This post is part of a series that was originally written during our 2012 section hike on the AT. To read all of the entries, click here.
Originally written: 4/9/12
Day 3
Woody Gap, GA (mile 21.8)
I woke up nice and early today, ready to get going. Serial could have slept a little longer I think, but Rooney and I were annoyingly chipper. I was mentally prepared for a tough day, but the climbs weren't bad at all and I was feeling strong. I really didn't know I had it in me and I kept a good pace the first two-thirds of the day.
Our first lunch was at Cooper Gap and most of the guys from last night's campfire showed up and hung out for a bit. Was fun and I really like them all.
Serial and I were trying to keep moving at a good pace so we bailed before the others and pushed on to Gooch Mountain shelter, where we took and hour break and had lunch 2. It was nice to find an empty shelter so we took advantage. I did yoga on the top level and T relaxed with Rooney on down below. It was great. As we were finishing up, the same crew of guys rolled in and debated how far they wanted to go that day. We knew we had a goal of getting to Neels Gap the next day so we pushed on. Was kind of a bummer knowing we were leaving this group and may not see them for a bit.
There is a lookout just after Woody Gap that we wanted to camp at - it was 6 miles further and we started strong, but were dragging near the end. It was worth it though because the view is spectacular and we only have 10 miles to Neels Gap tomorrow. We set up camp, house food and are ready to pass out.