The group at the Cheese Factory was up and about early. I hit the trail at 8a because, hey, this is my vacation. At Tray Gap BSA Troop 605 had set up a thru-hiker feeding station. I didn't stop but everyone else from the C.F. must have because I didn't see any of them all day.
Made real good time on the trail, probably because I knew a shower was at the end of it. Passed Spike (nee Whiskers Mike) near the end. As I was coming into Dicks Creek Gap and the highway I saw two hikers hitching—a relief not to have to hitch alone, since it was my first time and all. Just as I got ot the road a truck pulled up so I ran and jumped in the back with the other two and rode to the Blueberry Patch Hostel outside of town. Quite a crowd showed up—12 people, so a bunch of us camped among the fruit trees in back as there were only 7 beds. First thing I did was shower and put on clean clothes, then put my filled laundry basket by the door to be washed, then made the round of introductions: Orion and Wiley Coyote from Florida (the guys I rode in with) and Achilles from Maine (worst blisters I have ever seen but at least it got him a cool trail name)—he'd been there since Saturday recuperating. Doccson, Spike, Dutch, Chinook and Izzy showed up, too. Oh, and Dave "Breaking Wind" the windsurfer from Maui. Real nice guy.
Dutch, Spike and I hitched a ride into town for Daniel's $5.99 AYCE. Not as good as Blairsville, but tasty. Mike and Andrew showed up at the buffet, and we heard that T was in town at the Hiawassee Inn. Got a ride back, made phone calls (arranged a shuttle back to ATL—$165, ouch!). Oh yeah, and cokes in the hostel fridge and a box of home-made chocolate-chip cookies sent by a thru-hiker's mom. Beautiful night.
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