Sat, Mar 16 2013 - AT Segment 1 - Springer Mountain to Woody Gap (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Andy Participants: Andy, Erik, John J, Alex Donadel, Jon Miner, SHartung, Tony Theriault, Alex

RED ALERT!!! RED ALERT!!! RED ALERT!!! I could tell you not to panic but, you probably should. Danny's is closed for renovations!!! Our group of 8 hiked the first 20-miles of the AT (plus 0.9-miles of backtracking from trailhead) in perfect Chamber of Commerce weather conditions to find out that, in fact, we would not be rewarded with a medium-rare prime rib with a loaded bake potato.  Granted, prior to the hike, Car Shuttle Team Specialist Rachel alerted us to the sign in front announicing the aforementioned renovations.  There was talk about simply cancelling the hike altogether.  However, we persevered.  We're tough, We're hikers.

In training for his next maniacal race, Tony T. went ahead of the group and completed the 20-miles in 4:45.  He came back to the 3.5-mile mark to wait on us and to enjoy that last part all over again.  If you're scoring at home, he clocked in 28-miles.  The look of excitement on all of our faces to know that, after hiking 17.5-miles, we got to do another 3.5-miles (with a few more hills. YAY!) was undeniable.  This first segment completed 0.922% of the AT.

Many thanks to Trip Leader Melanie and her team of specialists Jean, Rachel and Peter for dropping our vehicles at Woody Gap and subtracting two-hours from our day.  That was a lifesaver.