Date: 2018-12-07
From: Gooch Gap

To: Springer Mt, Southern terminus
Miles today: 17.1

It's a big day today. 17.1 miles from Gooch Gap to Springer Mt summit and the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. I'm trying not to be emotional about it because it's not the end of my hike , but I can't help it it's emotional. I turned my alarm off and got up and dressed then packed my backpack which I carried today. I went over to the lobby and said good morning to Wildlife's Mom who was headed out to meet her at the summit. It was raining lightly and I hoped it was just a passing shower. Lauren wasn't there at 7:30 but arrived shortly after and I had some cereal and yogurt before Splitter arrived to bring me back to the trailhead. I put my pack and poles behind the front seat of Splitter's pick up truck and hopped into the passenger seat. Along the 25 minute ride we chatted about the trail which he thru hiked in 2016 at age 54. He seamed surprised to hear that I'd be summiting today and I thought about that for a couple of hours early in my hike. I had no real big challenges today the trail skirts Justus, Sassafras and Hawk mountains and while there were ups and downs there was also plenty of smooth and wide trail with gentle grade. Once I reached the parking area at 3 Forks the trail meandered thru rhododendron forest and along a river and I walked gently up grade for the next 4 miles to the summit. I was tired and emotional a couple of miles before reaching the top. Exchanging a couple of text messages with Brian we both cried. I'm going to summit alone which is not how we planned it but it's just how it has worked out. River, Galaxy and Songbird summited on Wednesday and WE left for her mother's funeral. Brian would have been here if this was the end of my hike but he's my biggest fan, home cheering me on. Someone asked me a few days ago what my husband thinks of me and I answered without pause or question. " He thinks I'm amazing". He does and he lets me know. I reached the summit alone, no one was around the markers but there were 2 men who'd set up camp under the no camping sign. I cried when I looked at the plaque and took a few minutes for myself before taking pictures and texting Brian. I wrote in the trail journal "quiet your mind, soak it all in, it's a game you can win, enjoy the climbs". My favorite song on trail has been "enjoy the ride" by Zach Brown Band and this is how I sometimes sing/change the lyrics in my head. Then I sat down and took out my stove and made a hot cocoa, adding a shot of butterscotch schnapps which I'd saved for this occasion. I made a video for WE toasting to her with my drink and sent it off. I texted with my sister Caitie who was on her way to the parking lot a mile back to pick me up. I packed up and hiked back the mile and waited for her in the parking lot. Just as I settled down to wait 4 men on a day hike came up the trail nobo and we talked for about 15 minutes. They had lots of questions about my hike, commented on the horrifically hungry and brazen mice in the shelter near the summit and I gave them my fuel canister because I can't take it on a plane with me. At 5:30 Caitie arrived just as they were loading up their packs and getting into their trucks to leave. I hugged Catie tight and said goodbye to the men as we drove away. It seemed like a long 2 hours back to Catie's house, mostly because of the bumpy, narrow and winding dirt forest service road. When we arrived at her home the pot roast in the crock pot smelled so comforting and delicious. We ate and I showered and before long I was nestled into the queen size inflatable mattress that was ready for me with sheets, blanket and perfect pillow. No doubt I'll sleep well here. I'm so happy to be able spend some time with my sister and I'm looking forward to talking her to breakfast tomorrow! Then I have to look at the weather seriously and either get myself to VA or home if there's too much snow in the mountains.