I started 13 Feb, 2015. It was a cool and clear day up on Springer Mountain.
It was a nice hike to Hawk Mnt. shelter. When I arrived there were a few hikers there already. One couple had a tent set up inside the shelter that covered almost half the space. I thought that setting up tents inside shelters was a breach of "Trail Rules". It makes it harder on those that do the right thing.
They were very new to the hiking thing. They were in blue jeans and they shared a sleeping bag and used bath towels to add insulation. This may take the HYOH to far in left field.
I set up my hammock, cooked dinner, and got a great night sleep.
I had good hiking to Suches,GA where I had to get off trail for a few days to treat a sinus infection. Enter the big freeze with a strong ice storm.
Got stuck in Gainesville,GA while the roads got cleared of downed trees and the power got back to many places.
Got back going in the ice....glad I had the micro spikes. Stopped for the night at Wood Hole shelter for the night. I was alone till about 6pm when the tent people showed up.
I had tried to set up my hammock,however, the trees had ice all over them and the straps kept sliding down. I had gone to the shelter that I thought I was going to have all to myself. The tent people set their tent up in the shelter like they did at Hawk. This time they started a fire in the shelter less that 2 feet from the sleeping deck.
I was not happy. If he would have burned down the shelter I would most likely "beat him with a wet noodle"
The next morning was very cold...I did not want to get out of bed. My watch showed it was neg. 6 degrees at 6am.
I forced myself up and out. I was going to get to Neel gap!
It had snowed almost 6 inches over night and it was a little tough going. The blazes were hard to see at best. I took the "Freeman" trail around Blood as it was icy!!!
I had a hard time seeing the blue blazes and the trail at times.
I got to Neel Gap about 3pm. Mountain Crossings was a great place. Spent a few days there as the temp never got over 16 deg till the 3rd day.
I joined "Seneca" "Walk it Off" . and "Trail-blazier" to hike to Haiawasse.
The hike improved greatly by hiking with people that knew what they were doing and had the right equipment.
I have posted videos on "Youtube" look for : Hikehunter on the AT
I plan to do another section in the early fall 2015. I have a total of 328 miles of the AT done. More to come.