What a day! Day started early as we had a big buffet breakfast (with crispy bacon Liv). Made our way to Joyce and Sally’s house around 9am and left for Springer. Ended up sharing a ride with Skip from Ky so fare was less. Didn’t get to chat much with Sally as skip really liked to talk.

Got to Springer parking lot around 10:30 and had to backtrack a mile on trail to get to mike 0. Not as crowded as I thought it be but took a few moments to reflect on upcoming journey and sign log book.

Got back to parking lot and started hiking with 3 thru hikers that ada to a liking to right away. Crunchy a 7th grade science teacher who had hip replacement. Happiest guy ever. He immediately started quizzing Ada on stuff. In a fun way. Ever since then the two have been chatting up a storm. Also hiking was his buddy Durango. A whitewater rafting instructor at the NOC. He was having a rough go as the approach trail did a number on his knees. And finally Mamma Luna. A Native American part of the Cherokee tribe.

We got to first shelter where we planned to stay but ada said let’s keep going. Made it to hawk mtn around 5:45 and hit the hay by 7:45. Definitely going to feel it tomorrow but now ahead of schedule with options. Oh and every single one of the 30 tent sites were full. Although managed to grab a small spot behind some other tents.

Not sure when this will post as no service here tonight.

Until tomorrow!