G.T. AT = 1505.46 miles