Date: 2008-04-02
From: Hello Amicola

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter.
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: few clouds

The sun was fading behind the mountains, so I decided to pitch my tent upon arriving at the Black Gap Shelter. These shelters are usually a 3-sided wooden and/or log structure resembling a shed. They are dotted along the Trail many miles apart. I was now only 1.5 miles from Springer. I will start the AT fresh tomorrow. There are 7 people here at the shelter. First there's "Bravefoot" an 06 thru-hiker back out experiencing the trail again. Next are Max & Steph. They are bro & sis out for a 1 month section. The other 4, "Chipmonk" & The New Hampshire Boys Jack, Corey & Taylor would end up making it all the way. We would leapfrog all the way to Katahdin.These were the first friendships made. We all shared the same vision but came from different ways of life.It was great conversation in which we all shared the excitement of being here.As I now lay in my tent the past months of events re-played fast forward in my head until this moment. Closure of the past, it is time to proceed forward.During the night it rained. Despite it's pounding I slept very well. Packing up my wet gear and eating breakfast was a blur. Before I knew it I was standing on Springer Mountain. I was greeted by the famous AT volunteer Roger Dunton, better known as "Many Sleeps" There I was standing next to the plaque and the First Blaze. I was given the number #510. ( at Amicalola was #523 ). We took pictures. I forgot to sign the register. I can't even begin to describe how incredible I was feeling inside? Many Sleeps had a sign at his tent which read "If you're lucky enough to be hiking the AT then you're lucky enough". Without a doubt, I thought to myself. Now taking my first steps on the AT, I made my way along the mountain path and through the woods. Eventually coming down from Springer and before the next climb, I encountered my first "trail magic." A former thru-hiker whose trail name was "Mountain Squid" was offering juice and treats. Thanks buddy, this trip is getting better and better. Trail Magic by the way, is many forms of kindness from someone that is provided to hikers. It can be food, drink, shelter, shuttles you name it. What is amazing is why people do this. Complete strangers, who give as if you were the closest of family. Often you never meet the person that left a magically welcomed treat when you seemed to need it the most. During the next 7.8 miles to Hawk Mountain Shelter, I just took in all that I could. Along the way I met Pat from Michigan, soon to be passed by his friend Joe. We ended up hiking together and became amazing friends.Arriving at Hawk Mountain shelter was like a circus. I would learn that shelters were usually a rendezvous point or destination for hikers to shoot for each day. There was no less than 30 people and probably more. Tents of every color and shape covered the entire area. I strung a line to dry my wet gear. Afterward I just sat back enjoying being here and being entertained from the comedy. Watching people unfamiliar with some of their gear, trying to figure out how something works or how to put it together is better than TV.I met a few more people. I decided to sleep in the shelter as tent space was slim pickins. Once I settled in, and zipped up my bag, a mouse came out of no where and ran across my face. It would scurry across my bag several times before I went to sleep. On one occassion I could feel it on my lower leg and launched it through the air to the other side of the shelter. I'm not sure who it hit? Ooops! As it would turn out, only a handful of people here tonight would actually finish in the months to come. For some, they had already had enough. They were packing it in and going back home after only 1 day. Most of the others would be gone before the end of the month. Sad, I can't imagine this? Good luck to you all. During the night a company of Army Rangers were skirting through the area conducting training. Although, quiet and wearing night vision goggles it briefly interupted an otherwise peaceful night. That explained the buzzing activity of Blackhawk helicopters I heard during the day?- Papa Sarge ...