Springer Mountain

Details of first day on the trail, March 29, 2024.

Hiked down to the visitor center with a younger hiker I met last night at dinner. I watched him down four Heinekens the night before starting the trail, which I thought was pretty bold. We got oriented by the trail volunteer, picked up our hangtags, and hiked back up to the lodge for breakfast.

My last breakfast was waffles, strawberries and cream, and a plate of bacon, and it carried me through most of the hiking day. Young friend had to postpone his trip by a day due to a shipping delay, so I started walking alone at 11:00.

There are feels that you don't feel until you're on the approach trail to Springer. When people say "good luck" or "have a nice hike", it hits different at mile -6 out of 2,197. I let out some happy chuckles, sang to myself, and kept going.

Made it to the first shelter in the afternoon. Picked up some water from a beautiful mountain spring, took a leak behind the privy, had some snacks, wrote some of this story, and continued on without touching anything.

Reached the southern terminus and met some more hikers. Continued on to the Springer shelter after photos and signing the book.

Did my firsts of the trip: first camp made, first campfire built, first meal rehydrated, first cathole filled (and I only got a little bit lost in the dark). Most people kept to themselves tonight, but I did meet hikers from Finland and Germany and a very friendly ridge runner who made sure I put out the fire before going to bed. Never skip an opportunity to ask a ridge runner questions.

Glad I brought earplugs for sleeping. The sawmill next door is operating as I write this.

Broke it all down and started again in the morning.