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My shoes won’t end up in these trees! Although…
February 19
This it the day!
After a (last?) good night sleep atBlack Bear motel, Michael brought me to the traditional arch for a touching last hug…
First impression was not so exciting: cold rain falling , 604 steps to climb… but the river was majestic and powerful! I saw this guy trying to prevent a clog in the pound nearby one of the parking areas.
During the climb of the steps, rain transformed into show. That kind of sticky, fairytale snow that makes the trees take a wonderful white veil… It was perfect! Until…
Well, temperature got up, and little snowpacks got down… reaching between everything they could… not such a pleasant feeling! 😉
Rest of the climb to Springer Mountain was uneventful, rather easy and after 8.8 miles I reached the first official markers.
A few steps later I arrived at the Springer Mountain shelter for my first Appalachian night. Temperature by then had dropped precipitously and I decided to give the shelter a try.
We were 6 at the shelter that night: by the morning 4 of us decided to opt out and take a shuttle to the nearest warm place… Temperature dropped down to well under 20 (14?) that first night.
In the morning I froze my fingers just going through my routine: packing my bag and preparing breakfast. I neglected to filtrate my water since my hands were not responding. A girl named Resource and I decided to continue, even if the forecast was worse for the next night.
A little later I was out of water and realized there were no streams for a while so my spirits were down. But while I was thinking of my options, I saw a familiar image thorough the trees: it was Freshgrounds, truhiker angel extraordinaire! He made my day in providing not only water, but coffee, hot chocolate, fresh fruit, warm fire and even a charging station!
February 20
I didn’t see Resource of all day and stayed the next night near the top of the majestic Hawk Mountain.
February 21
Morning was indeed miserable. Fingers frozen and it seems I bashed my right hand somehow.
But the sun is shining and the temperature ends up being just right. Beautiful views all around.
I spent the night at Goosh shelter where we ended up filling the shelter and the camping area! I would estimate the crowd to 15 people, sand I am the only female.
February 22
Best moment of this gorgeous day? I met a new friend! I didn’t expect to meet an armadillo so much north in Georgia! I spent probably an hour looking at him foraging ( for bugs?) in the leaves. He was not afraid of me at all.
February 23
Night at the campsite was cold but again my sleeping system was appropriate and my fingers tolerated the now traditional morning routine freezing rather well.
After that very long uphill to the top of the judiciously named Blood Mountain, the view made me forget everything: shortness of breath, shoulder pain, throbbing hand…
My friend Wrongway shared with me that picture obtained by a very cool app permitting the identification of the peaks while taking the picture. I was glad to be able to see Springer and Sassafras on the ridge.
After this delightful moment came the time to get down so I would be on time for a resupply at Mountain Crossings. The descent was great, muddy but my right ankle decided to remind me of its existence… which made the decision for me to halt at the hostel for the night! Of course, first I had to order their pizza, before realizing that about 5 other of my hiker friends had done the same! We ended up chatting and eating pizza all evening, and there is still some left for breakfast!
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Comments 8
Yay, contente de te lire durant le lab meeting ce matin haha.
Bon,ça va passer sur mon compte… 😉
Great job getting through the cold! Spring is coming!
Excellent start!!!!…. The cold must be hard but you got this. Spring is right around the corner with flowers and leaves popping!!!!
I’ll keep following you! Enjoy, stay warm and be safe.
Bravo chère Brigitte! C’est passionnant de suivre tes aventures! Bises et bonne continuation!
Ah, this brings back memories. When I hiked in ’08, my first night on Springer was a fitting low of 8°. Snow everywhere. Beautiful but a touch scary. I hope your frozen beginnings lead to a grand adventure.
You got this! Hope to see again on the trail!