My first stay at a hostel was not the restful night of sleep I thought it was going to be.I tossed and turned on the uncomfortable matress, but it was worth not having to worry about my food for the evening and next day. I was able to set my pack up ready to go before I attempted to go to bed. So when my bladder finally made me get out of my bunk at 430, I was able to eat a quick breakfast and move up the trail by 530.

Hiking in the dark cold morning of 38 degress brings its own challenges. A headlamp solved to the darkness issue, but the cold was a different challnge. The problem with backpacking with a jacket on is you produce alot of core heat as your body is working hard to lug 40+ pounds. If you wear a heavy jacket, your just going to sweat and over heat in it. Plus the sweat is going to chill you. My solution is to wear my rain jacket.It keepsnout the wind and creates enough of an air pocket that you're not shivering. I still sweat a bit underneath it, but it keeps me cool instead of soaking me.

Its a good start because I am planning on some bog miles today. From Neels gap to the Blue mountain shelter is about 18 miles.I make pretty good time in the morning and by lunch ive done about 12 miles to the Low Gap sheltzer. There I eat, use the privy, get water, and take a small nap to get my feet up.Before lunch i was feeling pretty ragged, but after a short rest I have more energy and my legs aren't as mad at me.

The next 7 miles take me 5 hours as I go as I rest and refill wayer along the way. The last 1.5 miles before the shelter are where I begin to loose steam again. I finally make it to rhe shelter around 630 pm. After i set up camp its a quick dinner and then to bed.I feel all 17.3 miles as I fall asleep.

Summary of Progress:

• Miles Completed: 17.3

• Total Miles Completed: 54.3

• Location: Georgia

• Weather: 38 in the morning. Warming to the 60s.