Date: 2014-03-24
From: Springer Mountain, Georgia

To: Mount Katahdin (Baxter State Park) Maine
Miles today: 0.0

We just finished 70 miles over the past 5 1/2 days. Therefore, we are averaging around 12 1/2 miles a day. The first day we got a late start, camping somewhere nearby Hawkmount and shelter. Met lots of our fellow through hikers who we will be leapfrogging with during the course of our journey. Many of them had been on the trail already for more than one day. It was 8 miles in. The next day we camped 9 miles down the road at Gooch gap. Fairly level terrain, for the most part, not to mention decent weather for it as well. On day three, we ramped up the intensity, walking 14 miles to Neel's gap. That was our resupply point, and a great place to get any further gear adjustments that we would need. The people there were helpful, although prices were a little higher. There was a bunkhouse there, not very sanitary. Although we have been chatting with our colleagues along the Way, staying in the bunkhouse with a dozen other people give us an opportunity to hear more of their stories. Some people are hiking for various charities, and needless to say, some very interesting stories. A lot of young people, a few people our own age, and from virtually all walks of life. We bought some great food to eat along the trail, and I entertained replacing my almost worthless ultralight hiking gloves from Serius, but decided to wait until the next town. Its mainly at night and in the mornings, when it is very cold, that I annoyingly have to defrost my fingers periodically to continue with various chores cooking, setting up tent, etc. Not too many gear complaints otherwise. The OBOZ footwear (shoes) work great, and the custom-made orthotics prescribed by Dr. Weidner, although they felt funny, have worked remarkably well. I was concerned about changing from boots to shoes, but I have had not one blister on the entire journey. Love my new UL a circuit backpack, although it is taking a little getting used to without having all the extra zip or access points and pockets. That's how you save weight with these things, but it is good because it forces me to get more organized. Have some lightweight stuff sacks and dry bags with various "systems" (clothing, food, medicine, etc.). Back to the itinerary¢¦ On day four, we camped at Lowgap shelter. That morning we had met up with our friend Dmitry who we have done many miles with. He brought his dog,"frisky", a standard poodle who carried not only her own gear, but some of Dmitry's. Dmitry brought with him a friend, Troy who is a very fast and efficient hiker. Both of them were using Hammocks to sleep in. It was a great day. That had put us at 43 miles into our journey. The following day it rained in the morning, and a good part of the day we hiked in a cool fog. we hiked approximately 10 miles to Unicoi gap, where Dmitry and Troy left us in his car and we continued on another 6 miles to Tray Mountain shelter. That was last night, we looked for a campsite out of the wind, but they were all taken. So we camped right on top of the ridge line. Majestic view, although it got very cold when the sun went down. More about the people¢¦ On the second day, I was eating peanut butter and scooping it out of the jar with my plastic spork. It broke in half, and I muttered a "oh darn". One of the gentlemen nearby overheard me discussing this with Al. That evening, when we camped, he gave me a spoon that had been left at the campsite there. He found it. This is what is commonly referred to in through-hiker parlance as "trail magic". I was able to pick up a nice lightweight titanium spoon at our resupply point in Neels gap, so I was able to pay it forward, leaving the spoon at a campsite for some other unfortunate person with a cheap plastic Spork. So we just got settled in at the budget in here in town. We have showered, are finishing up washing our clothes and organizing our gear. We're going to grab some dinner and get a decent night's sleep in a regular bed. Considering a zero day tomorrow, as heavy weather is predicted, including snow. Will have to see, though. I am looking forward to Skyping with my family this evening and tomorrow. Missing them terribly. Thank you to all my friends who have written to me wishing me the best.All the best,Mike