Indecision.

Day 3 ended up being so unexpected and started to show me why this trail is a special place.

This day presented me with a logistical dilemma that occupied my mind the previous evening and into the next morning. I had to decide whether to hike 8 miles or 17 miles. The 7-mile section between Jarrad Gap and Neels Gap was restricted for camping. Eight miles seemed too short, and 17 miles felt like too much of a push, especially considering that it included climbing Blood Mountain. The indecision weighed heavily on me.

On my second day, I was talking to a seasoned veteran of the trail. I hiked a few miles with him, just soaking in all the wisdom he was imparting. One of the things he told me that stood out to me was, “Keep saying yes.” I didn’t quite know how to apply that just yet, but it certainly came to me soon after that.

So, do I make a big push early in my journey, or do I take very conservative short days? I figured I would start the day early that morning and see how I felt.

About five miles in, there is a road crossing at Woody’s Gap, and seemingly by chance, I run into a group of familiar faces I had met the previous night at the shelter. “Chris, would you like a slack pack?” was what was offered to me unexpectedly. Slack packing was something I was familiar with, but I was unsure how it worked. Essentially, someone with a vehicle would take your heavy backpack and offer to drive it up to the next road crossing. Now, the next road crossing would mean that I was committed to pushing the full 17 miles. At first, I was unsure about the offer, and then I remembered the piece of advice from the previous day: just say yes. So, with all the indecision I was carrying, the trail ended up making the decision for me.

So, with just a small pack between the four of us (just enough food and water for the rest of the day), we all ventured onto Blood Mountain. It worked out perfectly. The 17-mile day ended up being a breeze without 40 lbs on my back, and the four of us hiked as a group the whole time. I was asked if I wanted to go in with them on splitting a cabin for that night, and again I just kept saying yes. I’m figuring out that the trail can really give me some answers if I just listen.

Once we got off the trail, we found that we were in store for some more trail magic. The trail angel that helped us slack pack was also willing to drive a couple of us into town because we came up with a plan to cook up a proper dinner. Stuffed peppers, shrimp, mushrooms, and cheesecake. It totally beats ramen noodles, which would probably have been what I had if I had not said yes back at Woody Gap. The day was perfect, and I had already made some great friends early on my trip.

I find myself sometimes paralyzed with the burden of choice, both big and small. Maybe that day was a lesson to not get bogged down with indecision and to just go with the flow.

I’m currently braked for lunch on top of Blue Mountain on mile 51. I’m looking to catch a hostel in the next couple days for a shower, laundry, and resupply.

Until next time ✌️