Date: 2015-03-20
From: Springer Mt/Hike Inn

To: Neel Gap/Mountain Crossing
Miles today: 31.7
Weather: light rain

After a wonderful breakfast, a nice hot shower, and another attempt to lighten my pack weight, it was time to go. It was hard saying goodbye to my spouse. Neither of us made it a sloppy goodbye, which was good. It was hard enough as it was. Down the mountain went my spouse, into the foggy mist.I headed up the mountain into the same foggy mist. Fortunately it was only fog and not rain. It was strange being all alone for the first time in the woods and realizing I am REALLY going to do this. I am REALLY hiking all the way to Maine.The trail was not too bad, but noticeably different when I reached the actual AT approach trail. I saw some trash, but nothing like I expected. The trail maintainers are doing an excellent job. They are wonderful dedicated folks who deserve a sincere thank you whenever you run across them on the trail.I made it to Springer, signed the log, took pictures, and headed to the Springer Mountain Shelter. I wanted to set up camp with plenty of daylight and take it easy the first day. For dinner I had a delicious turkey sandwich from the lunch I ordered from the Hike Inn. I slept very well all cozy in my little tent.I slept later than expected. Got camp packed up and hit the trail. I met a Ridge Runner and her little dog just as I was leaving. It was a BEAUTIFUL day to hike. Lots of day hikers and thru hikers on the trail. I stopped on a side trail to see Long Creek Falls. I remembered it is the JOURNEY not the destination. Plus it was only .1 miles off the AT.Easily made it to Hawk Mtn. shelter. The place was full of colorful tents everywhere. Early hot bag dinner and straight to bed. It is weird getting ready for bed before dark, but makes it easy and gives me plenty of sleep.Today was a VERY tough day. It started out nice, but turned to rain, then got cold. It seemed to take forever to get to Gooch Mnt. shelter. It was very full, and the ground was on a slope. The Ridge Runner there was very nice. He encouraged everyone to change out of their wet clothes and eat something hot.He also told us about the bear canister requirement between Lance Creek and Neel Gap. I do not think this was mentioned in the AT Thru Hiker Companion.   Everyone seems to be using AWOL's guide.I was soaking wet, cold, tired, and hungry when I made it to the shelter. Between rain storms I put my tent up. Then fixed a hot meal before going to bed. Although I changed out of my wet clothes, I still had a hard time getting warm because my hair was so wet. I ended up putting on a smart wool baclava under my wool hat, and I finally warmed up and slept well, at least as well as could be expected on a slope.The next morning there was no rain, but everything was wet. Fortunately most of the stuff in my tent stayed dry. But with no way to dry anything, it all got packed wet, adding MORE weight to my already too heavy pack which I have named the "Blue Beast".We were promised trail magic in the way of breakfast at Gooch Gap. So I skipped breakfast. A trail angled called Miss Janet left some goodies for passing hikers. While I ate, I layed out my wet gear to dry. It was a beautiful day to hike."Two Hours" and his wife, Roxanne, invited me to join them in a shuttle to Blood Mountain Cabins at Neel Gap and slack pack the next day. Great idea!! Sam the shuttle driver picked us up at Woody Gap. While we waited for Sam we enjoyed more trail magic courtesy of a woman starting a drop box business. Sam is a very nice southern man who kept us entertained all the way to Neel Gap. It is clear that Sam has had a very hard life.The folks at Blood Mountain Cabins could not be nicer. For $60 (split 3 ways) we got a cabin plus they did our laundry!! The couple took the bedroom and I took the loft. We layed out our gear and clothes to dry all over the cabin. It looked like an REI garage sale!!We went to Mountain Crossing and shopped. I bought the AWOL guide, a hat that dries, and a dry bag. Frozen pizza for dinner and I was off to an early bedtime.We were picked up by Sam at 8:30 and taken back to Woody Gap. It was a spectacular day to hike. And slack packing made it all the better. We had a few climbs before Blood Mtn., but for the most part the trail tread was wonderful and we made good time. We saw section, day, and thru hikers. We also saw a trail maintainer and 2 women on beautiful horses (they were not on the trail).I reached Blood Mtn summit about 2. I took pictures and signed the log. But most of all, I enjoyed the view. I was soooo glad I slack packed. I easily made it back to Neel Gap. I had lots of energy left and could have gone another 3 to 5 miles.31.7 miles done!!! Rumor has it that about 20% of thru hikers quit at this point. Not me. Time to hit the trail. The AT is calling, and I must move on.