Sun, Jul 17 2016 - Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Aaron, Lisa Participants: Aaron, Lisa, Ed, Marion, Mark K., KimberlyR, Lakshman, Steve H, Jim, Ralph Howard, Ann

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Another epic day on the AT. Eleven of us set out from Dicks Creek Gap heading toward North Carolina. Climbing into the woods, we enjoyed rolling elevation until we hit Cowart Gap, then began a relentless steady climb up to Buzzard Knob. The landscape changed as we forged ahead through dense rhododendron. An endless carpet of bright green fern stretched above and below us as we hiked along the ridge. Purple, yellow, and white wildflowers dotted the fern, and plentiful poison ivy lurked alongside the trail.

Just before Plum Orchard Gap, we met a southbound hiker who warned us of an obstacle ahead: a massive colony of yellow jacket nests in the middle of the trail. We approached cautiously and halted at the makeshift sign that someone had taped to a tree: "STOP! Yellow jacket nests in trail 50 ft. ahead!!" complete with a hastily scribbled skull and crossbones. We bushwhacked down and around, then scrambled up the steep slope to safely avoid the buzzing throng.

We crossed the border into North Carolina before stopping for a well-deserved lunch break at the famous gnarled tree at Bly Gap. Then, for the return to Dicks Creek, the co-leads switched roles with Lisa taking the lead and Aaron sweeping up the rear. Everyone was feeling the heat and humidity and mileage by the time we reached Plum Orchard Gap. Dropping our packs, half of us waited at the Gap while the others ventured down a side trail to filter water. The true spirit of teamwork and trail love prevailed as we set up a production line to fill up lots of bottles and bags with cold, filtered water from the stream. Has anything ever tasted better?!

Rehydrated yet still weary, we faced a couple more steep climbs and knee-jarring descents before hearing the welcome sound of motorcycles. The road must be near! We hastened forward around the bend to glimpse the welcome sight of the cars. After a quick change, we hit the road and most of us stopped in Clayton for refreshing beverages and Mexican food.

Congrats to Aaron and Mark for completing the entire Georgia section of the AT! We celebrated with bacon and brownies. And welcome, Kimberly, to the AOC... you picked a doozy for your first event!