(4-2-23)

 (4-2-23)

After our first hearty hostel breakfast we got back out on the trail. It wasn't the easiest night for finding camping spots. So early on the trail and riding the back edge of the bubble, the tent sites near shelters were almost entirely packed. A little further away, there was a designated tent site; really it was a semi-sloped hill only slightly off of a trail that might have doubled as a low use service road. We rocked it, though.

I had to dig my first cathole in the woods 0.o . . . an exciting experience.

Also enjoyed Chili Mac for dinner, one of the more flavorful of my prepared dinners. They rehydrate in a matter of minutes. Using the reflectix pot coozie keeps the contents piping hot without having to keep it on the stove, thereby saving a TON of fuel over the course of the trail. A lot of hikers cook in the meal prep bags or freezer zip lock bags to avoid having to clean their pots - a process of pouring water into the pot and drinking whatever chunky water comes out. I considered it extra hydration and a few more calories. It was really only inconvenient when water was scarce or further from camp.

The views in Georgia were STUNNING, though somewhat dismal/gray due to the lack of leaves. It's definitely prettier in person, though. I had watched the videos other hikers shared on YouTube before I started, and it looks like they're hiking through a gray wasteland in most of them. In reality, the wind in the trees, the blue skies, and the fresh mountain water make it an altogether beautiful environment.

Oh, and our first round of proper bear hangs . . . though the result was a bit lower and not really as far from the hill as it should have been.

I felt really clever about my bear bag . . .