The Abditory

This past weekend, we finally completed our border crossing into NC. On this trip, we managed to brave and survive nearly constant rain, steeper climbs than we’ve seen in trips past, and a more aggressive itinerary than we’ve ever planned.

(continue reading…)

Ben says blogging about backpacking beforehand is bad mojo, but I’ve blogged at least an itinerary every time and we’ve only had one mishap so far. So, here’s the tentative itinerary for this weekend. (continue reading…)

Clearly I haven’t been in much of a mood for writing on here recently, but that’s not to say stuff hasn’t been happening. Since my last (completely uneventful) post, here’s a little of what’s been keeping me busy: (continue reading…)

“And if the mountain defeats you, where then will you go?”

- Saruman

 

The crew, back before our spirits withered on the mountain.

Yesterday we set course upon what was to become our first officially failed backpacking trip. Ben would mention later on that a motorcycle safety course taught him that as the number of risks increase, the potential for serious problems increases. Read on for our list of risks as we stepped out onto the trail yesterday morning: (continue reading…)

In an effort to complete our goal of finishing up the state of GA by the end of the year, we’re working on an agenda for a post-Christmas hike from Unicoi Gap, GA to Deep Gap, NC. This agenda would complete the last 25 miles or so of GA that we have left and get us around 6 miles into NC territory.

Total estimated mileage is hovering around 31.1. Simple enough to knock out in a few days, although the weather may prove it more difficult than it ought to be.

Here’s the tentative plan:

Friday, 26 December

1. Drive endpoint car to Deep Gap, NC, parking at the end of FS71. Parking notes:

   Deep Gap — Reached via highway US64 and Forest Service 71. From Franklin, NC, go West on US64 13.6 miles (from overpass where US23 turns South toward Atlanta) to FS71. Turn is just past top of hill with ‘Clay County’ sign. From West, follow US64 East past Hayesville, NC, make long climb up mountain, and near top of second climb, watch for sign for FS71 on right. FS71 is a 6-mile single-lane gravel road, normally quite passable for autos. Note that this road is closed during the Winter — usually between Jan. 1st and March 15th. Follow FS71 to parking area at end; the AT crosses through this parking area. To go South on AT, head West out of parking area — to go North, head East.

   Source – http://www.maconcommunity.org/nhc/Trailheads.html

2. Drive startpoint car to Unicoi Gap, GA, parking at the usual spot.
3. Hike 12.4 miles to Deep Gap (GA) shelter, traversing both Tray Mountain and Kelly Knob along the way. Set up camp.

Saturday, 27 December

1. Easy day… 7.7 miles from Deep Gap (GA) to Plumorchard Gap. Set up camp.

Sunday, 28 December

1. 11 miles to Deep Gap (NC), crossing GA/NC border after an easy 4.1 miles (much rejoicing all around)

Weather outlook is wet and cool.

References:

• http://www.hike-usa.com/at-georgia/
• http://www.maconcommunity.org/nhc/