Day 1 May 16 Springer Mtn to Hawk Mtn Shelter

It was a rather spur of the moment decision to take on the AT this weekend. Weather looked favorable and I had at least a week to kill. I hired The Further Shuttle to pick me up from Deep Gap Campground in North Carolina. I wanted to hike into North Carolina and Deep Gap Camp was the first shelter on the AT going north beyond the state border.

Temps were comfortable and the trail was like a clear runway for the first 3 miles. I couldn't help but briefly think I was in for a cake walk hike. Surprisingly, I ran into a few other hikers heading southbound, those being day hikers. Those hikers, being inquisitive to my intentions...how long and how far you going?

I'd been clued in on what to expect on the trail by Mary, the shuttle driver. I'd been expecting hordes of hikers but she assured me the surge of hikers going northward had already passed some time ago. She was absolutely correct. The trails were mostly vacant!

The trail was well shaded, highlighting a rich green landscape under a high canopy. The trail, with little if any rocks or roots in this section. but later in future days, were rich in abundance going further north. For now the challenge could be considered moderate. Temps remained in the upper 60's all day long. What a dream!

When I arrived at the shelter, some 7.5 miles in, I met Gaven and Garrett, 2 H.S. grads from the Atlanta area. Both had been accepted to GA universities in the Fall, but for now they were planning on taking on the first 100 miles of the AT. They had 30 days to kill, so this was it! They'd already set up their sleep systems in the shelter which housed up to 10 hikers. These shelters are all free of charge. Hikers can claim a spot in the shelter, first come first serve. Can't beat the price eh?

A bit later, Melissa and Taylor showed up at the shelter. They were a mother-daughter team from the Tampa area. They cooked their dinners and shared opening remarks of the trail with me and the 2 boys. Taylor is a Bulldog from UG. So far, I'm the only out-of-stater.

Next to arrive on the scene was a solo hiker who set up a tent beyond the shelter. Her working name was Carol, a nurse from Atlanta. She is a solo-hiker with intentions of knocking out the first 100 miles of the AT. Wildflower, her trail name, had trained hard for this trip as a cross fitter. As a nurse, I know she has the stamina and determination to achieve her goal. Carol sat at the picnic table with us and carried on several conversations at one time, bounding around from one subject to next like she probably does with patients during her workdays.

We all talked past dusk sharing small details about our personal lives but at the same time, forming some bonds. Good stuff.Read more