#009 Day 4: Neels Gap to Low Gap Shelter ATMM 31.3 – 42.8
No matter our social status in our regular lives, the wilderness is the great equalizer. Out here we battle the same elements. We climb the same mountains. We freeze in the same rain......
Today is cool but sunny. Beginning a day with a cup of coffee on the porch of a cabin as the sun rises over a mountain is type of paradise that everyone should experience at some point. We pack up our gear and walked back up to Walasi-yi to grab some last-minute food items and other supplies. My insoles were sliding around in my wet boot the last couple of days. I went in to purchase some heavier duty inserts with better arch support. I’m ready to roll.
The A.T. passes directly through the building then immediately goes up Levelland Mountain. The whole day is perfect, cool breezes, sunshine, and clear mountain views. Problem Child and I pass one another several times throughout the day. We’d catch the other resting on a rock or snapping photos at an overlook atop a mountain.
Some mountains offer phenomenal rewards to those who summit them. I find myself sitting in awe of the grand scene. Layers of blue tinted mountains roll away into the distance. I force myself to move on.
Onward and downward. The three of us end up in the same camp area that evening. There are a lot of people camping here. Low Gap Shelter had plenty of great camping spots. I set my tent up next to the small stream. The sound of running water near my tent usually guarantees a night of sound sleep.
One of the many cool things about backpacking on major trails is that you get to meet people from all over the county. Sometimes you’ll meet a few from around the world. There are so many different people with different backgrounds and stories on big trails.
No matter our social status in our regular lives, the wilderness is the great equalizer. out here we are the same. We battle the same elements. We climb the same mountains. We freeze in the same rain. We sleep under the same stars. We drink from the same streams the rain provides.