DAY 1: Approach Trail or Springer Mountain?
Out of the 7 hikers leaving on Tuesday, we were the only 2 to begin the trek at Amacola Falls. This meant we did the Approach Trail (an extra 9 miles). GO GIRLS!! The other 5 hikers (all boys) started at Springer Mt. We now know why...a tough, strenuous hike up and down 4 or 5 mountains.
We camped at Springer Shelter. It was a very cold 17 degrees. All was fine until we heard footsteps circling our tent. Freaky, for sure. The next morning we learned it was a guy wanting to party.
Out of the 7 hikers leaving on Tuesday, we were the only 2 to begin the trek at Amacola Falls. This meant we did the Approach Trail (an extra 9 miles). GO GIRLS!! The other 5 hikers (all boys) started at Springer Mt. We now know why...a tough, strenuous hike up and down 4 or 5 mountains.
We camped at Springer Shelter. It was a very cold 17 degrees. All was fine until we heard footsteps circling our tent. Freaky, for sure. The next morning we learned it was a guy wanting to party.
DAY 2: 15.1 mile hike to Gooch Shelter
The weather was beautiful. The trek was tough once again. However, our sore bodies and heavy packs added to the difficulty. The scenery was gorgeous, but it is hard to take it all in when you worried about falling off the mountain. Thank goodness our mom (and us) didn't know what the terrain is like or we would be even more nervous. We think the AT is making us hike up every peak in Georgia.
We spent the night with a young guy from Michigan. We agreed not to hang our bear bags because we were told the bears are hibernating. Haha...critters and other creatures are not. We didn't know mountains had pigs. What other animals snort all night long? This freaked out our shelter mate who continuously got up during the night to make sure his food was safe. Fortunately for us, and not so fortunate for our shelter mate, a mouse ran over his face. Yuck!
The weather was beautiful. The trek was tough once again. However, our sore bodies and heavy packs added to the difficulty. The scenery was gorgeous, but it is hard to take it all in when you worried about falling off the mountain. Thank goodness our mom (and us) didn't know what the terrain is like or we would be even more nervous. We think the AT is making us hike up every peak in Georgia.
We spent the night with a young guy from Michigan. We agreed not to hang our bear bags because we were told the bears are hibernating. Haha...critters and other creatures are not. We didn't know mountains had pigs. What other animals snort all night long? This freaked out our shelter mate who continuously got up during the night to make sure his food was safe. Fortunately for us, and not so fortunate for our shelter mate, a mouse ran over his face. Yuck!
DAY 3: 11 mile hike to Woods Hole
Our goal was to make it to Neels Gap, but we cut it short due to sore feet and bodies. The weather was misty all day so it was hard to see what was ahead. This slowed us down tremendously as well. We spent the night with two brothers. This is actually the third pair of brothers we have seen on the trail. Kirstin's hypothesis is that crazies run in the family. We have yet to run into any girl hikers. The brothers were hilarious and lifted our spirits. Because of their snoring and other noises, we didn't get a great night sleep. It is nice to have some company in these shelters.
Our goal was to make it to Neels Gap, but we cut it short due to sore feet and bodies. The weather was misty all day so it was hard to see what was ahead. This slowed us down tremendously as well. We spent the night with two brothers. This is actually the third pair of brothers we have seen on the trail. Kirstin's hypothesis is that crazies run in the family. We have yet to run into any girl hikers. The brothers were hilarious and lifted our spirits. Because of their snoring and other noises, we didn't get a great night sleep. It is nice to have some company in these shelters.
DAY 4: 4.5 mile hike to Neels Gap
Our first hike in pouring rain. We made it up and down Blood Mt. and decided to call it a day at Neels Gap. This isn't a town, but there is a hostel and general store. It was amazing to get out of the cold, take a warm shower, do some laundry (phew...our feet stink!), and get a warm meal.
Our next planned stop is in Franklin, NC pending all goes well. It is 75 miles from here and should take us 5 days to complete. These mountains are kickers...up...down...around...up...up...you get the point. We plan to pick up the pace once we get beyond the mountains.
Thanks for all the support and posts! We miss you and love you all.
Our first hike in pouring rain. We made it up and down Blood Mt. and decided to call it a day at Neels Gap. This isn't a town, but there is a hostel and general store. It was amazing to get out of the cold, take a warm shower, do some laundry (phew...our feet stink!), and get a warm meal.
Our next planned stop is in Franklin, NC pending all goes well. It is 75 miles from here and should take us 5 days to complete. These mountains are kickers...up...down...around...up...up...you get the point. We plan to pick up the pace once we get beyond the mountains.
Thanks for all the support and posts! We miss you and love you all.
6 comments:
1. glad there are fellow crazies on the trail... especially ones that want to party with you two!
2. we discussed this before you left... AT LEAST 13 miles a day... jk, you girls are kickin' butt.
3. mom said she got a spot alert... how come i haven't gotten any?!? i was promised one a day... it's been four days.
4. miss you. love you. can't wait for the next update!!!!
p.s. mckinley says hi. everyday she wants to peak in britt's room to see where you two are hiding, but she's not allowed too. she misses britt's bed.... a lot.
You girls are freaking amazing! Nice work and LOVE getting the updates. Keep up the good work!!!
You two are doing a fantastic job and I'm proud of you both. Keep up the posts and hopefully I will more of those spot alerts...
Take care of yourselves and stay safe and warm.
I miss you Britt
Britt & Kirstin I miss you both! I'm so proud of your hiking skills so far! I have been checking the blog just about everyday for updates! Glad to hear all is going well! Stay safe and healthy!
Love you both
Shelly
Ladies, i am so impressed and so proud of you. I feel like I miss you more than ever now that I know you are out in the woods in BFE!
I really like the daily spot checks. It makes me feel better and it's fun to track how far you've gone already. You guys are haulin' ass! A little different than trekking through Europe, huh? I feel like that was a high class vacation now!
I wish you guys health, strength, safety, warmth, and energy. Ahd lots of food. Seriously, how are you guys going to manage with boxed meals? I tell you, i couldn't do it.
I heard there are stations that you can receive care packages. if so, can you give me the addresses?
You guys are doing great, keep up the good work and know that you have a HUGE fan club behind you, rooting for you at home!
Love Katie
I love keeping up with your travels. Sounds like you are doing a great job. However, if a mouse ran over my face-I would be on the next airplane home!
Take Care
Stacey
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