DV and AV on the A.T.: 4 Days In

OurHiker Hostel where we spent the night before the trail had some great people. We met Beep. He is from Alabama. Little did we know that we would be hiking buddies starting the 2nd day. It doesn't take long to become 'tramily' (trail family). His friends which we met at the hostel stayed there and drove him to Springer so we met again at the top.

Our first day, we left Hiker Hostel and their shuttle ( a Suburban with over 200k miles on it) dropped us off in the parking area of Springer Mt. Then we climbed 1 mile up with our packs to the southern terminus point. After a couple snapshots, we officially started the trail going back down that mile and crossing the parking lot following the white blaze. We came across our first trail magic and ate a candy bar. Trail Angels show up when you least expect and most need it! We hiked all day to Hawk Mt. Shelter where it was packed with people and tents. but we did find a spot. We arrived at 7pm. It was before dark but too late because we had to cook in the dark. Not the best. So we decided less mileage to arrive at a decent dinner time with daylight for setting up, etc. The next morning we signed the trail register and took off. We have been getting up about 7:30 and leaving camp around 9ish. Works for us. Hiker Midnight is dark or a little after. Ready for sleep! And that's something for me, a night owl. My sleeping habits will totally change on this journey.

Our second day we tackled Sassafras Mt. It was tough due to few water sources. Hydration is top billing. We have the Sawyer Squeeze which is great for creek/pond water. It has to be deep enough to dunk and fill up in the water. We really like it. But the water we came across this day was only a trickle from the rocks. Beep has a Katadyn pump water system which works great in this situation. He dammed up a little pool amd pumped water for himself, us, and 3 others as they came up the trail. That took a while but we were glad to rest. This was near the end of they day and I was done in. We met Strider along the way and he said we were close to the top and there was level land. At this point, Decaf went ahead and set up the tent then came down a ways where I stopped and carried my pack up. I was so glad!

Yesterday we made it to Gooch Shelter and it was packed with people and tents. But we did find a semi-level spot for our tent. We camped with Beep, Pops ( who has now become Snail Pop) and also with Papa Al and Semi-Colon. We had met Semi-Colon earlier at Horse Gap today. He has an interesting story. A survivor of 3rd stage colon cancer! And he is hiking for a colon charity.

So that brings us to today. We received trail magic early in our day. Hot chocolate, a trash bag for hikers, and shooting a BB gun at cans. You never know who will be waiting under a canopy tent with goodies. We also registered there for the Hiker Yearbook and had our pictures taken. It will come out in the fall and have the Class of 15. We are going slower than we thought, at least for now, and we're okay with that. We are hiking our own hike, HYOH. Today took us over Ramrock Mt. At the end of today was more magic with a big set-up at Woody Gap. Pimento Cheese sandwiches, fruit, and Ding-Dongs! I took 2 and also a tootsie roll. Tomorrow is 100% rain so we made plans for the Wolfpen Gap Country Store. They have about 30 bunks and it is great to be in one. We may or may not hike tomorrow depending on whether it is an all day downpour or not.

So, our posts may be a few days apart which may make them longer but I will try to update our travels several days at a time then.

Below are a few pics since we have started.

Our first sunrise