Day 1 on the Appalachian trail

Springer Mt. to Hawk Mountain Shelter - Mile 25 - Apr 11_th, 2018

Made it through day 1 on the AT but total with the Approach trail is 25 miles! Hiked from Springer Mt. parking lot up to the top of Springer to start from the first white blaze which called for .9 of a mile back track. My husband and I started out around 7:15 am est and with amazing timing made it to our destination early which was around 1:15 est. for a total of 9 miles exactly. I think this was our best hiking time so far and we even got to stop by an awesome waterfall for lunch! We had such a beautiful hike, there were places where it resembled the redwood forest, not be necessarily due to the trees but the way the pine needles covered the ground everywhere. We even got to cross some foot bridges, it is our tradition that when crossing a bridge there is ALWAYS a kiss on the bridge!

We finally make it to camp and I can honestly say I have never seen so many tents and hammocks go up at a shelter location such as this one, there had to be at least 50! For this night we hunker down in Joe's tent, I didn't even bother with mine, I will have plenty of time to set it up after tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be very tough emotionally and physically, I'm hoping I make it to camp early enough before sunset so I can journal my day. Talk to ya then!