Date: 2008-04-10
From: Springer Mountain, Georgia

To: Cloud 9 Hostel
Miles today: 67.5

Havent been able to update toomuch lately so Ill do it in spurts. im at Cloud 9 hostel near Hiawassee, Georgia, Having an awesome time despite the rain and fog. We have been wet most of the time. Met some great people in the past few weeks. Most of you may not know but I did go play in the Smokies for a week prior to my start at Springer. I got to hook up with some NOBO's and get some good ideas on how to cut weight. I hiked with Banjo and Snappy past Newfound Gap and the weather broke so it was good. Having an awesome time out here. Some of teh views were a let down because of the weather but that is part of it. Should pass into NC today or tommorow. Cant wait to get to Franklin and meet Ron Haven. Ill be able to update more later. Im trying to get pics up but not making any promises. Hope everyone is well. Ill elaborate on my adventures more when I get time. Happy Trails all!!Ok so now I have time to do this. I hiked in the Smokies last week about 122 miles to prep for my hike. I got a ride from Banjo to Springer. the weather slowly turned worse as we got closer to Ga. I walked up Springer to the sign in fog and rain with 4 guys from Michigan. We saw Mountain Squid in teh lot checking for hikers. We hauled ass to the first shelter where I met Aboman. We started again in teh rain and pushed to complete 7.8 miles to the next shelter. As I got closer, I had moved past the guys and walked up on a man in a heavy downpour. I asked him his name and if he was ok. He said he was in bad shape. I told him the shelter was just ahead about a mile or 2. I kept walking and started thinking about how he looked. I saw some blue in his lips and pale skin. I decided I would run til I got to the shelter and get my emergency blanket and first aiud and go back for him. I got to the shelter and toild the other hikers what was going on. I ran back to the guy and told him my name and told him i was there to help. I took his pack, which was ridiculously heavy and walked him back. The other hjikers from the shelter had walked out to help also. Thanks guys. We got him there and he weaseled himself in between 2 hikers pads and fell asleep. I was left to tent in the rain. I woke up the next am in rain, a little wet and packed up and left. The guy told me he was getting off trail, but have learned he is still out even though he has no buisiness out here. He is ill prepared and doesnt have the proper gear. I heard he had to be carried off of KAtahdin last year after starting a SOBO. Anyway, I hiked in rain all day and made in 10 miles to Gooch Mtn Shelter and got a spot early. I met some other Thru whom i named Boone. We were going about the same pace so we teamed up for the day. We met some kids from Marietta and they gave us weather reports. The rain lifted the next day and I sat on Cedar Mtn and dried out. The rest of the day was incredible with views and the climb up Blood Mtn. I tented on top and woke up to another wet tent. i was frustrated that I had water. I packed it up and headed to Neel's Gap. Dried out, showered and got some supplies and headed out. The weather broke and had some awesome views on Crowrock Mtn. Got to Low Gap and felt great. My group was all there. I woke up early the next morning in heavy fog and walked up Blue Mtn and on to Rocky Mtn in fog again. No views all day. Got to Addis Gap and did the hellish climb up Kellies Knob. Got to Th next gap and had some trail magic with Peanut and met Roots and Little Steps. Made it to the top of Tray Mtn with sunshine and a haze. Camped up top and hiked out with little energy. Made it to Dicks Creek Gap and got a ride to Cloud 9 where I am now. I need a zero since I hadnt had one in 16 days since before my trip through the SMokies. Im rested and nourished and ready to hit Franklin. I met some great people- Thor, Boone, Ohio Crew (no names yet), Mudslide and his dog gypsy, Bourbon, Colby. Good group headin NOBO tommorow. Next stop, Franklin, NC and Haven's Budget Inn. Happy Hiking!Colonel Chaco