Dicks Creek Gap to Unicoi Gap backpacking trip

Jon and I completed another section of the AT in Georgia last weekend. On our last trip, we heard about a shuttle service run by a couple of nice ladies out of Hiawassee, GA. So we parked the wagon at Unicoi Gap and got a shuttle to Dicks Creek Gap. Then we hiked to the car. We liked that a lot better than hiking out and back.

Saturday morning we packed the car and headed to the mountains. Stopping in Helen, GA for lunch, we enjoyed an excellent barbeque at Northeast Ga BBQ. Maybe not the best lunch before long distance hiking, but it was tasty.

Our ride was waiting when we parked at Unicoi Gap. A quick shuttle around to Dicks Creek Gap and we hoisted the 30+ pound packs. Leaving the parking lot, we faced the typical climb. All the roads go through the gaps, so the trail is always uphill leaving the crossings.

But we were fresh and eager. We hiked up and up and up. And we were rewarded with a nice view.



The weather was perfect. The trees are just starting to change colors for fall.



3.5 miles in and we make it to Deep Gap Shelter. Time for more water. Always refill when you can.



We rested at the shelter for a few minutes and signed the register. Our plan was to camp further on at Sassafras Gap. We would find that to be a popular plan.



We've got 3+ miles to camp so we head on.



This section definitely had better views.



We came through Addis Gap, the site of the old Addis homestead. Here Jon found an apple in the trail and thought somebody must've dropped it. I looked up and we're standing under an apple tree. I can just reach a ripe looking apple with my pole and knock it down. A quick peel job with the knife and we had a tasty treat. Jon talked about that apple the rest of the hike.

Arriving at Sassafras Gap, our intended camp, and we find a full house. I count six tents and 3 guys are working hard to break a small tree apart for firewood. Jon and I barely pause to say hello as we pass straight through. I tell him we'll keep going and find another campsite farther on.

As we climb out of the gap, we meet 1 guy with a dog, then 2 guys, then 2 more guys, and they're all headed to Sassafras for the night. We share information with each group about the crowd at Sassafras and advise them to push on to Addis Gap. The last guy tells us of good campsites at the Swag of the Blue Ridge sign not too far ahead of us. That becomes our new destination.

We get to the sign and scout around. Nobody else in sight and really good campsites. We set up the tent and Jon gets a fire going. We've got loaded mashed potatos mixed with four cheese mashed potatos for dinner with bacon and extra cheese. Definitely better than the freeze dried camping food we had last time.

Jon tends the fire and I get the bear bag hung with all the food and smellables. Then we turn in. Sleep came quickly. We heard the occasional owl and Jon said something was rustling around the tent until I started snoring. Then whatever it was took off. We both slept well and I got up about 7 for some coffee.

Here's early morning in camp and you can see our tent back behind the sign.



The sun's coming up as I enjoy my coffee.



Breakfast was powdered eggs with more cheese and bacon, burrito style. Camp breaks down pretty quick and we're ready to go by 9.



I'm sporting my boy scout standard issue socks.



Jon hikes on.



The white blaze of the AT.



Time for more water.



Next planned stop is the Tray Mountain Shelter for lunch. Jon is not wasting any time.



We meet two brothers from Cleveland, Ohio at the shelter. They're midway through a 2 week trip. I'm impressed because they've never backpacked before. Jon breaks out the stove to make some coffee.



We walked to the overlook to enjoy the view and the coffee.





From the shelter, it's more uphill to the summit of Tray Mtn. Nice views again.




And we hike on.





Our last climb is up Rocky Mountain.



Near the top, we share our last Snickers. Jon gets a little crazy around food on these hikes.



Now fortified, up we go.



It's a pretty good climb up Rocky Mtn.



With more good views.



At the top, Jon is desperate for some food. Our only edible left is freeze dried instant coffee. He tries a spoonful but says he won't do that again.



The coffee may have tasted pretty bad but the caffeine kicked in. Jon takes off.



I was pushing pretty hard coming down the mountain but couldn't catch Jon until I got to the parking lot. More food was in the car. Good thing I made it before Jon broke into the Volvo.



This sign may say Wendy's but it means indoor plumbing with flush toilets.



We headed for home and Jon had only one thought, "ribs". He won a gift card to Longhorn Steakhouse at the Corporate Challenge and we passed a Longhorn on the way up to the mountains. So for two days he planned on a full rack of ribs at Longhorn. He said he was going to share with me but I wasn't optimistic in that regard.

We get to Longhorn and change into our least fragrant clothes. Jon orders his ribs and I settle for a small salad with sweet potato on the side. Jon is still planning to share at this point.

Then the ribs show up.



Still planning to share.



Then I think he forgot I was at the table.



The Last Rib.



My sweet potato and salad were very good. Jon said the ribs were amazing.

We did 16+ miles of backpacking over the two days. Some tough climbs but we're both in better shape than last time. So we gained confidence and had a great time. I'm blessed to have Jon to go out with. He's a great partner for hiking. I'm already looking at the calendar for another open weekend. We've got 3 more sections in Georgia to finish the Georgia AT.

Back to work today and I did 5.5 miles at lunch. No real problems from the hike. Just a bit of chafing that I'm treating with Desitin. 'Nuff said.