Date: 2015-11-04
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Springer Mountain and then to Amiacola Falls Visit
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 144 11/04/15From Hawk Mountain Shelter to Springer Mountain and then to Amiacola Falls Visitor Center for 16.9 milesWell I was very anxious to start my last day on the trail so I was up before dawn. It also could have been because the Australian guy in the shelter was snoring and talking in his sleep most of the night. My plan was to pack up in the dark and head out at sunrise which I did. Before I departed Ishba had woken up and was preparing his breakfast. The weather was fitting for my last day of hiking,it was foggy and drizzly like it had seemed it had been for the past month. However I didn't care because I would be done today. The night before we were talking about lasts, the last time to hag a bear bag, the last time to filter water, the last time to cook on my alcohol stove, the last time to use the privy, and the last day to get up and hike in the rain. The first 7 miles to the Springer fire road went quickly I passed a few hikers along the way and when asked I told them I was doing fantastic because I was almost done which often prompted more conversation and often a heart felt congratulations for completing the hike. The last mile I have to say was by far the best k owing that my journey would be done and I would be able to go home soon. It was almost like I floated to the summit. When I arrived I was greeted by Grouse's mother and girlfriend, who were waiting for Grouse, Ishba, and Robyn to complete. After thanking God for allowing me to complete my journey unscathed I commenced taking pictures with the assistance of Grouse's mom. I took all the standard end of a hike pictures and then took one of me throwing a bunch of colorful leaves in the air. This was to symbolize me releasing all the premature congratulation that I had received for strangers as far away as cljngmans dome. It was very special to me because I had told all of these well wishers that I was very thankful and appreciative for their congratulations but that I need to save them until I completed the journey before I could enjoy them and that is exactly what I was doing at this point. I signed in, in the log book that was hidden in the rock behind the plaque, thanking all of the people that I had talked to or hiked with along my journey and wishing them all Godspeed with any future journeys that they embark on in life. I probably could have waited for Ishba, Grouse, and Robyn to finish but that was there group and it was more fitting that I finished on my own as I had done most of the trail on my own. When the celebration was done I headed down the approach trail even though Grouse's mom had offered to give me a ride. The eight miles on the approach trail went quickly and was like a victory lap for me. Everyone I met congratulated me as I told them I was doing fantastic. I am glad that I hiked the approach trail as I got to take pictures of the falls and me under the arch at the visitor center. The girls that worked in the visitor center were very nice to me even giving me $0.50 and a penny to make a flattened hiker penny. I attempted to call the lodge at Amiacola but Ken who answered the phone was so rude I hung up on him. I then called the Hiker Hostel and got shuttled to Dahlongea where I stayed the night. BLT is flying in to pick me up tomorrow. I met up with Mountain Goat who was still at the hostel and will also be leaving tomorrow. I will follow this post up with an epilogue and my list of final equipment for anyone who has questions. I wanted to again thank all the well wishers and people that have supported me along this incredible journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I couldn't have done it without you all.