I left the Blood Mountain Cabins at about 1000, arrived at Whitley Gap Shelter at about 1430. It wasn't too long of a hike today, about 7.9 miles. I could go 5 more miles to Low Gap Shelter, but it's thundering, lightning and pouring down rain so I'll just stay here. So far I'm the only one here, don't know if it will stay that way or not. If it does, I may set up my tent in the shelter for more protection from the rain.
It was a really nice hike today until the thunder started. I veered off on the blue blaze to Whitley Gap Shelter and about 5 minutes later the lightning came along. It worried me when I had to walk across an exposed granite face with no trees and lightning in the distance. But I made it to the shelter before the rain really got bad. Now it's pouring down rain and the temperature dropped. I put on my raincoat for a little extra warmth. If it gets much colder I'll have to pull out the base layer, but I don't think it will come to that.
I saw a lot of snails on the trail today, but I didn't take any pictures of them. It made me think there must be many species of snails, though it's something I normally wouldn't have given much thought.
I was also thinking about a quote Fr Richard John Neuhas made, I ant remember it exactly, but it was talking about how we don't have the right to despair. While I agree with him, after the first couple of days of the hike, I could see how someone could give into despair. It's really easy when your legs and shoulders hurt and your trying to catch your breath as you climb up a steep hill, stopping every 100 yards to let your breathing settle. But, I was alone those first couple of days, and that seemed to exacerbate the problem, and make it easy to slip into despair. I didn't, but I was a hurting puppy! Then I stumbled on the four Georgia Amigos, and it was all right. Walking with them I caught my breath and felt better. I guess sometimes you really do just need to be with people (introvert or not).
I also pondered "hike your own hike" today. A very important concept and, yes, that is exactly what you should do. Just remember this, though--you have never done this before and you're going to make mistakes. Talk to people who have done it before, especially about gear, to make sure your ego isn't setting you up for failure when it feels like your pack is going to rip your shoulders off. I reevaluated my pack at Neels Gap, changed out some gear and lost 5 lbs. My pack feels much better now. And my spirits feel better, too.
That being said, I guess I'll sit here and watch it rain for a bit, eat a honey bun, and then when it gets closer to 6pm, cook some mashed potatoes with some dried chorizo.
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