Start Slow – Fox’s AT Thru Hike – Day 2

At base camp, I was advised to limit myself to “8 miles per day in GA.” If you follow that, the 8 miles to the Hawk Mountain Shelter should be well traveled for experienced hikers. I would recommend you follow the advice even if, like me, you arrive at the refuge just after lunch. Difficult days are coming, take the time to absorb things.

Assuming an 8-mile day, Stover Creek is a great place for a break of about three miles.

On that note, today I had a chat with a crest runner about the topic of eating at tables. To be clear from the beginning, we were both at a picnic table, in a shelter, eating. I generally don’t like to eat where I sleep. I would prefer to stop two miles early and eat so the food smells aren’t in the camp. But… table. She also agreed: Once you set a table, people will eat there. And I am the same. If I can sit at a table to eat, I will. But consider the advantages of your store not smelling like dinner…

As for tents and Hawk Mountain, do not pitch them in the sites next to the path to the toilet. Private flies will migrate to your tent and some people might stop in their tracks and urinate on the tree you pitched next to.

Do not launch near private road

• Breakfast: burst
• Lunch: Dal
• Dinner: oatmeal
• Snack: rice cake, stroopwafel, ladoo, nuts
• We meet today*: H, E, P, T, S, Hanged Man
• Days without ramen bomb: 2

*I’m using initials for anyone who doesn’t have a route name.

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