Springer Mtn, GA to Fontana Dam, NC

Getting ready for the trip...

Wednesday, May 3, Day T-minus 20

I had sent my brother several e-mails over the last few weeks about the trip. He had mentioned earlier that he might be willing to go with me for four to seven days. He didn't sound very enthusiastic about the full two weeks, which was ok. I told him that I would decide when he was through whether to continue on myself.

I sent him an e-mail note that detailed a trip driving down Tuesday evening, May 23, and coming out at Fontana on June 8. He was welcome to join me for any of the trip. He sent a note back that he'd "hit a stump". His wife had just found out that she was starting third shift nursing training rotation on May 22. He wouldn't be able to start on May 23. My girls finish school on May 19 this year, but his don't get out until June. With his wife working third shift, the schedule wouldn't work. I spent the night trying to decide whether to cancel the whole thing or try it alone. I wasn't afraid to try it by myself, but my wife had not been excited at those prospects when I had mentioned going alone earlier in the year.

Thursday, May 4, Day T-minus 19

My brother sent me an e-mail that he might be able to work things out and start on Friday, May 26, and spend a week with me. As long as he could get back by June 6, he thought he could make it work, even with his wife's schedule change. I looked at delaying my start from Tuesday until Friday, but that wouldn't give me enough time to get to Fontana by June 9. My calendar window was pretty tight. I had to be back for my daughters' dance recital on Saturday, June 10.

I was determined to save the full calendar window in order to reach Fontana. I decided that I'd begin as planned, and he could meet me at Neels Gap, GA on Saturday, May 27. We'd continue together from there for a week. He could come off the trail at Franklin, and I'd continue on from there to Fontana. Perfect.

He said that he was planning to come up to Morganton for the weekend to day-hike at Roan Mountain, NC, as a warm-up for our longer trip. He was planning to hike from Roan Mountain to Highway 19 at Elk Park, NC, approximately 13 miles on Saturday with my father and an uncle. I had already agreed to help park cars at an airshow in Concord, NC for my daughter's dance team to earn some money...so I couldn't go. I told him to stop by Sunday on his way home to Goldsboro and we'd make final plans.

Saturday, May 6, Day T-minus 17

Sunday, May 7, Day T-minus 16

My brother stopped by on his way back to Goldsboro. He had made the Roan Mountain hike yesterday starting at Carvers Gap about 9 AM Saturday morning and reaching Highway 19 about 4 PM. Pretty good time. He told me he wanted to see how in-shape he was. Based on how that hike went, he told me he was going to pass on our trip. He said he felt like he wasn't in shape enough to carry a pack for a week and was afraid that it was going to be too warm when I had planned to go. I was disappointed that he had backed out, but I told him that I was going to continue to plan to go anyway.

I have tried to approach this trip conservatively from the beginning. I feel like I can do it, but I have never planned something before that will take this long or be this difficult to accomplish. I've tried to temper my enthusiasm for this trip with caution that I might not be able to make the distance or the time. I have planned to be able to come out at several locations along the way in case I find the going too tough. I'm not in as good of physical shape as I would like to be either. I hurt my ankle on a ski trip in March, and I am still nursing it a little, or at least that is my excuse for not working out more. So I know the hiking is going to be tough, but I'm still excited enough about the trip to give it a try.

I spent another night trying to decide whether to cancel the whole trip or go it alone. I thought I'd get more static about going alone, but I guess my family has accepted that I'm going to do this one way or another. I am afraid that I might not get another chance to do this. A friend of mine had told me earlier that I'd dreamed of this for so long, that I should just do it. She was right. So I decided to go anyway, alone.

Monday, May 8, Day T-minus 15

Revisited my planned itinerary and made a small adjustment that would give me time to go into town for supplies on the trip. I've decided that two weeks from now I will begin my hike. I'll get Alice to drive me down to Georgia on Tuesday afternoon (May 23) in time to get to Amicalola Falls State Park before dark. I'll either camp there Tuesday night or use the shelter on the Approach Trail. Much to do...not just with the trip but getting everything else ready at home and work so I can be gone. My wife is a teacher and we have two girls age 13 and 10 who are into everything. This is the busy season with the school year winding down.

I sent my boss a note about vacation. I had mentioned it to him earlier that I was planning a trip, but I hadn't been specific on when I was going or how long I'd be gone. I wanted to make sure he was ok with me being gone for over two weeks. Naturally, I planned to get everything set up before I left. But I didn't want to surprise anyone. He replied that me taking the time off should be fine. His comment was "Just don't get eaten."

I had previously sent a couple of e-mail notes to the Walasi-Yi Center to see if their hostel has reopened. It has been closed for a couple of seasons due to problems with their septic tank system and permits. Apparently they are still having trouble with the environmental impact study so they are still closed. They recommended that I contact Goose Creek Cabins and Campground to reserve an overnight stay. I called Keith Bailey at Goose Creek to get the details.

Tuesday, May 9, Day T-minus 14

Read this morning's Charlotte Observer. Saw the Big Game Lottery will be worth $350 million if won tonight. Too bad NC doesn't support the lottery! After thinking about it for a few minutes, I realized that I was going to Due West, SC today. It wouldn't be far to skip over to Georgia and pick up a few tickets. Hummm? Would be a great way to start a hike by winning the lottery...might even have to thru-hike...

Had a flat tire on the way to Due West. Stopped in Gaffney, SC to change it. Luckily my spare was ok. I had used it last year and it was flat too. Good thing I had fixed it. Bought $130 worth of Lottery tickets in Hartwell, Georgia and drove back to Charlotte in time to see the numbers get posted on the news. We won! But it was only $10, not $350 million. Oh well, maybe next time...Heard later that two tickets had the winning numbers. That'd be a pisser...having to split $350 million with someone else.

Wednesday, May 10, Day T-minus 13

Back from Charlotte to Hickory this afternoon. Stopped to get the tire fixed and mount another tire for a spare at Aiken-Black Tire Service in Hickory. Car wouldn't start when I tried to leave. I have a 1984 Mercedes 300SD that has been acting up a little lately. I suspect the starter solenoid is failing. After I drive somewhere and turn the engine off, it won't make a sound when I try to restart the engine. If I sit for a few minutes, it cranks right up. Strange. So I left my car at Aiken-Black and walked the three blocks to my Hickory office. Left work shortly after five. Walked back to Aiken Black. Car started fine. Went home to mow grass. It's the season. Mowing grass every four days. Looks good, but too much work. No time to work on plans today.

Thursday, May 11, Day T-minus 12

Today is off to a good start. I just learned that I bounced my checking account. First time in years. I failed to record my monthly drafts. I had planned to make a deposit yesterday, but with the car trouble I forgot all about it.

Time is getting short now. Need to get my supplies together for mailing to a drop spot. I'm planning two drops to eliminate having to carry all of my food and speed up my resupply along the way. Planning to mail a package to Neels Gap and to Franklin. Need to make sure schedule puts me there when the Post Offices are open.

I called Keith at Goose Creek Cabins and left a message on their answering machine about making a reservation for Saturday, May 27. That is over Memorial Day weekend, so I felt like making a reservation is smarter than just showing up.

Worked on my checklist and spreadsheet for the trip.

Saturday, May 13, Day T-minus 10

Confirmed start day of Tuesday, May 23. We'll drive down to Georgia Tuesday morning. Will have enough time to drive Highway 42 up to the parking area just below Springer. We'll take the short hike to the summit and take pictures. Then head for Amicalola and drop me off, where I'll spend the first night near the campground or just up the Approach Trail.

Need to work on mail drops today, so I can mail Monday or Tuesday. I'm leaving for The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia on Wednesday for a business conference. I won't be back home until late Saturday, so time is really short. I'll use next Sunday to pack and repack. Supposed to play golf next Monday and then leave for Springer Tuesday. Really working hard to prepare for this trip!

Went to my daughter's soccer game at noon. Hot, 90 degrees plus. Hope this weather doesn't hold, or else I'm going to have a tough time of it. Stopped at Food Lion in Lincolnton to purchase supplies. Used the checklist that I developed. Not too bad. Ran some other errands and came home. I found three shoeboxes in the basement, and began dividing food and supplies into four piles. One to carry, three for mail drops. Although this isn't necessarily a long trip by thru-hiking standards, I've decided to fully use a mail drop system to avoid carrying anything I don't have to. Decided on three drops, spaced roughly 4-5 days apart. Since I'm hiking the Approach Trail, I won't reach Neels Gap until day 5. I'm planning to spend the night at Goose Creek Campground, so I'll mail a package there. I also plan to use the Hiawassee, GA Post Office and the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Although, I could just replenish along the way, three drops will work, and it will seem more like a thru-hike that way!

Called Goose Creek Campground to confirm reservation for Saturday, May 27. Keith said it has been very hot there for May...temperatures in the low 80's. We were at 92 in Hickory, so low 80's sounds cooler. Supposed to cool off some Sunday, though. Let's hope.

Sunday, May 14, Day T-minus 9

Need to work on schedule a little to make sure I'm in the right place at the right time to pick up mail drops. Had to adjust to work in Hiawassee since it is the only drop not right on the trail. Hopefully, someone will give me a lift into town from the trail.

Wrapped mail drops. Will mail #1 on Wednesday, the other two on the Monday before I leave for Springer. Dropped my car off to have the starter replaced.

Monday, May 15, Day T-minus 8

Took my old van by to get a NC Safety inspection. It expires in May. I suspect we'll drive it down to Georgia for my drop-off since we'll be on dirt roads some. I hope we'll have time to drive up toward the top of Springer before I get dropped off.

Spent part of the day getting ready for Sea Island. Lining up some customers to play golf with during the SCMA conference. Hard to believe. I'll be in a 5-star resort for the rest of this week, and come back to spend two weeks sleeping in the woods. What a contrast!

Drove to the outdoor supply store on Highway 127 to check on maps and a thermometer. I found new maps of the AT for Georgia copyrighted for 1998. Mine were for 1995. New maps have a few changes, including now showing spring locations. Great idea. Also the Approach Trail mileage has grown from 8.1 to 8.8 miles. It figures. I want to hike it, but I hope it doesn't get longer before I get there next week! Also noticed the map is showing the new Woods Hole Shelter near Blood Mountain, but Hawk Mountain Shelter is missing. I hope that's a misprint. I'm planning on staying at Hawk Mountain the third night.

Didn't get my car repaired today. The starter didn't come in.

Tuesday, May 16, Day T-minus 7

Had to be in Charlotte today for several meetings. Drove back to Hickory to pick up my car at 7:15 PM. Replaced starter, good as new again. Drove back to Stanley for my daughter's soccer game at 8:00 PM. She scored two goals and assisted on a third as her team won 5-1. Game not over until almost 9:30 PM. Back to Hickory to work on a presentation for Wednesday morning. Have to be back in Charlotte for staff meeting by 8:30 AM. I'm leaving for Sea Island tomorrow afternoon, and I haven't started packing the first thing. Going to be a short night. To bed by midnight.

Wednesday, May 17, Day T-minus 6

Up at 4:00 AM to finish presentation and pack for Sea Island. Wrapped my first mail drop that I'll mail in Charlotte. Left for Charlotte at 7:15 AM. Got there by 8:30 AM with little traffic for a change. I made a short presentation on snakes and snakebite treatment. Timely subject for season of the year and my upcoming trip. I hope this is the ounce of prevention.

Finished staff meeting at 12:30 PM or so. Finished up a few other items, and left at 1:30 PM. Drove to UPS to mail food package to Goose Creek Cabins near Neels Gap, GA. It weighed 5.36 pounds and cost $5.00 to mail. We'll see how this system works.

Left Charlotte for Sea Island at 2:00 PM, arriving at The Cloister at 7:15 PM. Not a bad drive all things considered. Had trouble staying awake until I stopped and pumped down a Mountain Dew and a Payday candy bar. Nothing like mainlining caffeine. That plus several cops that crossed the median in front of and behind me to catch speeders. I only passed one police car that I thought was coming after me. But, I think there was a dummy sitting behind the wheel instead of a trooper. I didn't want to look too closely.

Spent a few minutes driving around Sea Island and St. Simons Island. Went over to the golf courses to orient myself. I was last here in 1989. I'd forgotten how magical this place is. Must be nice to have money. Back to the room by 8:15 PM to order room service. Shrimp cocktail appetizer, salad with French dressing, filet mignon, pecan pie with ice cream. It was great. One of the better meals I've had, room service or not. One thing about The Cloister. Although it's expensive to stay here, the plan includes three meals a day, and the service is top notch. When you consider that meals are included and the menu selections that are available, it's not that bad a deal. Next week this time, though, I'll be on top of Springer Mountain sleeping on the ground, getting eaten by mosquitoes and begging for room service!

Called home. Worked on some final planning issues, wrote checks to pay bills while I'm gone. Plan to get up early enough in the morning before the meeting starts for a short run. Need to get my ankles and feet roughed up a bit so I'm not so sore next week after the first couple of days. After that meal, though, it's going to be tough to get up.

Thursday, May 18, Day T-minus 5

Up at 7:00 AM. Really tired, but had to do a little roadwork. Stretched, ran and walked a mile around the hotel. Beautiful morning, although a little muggy. I guess that comes from being on an island next to the ocean. Showered and off to a quick breakfast at the Sea Island Beach Club.

Spent the morning in a business session at the conference. Met up with a few old friends. Ed Foreman, President of Executive Development Systems was the featured speaker. I've known Ed for 10 years, and heard him speak two other times. His message always brings me back to ground about what's important in life. I'm sure this trip is in part inspired by what Ed has had to say over the years. Life's too short not to have some adventure.

Spent the afternoon on the beach and walking around Sea Island. I plan to be back here in the Fall. Can't wait. Came back to the room. Fell asleep for thirty minutes. Lots of folks can take a power nap and spring back. A power nap for me is two hours. I woke myself up snoring, so I only made it thirty minutes. Got up, read some mail, checked Lotus Notes, and got ready for dinner. Dinner was poolside at the beach club and was mostly a seafood affair. Back to the room by 10 PM. Fell asleep immediately. The last few days of very long schedules has finally caught up with me.

Friday, May 19, Day T-minus 4

Up at 7:30 AM, showered and left for the conference at 8:15 AM. No exercise this morning. Good nights sleep. I feel better, but still a little tired. Playing golf this afternoon at the Plantation Course of Sea Island Golf Club. Should be fun.

Great time at Sea Island Golf Club. Played with Michael Fanning of Michelin, Betty Turner of Springs Industries and her husband, Tommie. Played at an 85 pace, blew up on few holes and scored 94. Not too bad for the third time out this year. Black-tie event tonight. Great food and band. Plenty of margaritas and white wine. To bed after midnight. Need to decide today whether I'm leaving tomorrow or staying until Sunday. I may stay and play golf Saturday afternoon. We've got a tee-time on the Seaside Course at Sea Island Golf Club.

Saturday, May 20, Day T-minus 3

Up at 7:30 AM. Showered and off to meeting by 9:00 AM. Golf at Seaside was tough. Tough course, windy, lost $7 in bets. Not an enjoyable experience. I'll come back and play when my game is stronger and the wind isn't.

Great dinner at Sea Island Golf Club. To bed by 11 PM. Didn't sleep very well. Up at night with heartburn. Too much good food and wine.

Sunday, May 21, Day T-minus 2

Up early and on the road before lunch to get home. Six hour drive. Boring and sleepy. Home by 5 PM. Too much to do. I need to finish paying bills, pack equipment, etc. Spent a few minutes showing my wife my route and schedule for the trip in case she needs to reach me or come get me. Began sorting out equipment. Wrapped final two mail drop packages to be mailed tomorrow. Wrote a few checks. I'll have to finish tomorrow or on the ride down to Georgia on Tuesday. I'm too tired to continue. Tomorrow is going to be a full day. Mail drops, haircut, bank, packing, and oh yeah, work and golf.

Heck of a thunderstorm just blew up. Lights blinked several times. Knocked me off the computer three times. Weather forecast for the next week is temperatures in the upper eighties and thunderstorms every afternoon. Can't wait.

Monday, May 22, Day T-minus 1

Mailed the other two mail drops this morning. Four pounds, two ounces, and four pounds, thirteen ounces respectively. Both cost about $4.00 to mail. Let's hope the system works.

Played golf. Really wasn't focused on golf. Thinking about too much stuff that needs to be done.

Got home and packed all my stuff. First packing was 42 pounds without shoes, water, or gorp. Too heavy. Repacked....43 pounds. Wrong direction. Probably too much food, but I can help that out the first few days. The only extra baggage I have is a sweatshirt. I'm not willing to gamble on the weather just yet. I may trim a few pounds here and there, but it looks like about 40 pounds without water. That first 8.8 miles uphill is going to suck.

Heard about a woman getting killed by a bear near where we camp in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. Don't know the details, but that's not a good sign. (Actually turned out to be on the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Plan to shove off for Springer at 7 AM tomorrow morning.

Last day to write this journal on the computer. From now on, I'll record a few notes on paper during the day and type up when I return.