View Full Version : Just hiked Springer to Erwin...
Just got back yesterday from hiking the section between Springer Mountain and Erwin. Had an awesome hike - it rained the first day and the last but other than that the weather was great - cold at times but not too cold.
I originally intended to rehike the Sheltowee Trace trail and then changed to the Palmetto trail but really wasn't in the mood for a lot of planning and navigation problems. The neat thing about this hike was that I just showed up at Springer with enough food to get to Mountain Crossings then I......went into Hiawassee, Franklin, NOC, Fontana Village, Standing Bear Farm, and Hot Springs - truly a no-brainer of a hike as far as resupply goes.
Especially enjoyed my stop at SBF... I fixed a pizza which I burned and ate anyway since I was so hungry and it was fun to listen to Curtis as he prepares his resupply room for a double refrigerator (that will be awesome).
Oh, and Laughing Heart Hostel was very nice too. A class act - reminded me of the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega....
Total time away from home was 16.5 days. 3 days I was off the trail before noon. When I came out at Uncle Johnny's at the river I walked the rest of the way home via the Linear Trail and into my house with my pack on... From GA to my living room... How cool is that? :)
I am not normally an envious person, but I've got to tell you sometimes your posts... :)
WingedMonkey
11-02-2013, 17:07
Too bad you had to walk home.
If only there was a decent shuttle in Erwin.
:p
Bags4266
11-02-2013, 17:17
I did that same section this spring. Did the Park closing hold you back?
No, the shutdown ended just as I got to Hiawassee.. Went to the Holiday Inn and borrowed their public computer long enough to purchase and print a park pass.
SouthMark
11-02-2013, 17:27
Sounds great Tom. Marie maintained the business exceptionally while you were out playing. She is such a sweet lady.
Thanks Dale - she's a keeper... Just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. :)
I heard that you wanted to do this hike just to put posters for your shuttling service under every white blaze.............
Good one Tom / 10k
HikerMom58
11-02-2013, 18:36
I heard that you wanted to do this hike just to put posters for your shuttling service under every white blaze.............
Good one Tom / 10k
You forgot ur smiley face but either way... I'm jaded.
I am not normally an envious person, but I've got to tell you sometimes your posts... :)
+1 ..........
16.5 days Springer to Erwin !!! Man, you are in great hiking shape.
Hope the 2014 thruhiker folks don't read your post and try to match your pace !!!!
Too bad you had to walk home.
If only there was a decent shuttle in Erwin.
:pNow THAT's funny... I've walked out of my front door on Dicks Creek many times to hike the AT, AT/BMT and AT/BMT/DRT(Georgia Loop) Something very satisfying about that, as I was inspired by Brakeman and Grasshopper's BMT/AT loop walking out their front door on Brasstown Bald, only to return 600 miles later to that same door :welcome home...
Hill Ape
11-03-2013, 20:15
stepped out on the porch today and was struck by the best colors we've had in years. much have been a hell of a hike during autumn. great times man, thanks for the stories
You know, I think people driving down the road had a better view of the fall colors than I did... I was inside the display so to speak... Kinda like not being able to see the clouds because you're in one.
Gray Blazer
11-03-2013, 22:45
Sounds like a great time.
wornoutboots
11-04-2013, 00:07
Curious, how did you get to Springer?
You know, I think people driving down the road had a better view of the fall colors than I did... I was inside the display so to speak... Kinda like not being able to see the clouds because you're in one.
Or not being able to see the forest for the trees.
Magic_Mack
11-04-2013, 07:56
You were moving!
Curious, how did you get to Springer?
My wife and one of her kayaking friends drove me down from Erwin and after they dropped me off at the parking area on FR 42 then kept going to Amicalola and spent the rest of the afternoon checking out the falls, walking up the stairs, etc. before coming back home.
FarmerChef
11-04-2013, 12:29
Awesome hike, 10-K. So jealous :D
ChinMusic
11-04-2013, 12:50
My wife and one of her kayaking friends drove me down from Erwin and after they dropped me off at the parking area on FR 42 then kept going to Amicalola and spent the rest of the afternoon checking out the falls, walking up the stairs, etc. before coming back home.
They were going to Amicalola and you still went to FS42? Man, that is hardcore anti Approach Trail.........:)
Tom, sounds like a great hike. I knew you were fast....but WOW!
They were going to Amicalola and you still went to FS42? Man, that is hardcore anti Approach Trail.........:)
I will never, ever hike the approach trail. What's the point?
:) (Smiley, but I'll never hike it for sure)
Tom, sounds like a great hike. I knew you were fast....but WOW!
You should have the AT wrapped up about now, right?
Getting there, got 500 miles in this year.
Gonecampn
11-04-2013, 22:26
That's awesome!
Blissful
11-04-2013, 22:28
Glad you had a good time. I talked about your GPS at the Gathering when I did the workshop on the Long Trail.
When I came out at Uncle Johnny's at the river I walked the rest of the way home via the Linear Trail and into my house with my pack on... From GA to my living room... How cool is that? :)
I am sooooo jealous.
wornoutboots
11-06-2013, 23:24
My wife and one of her kayaking friends drove me down from Erwin and after they dropped me off at the parking area on FR 42 then kept going to Amicalola and spent the rest of the afternoon checking out the falls, walking up the stairs, etc. before coming back home.
Gotcha, as I keep heading north & doing larger chunks, I find it harder & harder to find affordable shuttles. Next month I'll be starting where I left off at Buena Vista & heading to Harper Ferry of Vice Versa. Hopefully I'll get lucky one of these days & my hikes will line up with a few greyhound stations
Violent Green
11-07-2013, 20:30
Sounds like a great trip! Gotta love that easy resupply. Speaking of the ST, I have a date with the Sheltowee Trace in April 2014. You are welcome to come along. Probably looking at 10-11 hiking days.
Ryan