Sun, Feb 26 2017 - Amicalola to Springer Mountain and back (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Lisa, Tom Jarosz (Juh'rose) Participants: Lisa, Tom Jarosz (Juh'rose), Melissa P, Jean, Bill Wey, Grace, Connie, Emily, Mark K., Ping, Joyce B., LIM Verona (Laura M), Myra Kincaid, mark mattke

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It was so cold when we started, we forgot to do introductions. No matter, we took care of that when we got to the road crossing at the .5 mile marker. Bill and Ping took the governor off and powered up Frosty Mountain but waited patiently for the rest of the group to catch up. We regrouped at the turnoff to the Hike Inn, and stayed together for the next few miles. We plunged down into Nimblewill Gap, slipping and sliding through the mud and admiring the pretty hoarfrost alongside the trail. Then up we climbed out of Nimblewill and onto the rocky slopes of Springer Mountain.

We overtook several thru-hikers just beginning their long journey toward Maine. What great adventures await them! We stripped down as the breeze stilled and the sun beamed down upon us. Up, up, up we went until we rounded the bend to find several groups gathered at the summit of Springer Mountain. The very first white blaze of the AT lay before us. But today was not our day to forge ahead on the AT. We contented ourselves with a snack break, some photos, and stories from ambitious northbound hikers. Melissa left some trail magic at the summit which was gladly received by eager children. Then down we went, back through the rocks and roots down to Nimblewill and back up along the AT Approach Trail.

We reached the intersection of the Hike Inn trail and took it this time, stepping along through the rhododendrons and mountain laurels. Then at last, the welcome sight of the Inn, and a brief stop for chess pie, coffee, and real bathrooms. But emphasis on brief. "The woods are lovely dark and deep, but we had promises to keep, and miles to go before we sleep." So off we went on the home stretch. 

The sun blazed down now as we logged the last few miles of our journey, through rolling elevation and lovely dark deep woods. Finally we spotted the parking lot and our cars. Amazingly, for such a long day we all finished within 5 minutes from the leader to the sweep. What a fantastic group! And props to Jean for completing her FIFTIETH D5 event. To Bill and Grace for demolishing their record time for knocking out the Amicalola-Springer loop. And to every single participant for being just plain awesome.