We're having a blast so far. Just wanted to give a quick update about our last couple of days. Thanks to all for the well wishes, words of encouragement, and prayers.
Day 1
Springer Mountain to Hawk Mountain Shelter - 8.1 miles
Last night we stayed at Amicalola lodge with Mom and Dad. Woke up around 7 and took long hot showers before hitting the trail. Mom and Dad drove us to Big Stamp Gap where we would back track to Springer. Mom and Dad chose to hike the .9 miles up to Springer with us. Once on Springer Mountain, we met several thru hikers including Monkey and Irish Charm who are here for their third consecutive thru hike. We also met a few section hikers on spring break.
After saying our goodbyes we were finally off at about noon. All of the nervousness was all of the sudden gone and I felt great. After about an hour we met back up with Monkey and Irish (and Bella the dog) and hiked with them most of the day. A couple of day hikers pointed us in the direction on a nice waterfall. Later in the afternoon we took off on our own.
We arrived at the shelter at about 4:30. There were already about 20 hikers here. We set up camp, ate, socialized for a while and by 6:30 we were in our tent. I believe rain is forecasted for tomorrow and/or tonight. I hope we stay relatively dry. Today was awesome, I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Day 2 Hawk Mountain Shelter to Gooch Gap - 9.1 miles
Today was rainy from the start. We didn't sleep well, but we never do our first night out. It rained on and off all day starting just before we got out of bed. We took our time leaving camp, we were the second to last ones out leaving at 9:00. We hiked by ourselves the first 2 hours passing a few hikers and eventually met up with Monkey and Irish. We ate lunch with several thrus.
We we unsure how far to go today. Our original plan had us stopping here after only 9.1 but we wanted to hike further. As we sat trying to decide whether to continue on for what would be either 4 or 6 miles possibly getting there at dark our decision was made for us when it began pouring rain. We quickly set up our tents and took cover. It rained for nearly 2 hours and the wind felt like it would blow our tent away.
When the rain stopped we went over to a large fire started by a camper nearby. We were able to dry all of our wet clothing and had great conversation with the other hikers. What started as a crappy evening turned awesome by a trail magic fire. Right now it's very windy, more rain and possible snow is predicted for tonight. We're hoping to make it at least to Neels Gap tomorrow. Well see.
Thanks for reading.
Chris
You're off on your great adventure, Congratulations! You are already making good decisions, even though you only did 9miles and wanted to do more; you judged daylight and decided to hold up, and it worked out for you. Trust your gut and don't push too hard the first week, you'll have plenty of time to do that when your body is accustom to the pace. You're feet are going to start screaming at you saying "Hey, what the front door are you doing to me, what have I ever done to you to deserve this!!!!!!" By the way don't spare the Moleskin, apply early and apply often. Best to you. I look forward to following your hike.
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