December 13: Getting close to Springer Mountain, 24 miles!

The weather is perfect…enabling me to savor the last few glorious days on the Appalachian Trail. I am embracing some special moments: seeing a Spotted Towhee, my favorite bird which are rarely seen on the AT but numerous in Oregon; conversations with other hikers who are passionate about this trail and curious about my thru-hike; the clear sky at night with the moon, planets and stars illuminating my campsites; owls hooting; the incredible sunrises and sunsets; and simply walking!

View to the south from Blood Mountain. Springer Mountain is out there somewhere.

Day 173, 12-Dec. Milepost: 2155.1, Daily: 14.5, Ascent: 3555′, Descent: 3125′, Highest: 4020′.  Camp: Whitley Gap Shelter, 3355′.  38 MILES TO SPRINGER!  Warm, sunny, 55 degrees. I was eager to leave the hostel and make progress toward Springer Mountain!

Four days to go, and I AM counting!
Blue sky and warm temperatures…perfect!
Sunset at camp.

Day 174, 13-Dec. Milepost: 2169.2, Daily: 14.1, Ascent: 3810′, Descent: 4310′, Highest: 4485′.  Camp: Lance Creek Camp, Blood Mtn Wilderness,  2871′.  23.9 MILES TO SPRINGER!  The BEST weather, 60s, sunny, no wind.  Climbed up Blood Mtn, the last place above 4,000 feet.  The rocky area near the summit, with a view toward Springer Mtn, was summer-like!  Nice descent after a lot of tedius trail and climbing in morning and early afternoon. 

See my real-time location produced by the InReach unit I carry as I get closer to Springer Mountain. I expect to arrive there on December 15 at 12:00pm Eastern time.

Now it’s just three days to Springer!
This moment at 3:03pm marked the last time I will be above 4,000 feet on the AT.
It was warm enough for shorts!

10 thoughts on “December 13: Getting close to Springer Mountain, 24 miles!”

  2. Will be thinking of your triumphal finalé tomorrow Roger! Your perseverance is inspiring. What a Christmas it will be!!!

  3. One more day and a wake-up now. Congratulations, your trek has inspired us.
    Ron and Deb B

  4. Things will be exciting and probably a bit hectic as you reach your goal so let me say, in advance, congratulations and well done!! You are AMAZING!!

  5. From your post, I’m guessing you are pretty close to Jarrard Gap/Slaughter Mtn, not far from Big Cedar/Woody Gap, where we were yesterday
    When you get to Hawk Mtn, heading towards Three Forks, there is a 1m side trail to Long Creek Falls just before Three Forks. Highly recommend if you have the time! So glad the weather is beautiful for your grand finale! Hike on!

  6. Hawk Mtn to Three Forks then the Springer terminus is a beautiful hike. From your post, I’m guessing you are pretty close to that. Take the 1m side trail to Long Creek Falls just before Three Forks, you won’t regret it! So glad the weather is beautiful for your grand finale!

  7. Salute to you. You are about there, and Cindy is already in Atlanta to come and welcome you back. Love to you both

    1. Go Roger Go! U da hiker man! Way2 go! Thought ur beard be longer tho by now? Ur amazing! Proud of u & glad u didnt get hurt/sick!

      1. Thanks, Eileen! I had barber shop beard trims in Connecticut and Virginia, and a self-trim in Georgia. Now I look forward to having it shaved off!

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