Day 2 - Springer Mountain Shelter to Hawk Mountain Shelter

Well, we cooked two Lipton meals and boy did they make a good dinner last night. It was so nice to take off my soaking wet clothes and put on my long underwear, fleece, dry socks, and hat.

At 7 p.m., three boys came running up to the shelter and asked if there was any room. We said yes and started moving everything to the loft. Right around that time, the sun seemed to be poking through the clouds. So we walked back up to the top of Springer. These huge, amazing clouds were moving in different directions – one was headed straight for us and moving fast. Within moments it had enveloped us, and the light was gone. 

Back at the shelter, it turned out that no one came to join us. But we slept in the loft anyway. I read for a few minutes before turning out the light. Wore my hat but not the balaclava. Was pretty comfortable all night.

Woke up at 8 to a beautiful day – no coat, although someone said rain was predicted. Went back to the top of Springer again. Now I understand why the plaque is there. There is actually a beautiful view – it just has to be clear to see it.

View from the top of Springer Mountain

Continued on to Stover Creek Shelter, took a break, then proceeded to the next one for a total of 7.6 miles. It took longer than expected but wasn’t a particularly difficult hike. The trail seems to wind around mountains rather than going up and over. I’ll take it while it lasts.

Stopped for lunch (peanut butter and cheese on pocket bread) near a waterfall. When we made it to the shelter, it was well-populated with hikers – some who had started from the top of Springer. There’s also a private school group and a boy scout troop around. Everybody sort of does their own thing setting up their tent and cooking food. It was only 3, but we were done for the day and so were a lot of others.

Purified more water, ate some Ramen, and hung out. There are a number of us who seem to be hiking at the same pace – Charlie and Gail, two guys whose names I don’t know, Izzy. They all seem nice, but no one matches our demographic. I know there are lots more hikers to meet. It’s raining again but at least the tent was already set up before it started. Time for bed.