We spent our first night on the AT in the first shelter on the Approach trail right behind the AFSP visitor center. We were surprised to be camping with only one other couple. Where was everyone? Wasn't April 1 supposed to be the busiest day for starting? Well when we woke.in the morning to buy our parking pass we found several hikers arriving by shuttles and hitched rides. Not too many. It seems like the majority of hikers are starting out at the Springer mountain parking lot. Thats a mistake in my opinion. The falls were amazing! The approach trail is a great strainer too. It is way more difficult then the first day of hiking from Springer and a great way to really understand what you are getting into.
Our first day was only 7.3 miles to black gap shelter. We got there by 230! But in order to make sure we get out trail legs in shape along with our joints and feet, we called it a day and relaxed in the sun. It feels like we could go 15 miles a day but it's our first days. Stress injuries don't care if you feel great. They sneak up on you. So we are trying to stay disciplined and keeping our mileage low this first few weeks.
The sun went away and a cold front blew in overnighter . Right when I was feeling like a fool for bringing warm gear. We woke up and tackled Springer Mountain in the early morning fog. It wasn't morning fog. It's been all day fog and the trees collect it to create large "rain drops."
We sjmmitted Springer took some pics at the plaque and stepped on the first white blaze of the AT!
I'm not sure exactly how it came up, but I have decided to take on an alter ego within the pages of the log books located at shelters along the trail. My alter ego is Jedediah, the leader of a wagon train on the Oregon Trail. Many of our party are expected to parish of typhoid and gangrene as our wagon train drives to Katahdin. It makes no sense but it should be fun.
Becca Loo is already getting a lot of positive feedback on the no hands umbrella system.
We were supposed to stop hiking a mile ago but the Hawk Mtn shelter was already full by 1pm and the tent sites were muddy. Plus while becca was sitting on the lower deck a brand new OPEN knife fell off the top bunk but luckily it was the handle end that hit her leg. We hiked on and just set up camp around mile 9 and installed a laundry line inside our tent.
No trail names yet.
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