Just hiked Springer to Erwin...

[10-K]

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?

[bfayer]

I am not normally an envious person, but I've got to tell you sometimes your posts...

[WingedMonkey]

Too bad you had to walk home.

If only there was a decent shuttle in Erwin.

[Bags4266]

I did that same section this spring. Did the Park closing hold you back?

[10-K]

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]

Sounds great Tom. Marie maintained the business exceptionally while you were out playing. She is such a sweet lady.

[10-K]

Thanks Dale - she's a keeper... Just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.

[Del Q]

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]

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.

[Astro]

I am not normally an envious person, but I've got to tell you sometimes your posts...

+1 ..........

[Jeff]

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 !!!!

[Toli]

Too bad you had to walk home.

If only there was a decent shuttle in Erwin.

Now 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 home...

[Hill Ape]

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

[10-K]

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]

Sounds like a great time.

[wornoutboots]

Curious, how did you get to Springer?

[Astro]

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]

You were moving!

[10-K]

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]

Awesome hike, 10-K. So jealous