Sat, Dec 10 2016 - Neels Gap to Hogpen Gap and back - RESCHEDULED (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Aaron, Lisa Participants: Lisa, Aaron, Russ, Connie, Ann, John, LIM Verona (Laura M), Nikita, Rick D, Mark P, Emily, Ralph Howard, Eric, Tricia S., Wynn

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Ice, Ice, Baby. It was a bit chilly when we set off from the Walasi-Yi interpretive center, through the archway and onto the Appalachian Trail. 19 degrees to be exact. But the sun was shining from a crystal-clear blue sky, and we soon warmed with the climb up Levelland Mountain. Conversation ebbed and flowed with the ascents and descents as we made our way along the undulating trails up to Cowrock Mountain. Here we paused to regroup and revel in the spectacular winter views. Then down through a thick blanket of leaves to Tesnatee Gap, and up the relentlessly steep climb out of Tesnatee.

Crossing the road, we made it official by tapping the marker for Hog Pen Gap. Then it was back on the AT to the Whitley Gap side trail for our lunch break atop Wildcat Mountain. We didn't linger too long over lunch as the wind had picked up; we were definitely feeling it on the exposed rock face. We tramped down to check out the Whitley Gap shelter including the hikers' log and a pretty mural inside the shelter. Mark went down to check out the water source, returning to report that the spring was bone dry. We still need lots of rain! 

Ok, back up the side trail to the AT, and back down and up that leg-and-lung-burner Tesnatee Gap. Another brief stop on top of Cowrock yielded especially great views of Mt. Yonah and the surrounding area. Then it was back along the ridge, up the steep switchbacks and numerous rock steps to Levelland Mountain down to Neels Gap. Some of us stopped briefly to check out the Mountain Crossings store and pet the resident cat before tackling the last half-mile back to the cars and dry clothes. We didn't realize how chilled we'd gotten. We were still shivering when we got to Gustavo's in Dahlonega for some well-earned food and drink.

All in all, a most excellent 16-plus mile excursion on the AT. A hearty welcome to Rick on his very first AOC event, and to John on his second. It was a very trail-wise group with seven trip leaders and all the attendees very experienced hikers. Can't think of a better way to spend a winter's day.