Cloud 9 Hostel, Hiawassee, GA to Carter Gap Shelter, NC: Daily miles 24.2, Total miles 91.3
Got out at 9 am after one of the other hikers made an awesome breakfast – pancakes, bacon, good stuff. Packed up and left everyone I had met behind. Crossed into NC before noon. One state down. Planned on going to Standing Indian shelter and got there at 3, seemed too early to stop so I pushed on and did an extra 6 miles or so to Carter Gap. Knee got sore a few miles before the end but I felt good otherwise. Rain and Mist all day but nothing too heavy. A dog followed me for 15 miles and is here at the shelter with me. He is friendly and I decided to call him Banjo. Some church group is at the shelter, but they’re staying in tents. They are praying around the fire. Young and excitable, but seem like good people. Looks like more rain tomorrow, but oh well, can’t fight the weather. Starting to settle in and feel good out here. Long way to go.
