Springer Mountain to Hawk Mountain
We gave dad big hugs, took a deep breath, and hit the trail. We had to walk a mile backwards to get to the top of Springer Mountain and the official start of the Appalachian Trail. I had read in my research to make your friends early, and I am so grateful that we did. As we climbed up Springer, we chatted with people that were hiking down the mountain and said our hellos. It seemed like we are all on the same mileage plan and we cheerily said to everyone, “see you at Hawk Mountain”. The climb up Springer was easy, we had fresh legs and were all smiles and giggles at this point. The only thing cramping our style were all the tiny gnats that were swarming around. I think we both had a few bugs fly into our mouths for a protein boost. At the summit of Springer, we took a few pictures and signed the official journal of names that lives in a sealed Tupperware in a metal box in a rock. As someone who was read and researched and dreamt ...