Appalachian Trail Day 2 - Springer Shelter to Hawk Mountain Shelter (Mile 0 to 8.1)

SPRINGER MOUNTAIN! We are at SPRINGER freaking mountain! The Start of the Appalachian Trail! 

Let me say first we are thrilled beyond belief to be here,  however the outdoor camping experience last night was less than ideal. Lightening, thunder, and wind-driven rain so hard that water splashes a foot up against the down quilt under the hammock.

Last night I was up almost every hour until 3:30 am. Then I passed out 2 whole hours. Nobody up at 5:30 am. Back to sleep. 6:30 am - Penny is up but she takes an hour longer than me to pack up. Back to sleep. 7:30 am, everyone else is up and I'm the last one out of bed! Everyone was sluggish and slow to start, probably because of the stormy weather until the wee hours. The only dry items in my camp are my clothes I wore to bed and my top quilt. 

But we are elated! We have officially started the Appalachian Trail! We are AT Backpackers! The elements tested us and we are worthy!! Time for coffee!! 

But first, we must pee in the trees where the other campers won't see us, filter water from a stream that is little more than a mud-soaked trickle, put on yesterday's wet and very cold hiking clothes, and break camp. All of this takes about an hour. 

We enjoy a casual breakfast and coffee at the shelter. The fire was revived for a brief bit of collegial sharing of the previous night. Some campers slept like logs, oblivious of Mother Nature's wrath, while some, like myself, reveled in awe at the fact a person can sleep outside on a mountaintop in a sub-tropical deluge with nothing more that some nylon and some very expensive down managing to keep us alive. Two braver souls chose the option of a firm roof over their heads in the shelter proper. They remained dry and somewhat less concerned of the lightening and wind, but they told stories of mice scuttling about their person in the night! I am not sure if I was jealous or grossed out. 

We left the shelter at 9:30, which is late this time of the year. Hiking in the fall means more time in camp due to the shorter days, but also means fewer daylight hours to hike. We must take advantage of the sunlight to make some miles. I'm okay with night hiking, even relishing the idea on occassion, especially when we have no great views.  Penny, on the other hand, prefers to be in camp before dusk so she can have her hammock set up. But I digress..

Parting from camp is both happy and sad. We made some friends we will never see again, but a few we will meet up with further on the trail.  Some we see multiple times per day, hopscotching as one or the other stops to refill our water, take a snack, or other necessary rest stop. 

The morning is cool and the clouds slowly part to offer the promise of a sunny day. We cross a stream multiple times, first on rocks, then on a log "bridge," then a real bridge almost choked by rhododendron.

One of many Stover Creek Crossings

Today is a low mileage day as we build up our "trail legs." Only 8 miles, so lots of breaks planned. Our first break is at Three Forks. A pleasant junction of Stover and Chester Creek. I am unaware of the name of the third creek. Moreover, there are so many little creeks, were it Ten Forks I wouldn't be surprised. 

The sun is shining on a little picnic glade between the bridge and the road. We spread our wet gear out to dry while we filter water and snack on nut bars. Other hikers join us or pass us. I could stay right here for the rest of the day, but the trail calls...

Five more miles to Hawk Shelter. Gorgeous, but arduous because of the elevation change and the weight of our packs. 

We spread out our wet clothes, hopeful they dry a little more before we have to redress for hiking in the morning. Mountain House dinner (just add water!) in front of the fire with about 15 other packers in and around the shelter. 

Today we hiked 8.1 miles with 1145 feet elevation gain. 

The view from the Hammock