ON TOP!!!
The view is fantastic!!!
Zombie is the 45th SoBo to complete his Thru-Hike.
Stats at the ATC show 214 left Mt. Katahdin this year (they close Baxter State Park October 15th) 107 have checked in at Harper's Ferry, and 45 have made it to Springer Mt. by the 21st of November... The first 5 SoBo hikers to reach Springer signed in March. They left Mt. Katahdin, ME in 2008, and did a "winter hike". It will be interesting to find out how many finish by the end of this year...
Back to the trail...
Zombie woke up early Saturday, and enjoyed the 7-mile hike from Hawk Mt. Shelter to the Springer Mt. Parking Lot to meet his family. We all came to join the fun in hiking the last mile to the top.
Dad/Chris began hiking the last 30 miles with Zombie/Andrew, and had been looking forward to this for a long time. To his dismay, he discovered walking our hills five miles a day, 3 + times a week without a pack is not the same conditioning as hiking the trail with a 35-pound pack plus hauling that pack up and over Blood Mountain's 1,500' vertical rise and decent. 10 miles on his first trail day was a good start, but by the end of the day, when he couldn't lift his feet high enough to go up steps, he realized he'd slow Andrew down too much if he continued with him. Dad/Chris' hip joints were screaming in protest, and his Celebrix was not giving him any relief from the discomfort. He called home at 4:30 and said "I'm on top of Big Cedar Mountain. It's beautiful here. The view is great. The day was really nice. My hips are killing me, I can't lift my legs, so I'm done, and I need a ride out of here in the morning." Chris is familiar with this part of North Georgia, from the many Boy Scout hikes and camping trips he took with our boys years ago. He knew the road, GA60, was a mile away, but the next road was 20 miles, at Amicalola Falls State Park. We happen to have friends that live 3-miles away, in Suches, GA, and they were home, and very gracious to pick him up at Woody Gap Friday morning, to drive him to Amicalola Lodge. Thanks Ruth!!! You were a life saver - I was 4+ hours away, and since Scott and John were riding with me, I couldn't leave until after school was out at 3:00. Ruth's kindness allowed Chris to have a pleasant Friday exploring The Falls and short trails at the Lodge.
Saturday morning at the Lodge....
We were sitting at breakfast Saturday morning, watching the clock, enjoying breakfast, catching up with Tiger/Matthew, when a couple came over and introduced themselves. They recognized me from Zombie's Blog. Their son, Krammin', was coming in on the trail with Zombie and the others. We had fun exchanging stories and excitement of the day. I really want to say thanks again to Krammin's parents from Ohio and express my appreciation for their "Hiker Feed". They hiked a half mile to the Hawk Mountain Shelter carrying charcoal and a grill for steak, potatoes, and all the fixin's dinner! Complete with homemade cookies and brownies ....enough to feed all 7 thru-hikers on their last night on the trail. I had heard the guys mention something was happening at one of the shelters, back at Neel's Gap, but didn't realize it was anything like this... I knew the guys were really hoping they would be there to enjoy the fest ivies especially since it included FOOD :-)
Meanwhile brother Scott and John, a family friend, enjoyed a big breakfast at the Lodge. They took off early because they had planned to hike the 8.8 mile Approach Trail from Amicalola Falls Lodge to Springer. These two are Cross Country Runners, and are now training for the Winter Track season, so they were looking forward to the 18-mile hike up and back. Mom/Harriet, Dad/Chris and brother/Russell opted for the 32 miles road route, to the Springer Mt. Parking Lot off of the Forest Road. Andrew was waiting on us... and happy I remembered to bring a bottle of champagne! We realized Scott and John would approach from a different direction, so we began our part of the Thru-Hike.
We were as excited and giddy as kids on Christmas morning! What a neat hike... The signs and the guide book say "It's 0.9 miles straight up from the Parking Lot." I was relieved to see it really was just a steady upward gentle rise. The path was a bit rocky, but not difficult at all. We came around the last corner, and heard happy voices from the others that started ahead of us...
Yes! We've all made it to the top!!!! Hikers, family, friends and we are all thrilled to be there! Zombie lets out a really loud "holler" followed by lots of laughter, big hugs, and everyone dazed and amazed at the beautiful view that is before us! This day was an answer to many, many prayers! and we give thanks to God ><> !!!
Pictures tell the best story... so click the link in the header "What Have I Seen?" and enjoy the day with us!
This is my final post....I'm turning Zombie's Blog back over to him! His is the story you want to read, and so do I :-). I expect he'll enjoy adding his post - trail thoughts, so stay tuned. He has many pictures to label and post. They'll pick back up at Snickers Gap, VA and continue through Springer, and they'll be fun to see. Patience please, I'm sure it's going to take him a bit of time... besides, Thanksgiving is coming, we have lots of family to see... and Zombie/Andrew has a trip to Northern Virginia, to see Ground Support/Kelly next week.
All the best to each of you that have been part of this journey. We've gotten to know so many wonderful new folks, while existing friends have become like family from this adventure. I'll say "Farewell" but not" goodbye". Walk safely and be surefooted, exuberantly seize each day, and enjoy all our Creator has made.
With thanks,
Mom/Harriet
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