Springer Mountain

Amee & I at the summit of Springer. We decided to hike to the top today, so Amee could leave first thing in the morning to get back to IN. The trail was a river of water from rain this morning. The view from the top was breath taking! Signed the register & took some pics. Me at the 1st white blaze and plaque. Amee is glad she isnt hiking the trail! lol I on the other hand can't wait! Will enjoy this last night of comfort.

Hawk Mountain Shelter

Home for the night. No bears seen. Beautiful day to hike. Should be crowded tonight at the shelter. 7.8 miles from Springer.

Day two break

Stopping for a break. Hiking with Ruby Tuesday. He broke his hiking pole already..not good. Thankfully Neel's gap is only 2 days away. About to climb Sassafras mnt. Doing well...no blisters yet

Gooch Mnt Shelter

Made it to Gooch Mnt shelter. 15.1 miles from Springer, and only 2161.1 miles to Katahdin. Hiked with Ruby Tuesday today. His hiking pole broke today. He plans to get a new one at Neels gap. Sassafras mnt was a killer. Getting a hot spot on my foot. Also summitted Justis & Gooch mnts.

Blood Mountain

Hiked up Bloood mnt in the snow. Actually it was a very easy climb compared to the last few days. Maybe I am actually getting in shape. Hiking up it reminded me of the LOTR scene where Gandof was leading the group through the mnt pass. Matt..the pressure was 874 millibars on top of the mnt...and 26 degrees not including the wind chill. Lowest pressure so far.

Blue Mountain Shelter

Howdy from Blue Mnt shelter. we officially hiked our biggest mileage today, and my feet are sore! We hiked 13.8 miles and are now 48.7 miles from Springer & 2127.5 miles from Katahdin. After lunch we hiked through 4 named gaps, so we must of hiked 4 mnts as well. Blue Mnt was the worst. Very rocky. We have an awesome view right out the front. There are a few thruhikers here & a lot of college students out on spring break. I know that isnt my wifes idea of a spring break. lol. Planning a short day tomorrow to rest our feet, but there are some tough climbs in store. Oh, no wind! Yeah. It is a beautiful night. I am getting my appetite back, and I hear an all you can eat Chinese buffet calling my name in Hiawasee! Yummy! God bless.

Tray Mnt overlook

Well it is 5 pm and we are just chilling on this amazing overlook from Tray mnt. It is a great place for the sunset. We did 7.8 miles today. I dont have my data book handy to give official mileage. Tomorrow we are headed to the Blueberry Patch hostel in Hiawasee, where I will have my 1st shower in 7 days. Will also do laundry. Their breakfast is legendary. The view here is amazing and I doubt the picture does it justice. I will also resupply my food bag as well. 2 more days and I will be in NC saying goodbye to GA. Yeah!

Shepherd

Standing Indian Mnt view

Well I made it to the summit at 1:50. Temp 64.5 degrees & a pressure of 856.4 mb, which is the lowest reading yet. I am at 5,498 ft up and sitting on a rock ledge over looking the mnts I have just been through. I can even see Hiawassee. Words or pictures of course cant say or show the coolness of the view. 6.1 more miles to the shelter. God is good, and His creation is amazing...even with the fall.

Shepherd

Wesser Bald Observation Tower

This is the view from Wesser Bald. Since yesterday wasnt a good day for viewing the scenery from Wayah Bald, God allowed me to see it today! And what a site it was. You could see for miles 360 degrees...mountains everywhere! This is the view toward Fontana Dam and the Smokies, which I will come to real soon.

The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.
Psalm 50:1

Shepherd

Jane Bald

Day 28: Well today was a beautiful day for hiking. God is great! He is even if it rained today. Wonderful views from Jane Bald and Grassy ridge. Thx Lakewood & PS for the heads up. Took lots of pics!

Officially did 12.9 miles, but that included Roan mnt. Our last 6000 ft mnt till NH. It was tough but not horrible. Did groan a few times though. It is a multi-tear mnt, so you go up & level off like 7 times before getting to the top! The southbounders have it easy going up Roan, it was very easy downhill!

Officially we are 377.9 miles from Springer & 1798.3 miles from Katahdin. We are in an old barn converted to a shelter with great views. Overmountain Shelter. CJ, Dynamite & Sam (now called Cowboy Killer) are here as well.

God bless,
Shepherd

Hump Mountain

Day 29: Wonderful day for hiking. To God be the glory. This picture is of CJ hiking up Hump Mnt. In the distance you can see little hump mnt & Bradley's gap. This area is by far the most beautiful part of the trail to date. 360 degree views, took lots of pics and some video. Amazing. God's creation is beautiful. Worth the climb over Roan.

Well today we planned on hiking 17.4 miles but when do we listen to reason. We then decided to hike another 3.8 miles to Abby's place hostel. Well found that was closed for 2008, so we decided to hike onwards another 2 miles and camped at hardcore cascades. Officially, we hike 23.2 miles, and 401.6 miles from Springer.

So today we officially said goodbye to NC. 2 states down & 12 more to go. Plus we broke into the 400 mile territory! Yeah.

Then we will take a nero at Kincora hostel to resupply for Damascus push.

Happy birthdaty dad! Love ya!

Shepherd.

Whitetop Mountain

Hiked up Whitetop Mnt to Buzzard Rocks. Great views all around. Ate lunch up there for about an hour. Dynamite is chilling out and catching a nap.

Just wanted to post about it. More to come!

Shepherd.