I’m on the Trail: Springer to Woody Gap

At noon on Saturday, March 3, I left my wife and mother with a teary goodbye. Nobody really wanted to leave but this hike wasn’t going to hike itself.

So off I went on my trek back to my northern home. My first day I made it eight miles to Hawk Mountain. A surprise for me. I camped that night by the river with three firemen out on a weekend excursion. Although I thought I felt OK my legs did nothing but cramp with every movement in my hammock. But I made it.

Hawk to Justus

The second day was certainly an ass-kicker through Horse Gap and on to Sassafras; I can honestly say Sassafras kicked my ass. By the time I was down the other side my legs were spent but I still had to move along. My choices were going to be Justus Creek or Gooch Gap shelter. With 1.5 miles between them I was happy to get to the creek.

Once there I set up my hammock, and did my video blog for my sponsor, Black Dog Surplus. HavingĀ  pizza for dinner while on the trail was certainly a small treat.

Justus to Woody Gap

So day three and I just wanted to do a small day just because my brand new legs were getting beat hard. So I figured six miles would be fine. The trail to Woody Gap is easy enough with the exception of Ramshorn, which really isn’t that bad. It was more like you get into a rhythm and then hit a short, steep climb. After Ramshorn, however, there were spots on the trail that were no more than a foot wide, a couple of spots looked like fresh washouts, and there were a lot of downed trees due to recent storms.

So I made it safe to Woody Gap and called a Wolf’s Den hostel, which has just opened in Suches. They told me the price would be $50 per night with a shower. The other older man I was hiking with suggested a hotel in Sahlonega, so here I am at the Mountain Inn with a split price for the room being $37; way better than Suches.

Tomorrow I will head toward Blood Mountain, with a short stay at Lance campsite before I go over Blood Mountain. And on to Neels Gap. For those who are watching me day three and no trail name yet.

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Comments 2

  • Glenn : Mar 5th

    Awesome !!!!! Love reading your blogs and you tube videos for black dog. Hope your knees hold up. Enjoy your time!!!!! Love the peaceful surroundings. God Bless.

    Reply
  • Dogwood : Mar 7th

    If you like trail pizza you’re going to like Partnership Shelter. They deliver here.

    Reply

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