Hiking Trail Journals

Appalachian Trail 2003 - Chelsea's Journals

Entry #12 - April 2, 2003 - 6:50 PM

Left Wood's Hole Shelter at about 8:30 AM. We had a good night, slept in the shelter with Katydid. I almost prefer it, but I suppose it's a different story when it's crowded. Also, there didn't seem to be much of a mouse problem, but we did wake up in the middle of the night to a scratching sound. It kept up, on & on - sounded like it was coming from above, or from my pack! Andy got up (2:45 AM) and was flashing his light all over, but didn't see anything. Anyway, we headed out, up Blood Mtn.

It wasn't too bad! Especially for being the highest peak along the AT in Georgia. Coming down was a different story. My knee ached as soon as wew passed the big stone shelter and started heading down. It was very rocky and rugged. Hoping it (my knee) starts feeling better soon. Andy seems to be doing pretty good - his ankle hasn't bothered him at all.

We got to Neel's Gap/the Walasi-Yi Center probably around 12:30 - 1:00. It was great - we took showers & did laundry & lounged around. We ate some good stuff, too. Didn't leave until about 5:00, and now we're at Bull's Gap, I think. Thereare about 6 other people here, including Katydid, Hepcat, Jonathan and another girl from MI who has worked & lived in Ely. Small World! Not sure where we're headed tomorrow...

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Photos

Walasi-Yi Center at Neel's Gap

Loony with a box of gear to send home from Neel's Gap

Hiker Info

The Walasi-Yi Center at Neel's Gap in Georgia is the first real respite for thru-hikers along the Appalachian Trail. Here hikers can resupply, fill up on "real" food, buy hiking gear, spend the night at the hiker hostel, and perhaps most importantly, send back gear they've already decided they can do without. As all thru-hikers know, or are soon to learn, keeping a low pack weight is key to completing an A.T. through-hike. Experienced staff members at the Walasi-Yi Center will work with you on lowering your pack weight, fitting your backpack properly, and anything else to help make your hike a success!

Links:

Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi