AT02 From Springer to Neel Gap – Trail Magic all the Way

March 5 – 15.5 miles

I woke up at Springer Mountain Shelter in the fog. My friend Dreamer and I packed our stuff and started walking to the trailhead.

There, we met his wife Jen who makes French Toasts and coffee for us and a couple of other hikers.

Trail magic and 2020 hikers reunion

Our friend Sparkles was here too and I hung out with them for a little while.

9am, time to hike ! I’m happy to be on the trail and I’m walking fast. I reached Gooch Mountain shelter by 4pm and it is packed !

The shelter is more than full, and there is no tent spot left. I managed to squeeze between a tent and the path.

At dinner, I chatted with a few hikers, but I quickly got tired and I was in bed at 6.30. I crashed soon after.

Later that night I woke up and I could hear the rain pouring. I crossed my fingers for it to stop before the morning.

March 6 – 15.6 miles

It’s been pouring rain all night.

My tent fly is soaked, and there is condensation on my quilt and under my mattress. Everything is damp, but it could have been worse…

A bit of oatmeal, an instant cappuccino and a lot of talking later, it was time to go again.

As I reached Gooch Gap, I heard someone calling “Hey ! Are you Pixie ?”

I turned around and saw Stan The Man, a friend’s friend. Him and Monarch offered to take my pack to Woody Gap and give it to my friend Dreamer who is doing trail magic and waiting for me there.

Without a pack I’m zooming !

I arrived at Woody Gap and enjoyed everyone’s company. I ate pancakes and drunk hot coffee.

Stan, Dreamer and Monarch. My trail angles of the day

Dreamer offered to take my pack to Neel Gap, so I just left the heavy stuff in their van and carried just enough water and snacks to go across Blood Mountain.

I love that part of the trail, even in the rain and fog.

Dreamer and Jen picked me up at Neel Gap and took me to the Vogel State Park where I could shower and do some laundry. It felt good !

Some soup and Hotdogs later, it was time to sleep.