Mon Mar 31, 2014 @ 17:00

Day 1 - Springer Mountain Summit to Hawk Mountain Shelter

8.1 trail miles, plus .9 miles from USFS 42 Big Stamp Gap to Springer Mountain Summit for official start of trail.

Clear skies. Sunny day.

A bit of an anxious drive up to Big Stamp Gap on USFS 42, road conditions a little nerve wracking. Parked and hiked in the .9 miles to the Springer summit monument with the Powell family, our hosts in Georgia and ride to the trail head. At 2pm we were back at Big Stamp Gap, donned our backpacks stored in the Powell vehicles. On our own now.

Beautiful trail along Stover Creek.

Arrived at Hawk Mountain Shelter at 6:30. Tenacious Bling and Otter sore, Padawan no complaints. Shelter campground full of people ~ 30? No time to chat or really chill, too busy figuring out camp routines.

I felt good going to bed, feet tired. It was a very good first day all things considered.