Date: 2006-03-30
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

There is controversy about which way to approach the start at Springer Mountain. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy does not have a position which trail you take to get to there because the official start of the southern termius is on top of Springer marked by a bronze plaque.It appears that at least half starting out will do what is called the "approach trail" which is an 8.8 mile hike up a fairly steep mountain. Some folks feel that it is a traditional or the "official" approach to the trail head.People signed in at the Visitors Center and weighed their backpacks. It is unbelieveable just how much people will carry. The log showed anywhere from 20 to 72 pounds. I did meet the hiker with the 72 pound pack. It took him 5 days to do a 3 day hike. His pack contained mostly camera equipment. He got off the trail and returned home to rethink his pack and will attempt another thru hike at a later date. Since you will be carrying this pack for up to 6 months, you'll obviously want it as light as possible.There were TV channels at the beginning of the approach trail interviewing hikers why they were doing the 8.8 mile trail versus the trail from the parking lot about .9 mile from Springer Mountain. You did have to back track the 1 mile. Interestingly enough, quite a few hikers did not realize that there was another trail to take to Springer Mountain.Mike from Pennsylvania and I chose the .9 mile hike hike. Joshua and Leigh will take you to either starting location. Mike from Pennsylvania just returned from Iraq and was planning to hike only half the trail before starting a new job. After discussing that he actually may have time to complete the trail he was going to play it by ear.The top of Spring Mountain was uneventful...we expected at least a band to be playing for our send off. We signed the register, took pictures and started our adventure.I bought a digital camera right before I left...as soon as I figure out how to use this thing will start posting some very amateur pictures.Within the first mile, I met Gale (Partner) and George (Stand By Me), a retired couple from Indiana, who where on their way up to Springer Mountain.The first day was a fairly easy hike as far as terrain is concerned. A few buds are sprouting...surely a good sign of things to come. I believe everyone was hiking on adrenaline from all the excitement. I guess you could say it was the honeymoon period of the hike.The first night at Hawk Mtn Shelter was full of discussion on how much everyone's pack weighed, cutting pounds, and what hikers are eating. There was one hiker (Uncle Art) that made most of his hiking equipment including his pack. At the other end of the spectrum, (Stand By Me and Partner) had the lastest and greatest in hiking technology. It appeared that everyone fell into one of two categories....retired or just out of college. I, of course, fell into the former category.Also, a happy birthday to my dad, Miles Voight. You are missed. I picked this day to begin my hike to commemorate you. All of the strength, courage, and patience I will need over the next few months was learned from watching you.