I'm typing this from the public library at Hiawassee, GA. We arrived at Dicks Creek around noon (day 6). We're staying at the Blueberry Patch, which is just a wonderful place run by a nice Christian couple. I've hooked up with a guy trailnamed Tonto who is doing a section from Springer to Gatlinburg. Things are going well so far.
Thanks to Mt. Squid for meeting me at the trailhead .9 mi. from Springer and watching my pack while I climbed to Springer.