Wow…those storms last night were wicked. Lightning show and pounding rain. After the first storm line passed, I got out of the tent and checked the stakes and tautness. Good thing…the second line was worse. 

Ever heard of “flash to crash”?  Count after the lightning flash until you here the thunder. Every 5 seconds is about one mile. I laid there counting to see if it was getting better or worse. 

I was up at 5:45 and on the trail by 7:00. There are so many people in my bubble. Thought I’d try to get out ahead of everyone and find some space.  The weather aside, last nights camping site was less than ideal. 

I made Unicoi Gap just after noon. Yet again I was met with Trail Magic. Students from a Georgia Tech were serving burgers, snacks, and drinks. After two burgers and a Gatorade, I was pondering the pending climb. 

Then it hit me. Paved road, messed up sleeping pad…motel room!  Then a dude pulled in asking if anyone needed a ride. Boom!  Super 8 for the night. 

Two days and 16.7 miles to Dicks Creek Gap. Meeting my daughter and taking a well earned day of rest on Saturday. 

Life is good!