The first two days after Helen I hiked from Unicoi Gap up over Tray Mountain to Sassafras Gap for a one night stay and then on to Plumorchard Gap. These were two miserable, cold, wet, painful days. They were not without their good points and they taught me some valuable lessons.

First, DO NOT GO FOOD SHOPPING WHILST BUZZED! I cannot emphasize this point enough. You will end up with a ridiculous food bag weighing you down much like I did. Why in the name of all that is holy did I find it necessary to buy a pound of sour patch kids? A pound?! I enjoy them but not that much. This was just one of several examples of poor judgment. But you live and you learn. This weight took its toll on my legs, especially the knees. The bitter cold blustery weather only added to my hardship. I encountered some steep and unforgiving climbs over these two days. Kelly Knob stands out in my mind as one particularly nasty ascent. I did encounter the most delightful group of Germans during my stay at Sassafras Gap. They were quite taken with my choice of attire. One lady in particular took a photo of me in my kilt while telling me she wanted to get one for her husband. I ended up seeing these folks many times throughout the rest of the week and we always greeted each other with a smile. By the time I reached Plumorchard Gap I was also approaching my limit. Once I got set up there I checked the weather and saw that I would finally get a break from the rain the next day. I decided to sleep in that morning which did my legs some good. I then spent the rest of a pleasant evening reading in my tent whilst things dried up outside. As they say you have to hike your own hike.