Friday, April 12

Waiting one day to start the trail was a very good decision. The storm came during the night and we heard from several hikers of a sleepless night with all the lightening, wind and rain. By Friday morning it was over and we were picked up at 7am by Ron the shuttle man who took us first to Amicolola Falls State Park (where he works) to pick up another hiker. He gave us the 5 minute tour of the park so we did see the falls, the highest falls west of the Mississippi. Then it was on to Springer Mt.


It's 0.8 mile south from the parking lot to the actual beginning of the trail where there is one of three AT placques and the sign in register. Still a bit foggy but soon the sun shone through and the rest of the day was perfect for starting a trail. There are a variety of wildflowers starting to bloom including yellow, purple and white violets, May apples and other yet unidentified ones. Where are my botany friends when I need them?!

Lunch at Hawk Mt. shelter produced our first trail magic, a large package of tuna some hiker had likely left to save weight, which we enjoyed on our crackers. Trail magic is usually left by locals who like to treat hikers to a surprise - sometimes they are there to give it and other times you just find it.

April 13 - 15

Friday night and Saturday morning were extremely windy but again sunny and good hiking. Blood Mountain was the high point today and the highest point on the AT in Georgia at 4461'. At the top is a shelter built by the CCC and we were lucky to have a beautifully clear vista. It is named for a Creek/Cherokee battle which happened at appropriately named Slaughter Gap.

Neel Gap is a hostel and resupply store right on the trail where everyone stops at least briefly. This was CCC built in 1937 and is at the bottom of Blood Mt.

This night's camp came with great trail magic. A small cooler was hanging up in a tree, like you'd tie up food for bear, and when it we lowered it, it was full of Snickers and Little Debbie snacks!

Sunday was a day of changing weather. We hiked into a nice sunrise at 7am but by late afternoon it was foggy and raining lightly. The trail was good and easy hiking most the day so we made 20 miles much to my surprise and pulled into Tray Mountain Shelter shortly after 5pm. Packed up wet tent, etc and got our early Monday into Hiawassee and into a lovely sunny day. 

I am thoroughly enjoying this hike so far...and really looking forward to dinner in town tonight!