Date: 2004-11-21
From: Gooch Mtn. Shelter 

To: Springer Mountain! (shelter)
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Well folks, we did it! We completed our thru-hike this afternoon at 3:30! It was a quiet summit with a section hiker named Walker. We took turns playing photographer.Slacking Leo's 3+lb. dog bone, Flounder and I head out first this morning. Let me add that Voice also carries another 3+ lb. bone for Leo.....and you think this isn't a special dog! We plan to hook up with Voice, Leo and Walker just .2 miles from the summit of Springer. The clouds break and the sky nearly clears. We got stoked and decide to go ahead and summit today. Some pretty views and as we near our final goal we try and pick out Springer. I'm not sure we ever picked it out.....something that can't happen going nobo. Quite a difference as Katahdin is in a league of it's own. Not too far down the trail we find some nice trail magic, cokes and some real delicious cheese cake. Thanks angel! About mid day and in light rain we run into Muleskinr, his wife Eva and their dog Bella. What a surprise! As you may recall, Muleskinr lives near us and was a great influence in us attempting this adventure. Muleskinr had devised a way to use his umbrella AND his trekking poles at the same time. We had heard of it and when we saw him walking toward us nobo, we knew it was him.   They are up doing a small section (as their employment permits). It was great seeing them and we chatted a bit before heading separate ways. They congratulate us (a little early). Thanks. We stop at Stover Creek Shelter 2.5 miles from the summit. It too is a dump and we are more determined to continue on to the summit. The rain eases up as we approach Springer. There is a very poorly marked section of trail just before USFS 42. We didn't see a single blaze for at least a mile. We expected more since it is the beginning of the trail for the masses (nobos).At the parking lot at the base of the summit we spot Single Track's van and go over to see if he is around. He's resting inside trying to warm up but gives us some much appreciated magic. After talking a few minutes, Walker waltzes up. He too decided to summit. So off we go with Walker. We'll see ST tomorrow as he will hike up to see everyone, especially The DF, finish. We stop at Springer Mtn. Shelter on the way up but carry everything to the summit fearing mice would eat our packs to pieces. It was only a couple of tenths anyway. The summit itself was anticlimactic but finishing was joyful. It's not that we wanted our trip to be over but realizing that we have just hiked nearly 2200 miles was a great accomplishment. The plaque denoting our completion is pathetic and disappointing. We knew Springer would be no Katahdin but this is gay. Maybe I can one day build something more substantial like the northern terminus has. As ridiculous as things are, I'm sure I would have to get permission from 20 different agencies, have an environmental impact study done and have engineered drawing/testing done! We were blessed with a nice view from the summit overlooking some cloud filled valleys and we thank the good Lord for watching over us. Finishing is a point of unrest for us also because we don't know what we are going to do when we return home. What type jobs we will get and whether we will be able to cope with the normal one week of vacation the first year. Back at the shelter(Springer Mtn), Voice and Leo show up. They will wait 'til tomorrow to summit even though it is so close (.2 miles). Since they are really "there", Voice gives Leo the bone I slacked for him....dog heaven! He laid out in the rain for hours gnawing on the thing. We wonder how Leo will take to a life off the trail. We all will have to make some big adjustments. Still, no Loot? He must be hanging with Paul and Brun....his ride back home. 14.7 miles today with just the approach trail ahead of us.   It will be awesome to see a bunch of people finish tomorrow and to take part in the planned party. We hope the weather improves.