First backpacking trip ever! Springer to Neels Gap

**jbogg** · 05-08-2014, 20:47

I would like to thank a lot of folks on this sight for their valuable insight and advice. This past weekend, at the age of 50 I completed my first ever backpack adventure from Springer to Neels Gap. During the 3 months I accumulated my gear, I benefited greatly from the information on this site. I could not have been happier with my WBRR and Cloudburst tarp. Slept so well I didn't even worry about all the lions & tigers & bears oh my.

Unfortunately I chose to ignore the very prudent advice about keeping the initial mileage low. My legs felt so good, I fell victim to my need to see what was over the next hill. The problem with that approach is you feel good right up until you don't. I walked way to many miles the first two days, and ended up limping up and then down Blood Mtn all the way to Neels Gap on my final day on Sunday with a lot of knee pain. Additionally, in an effort to reduce my pack weight while climbing Blood, I failed to carry enough water and had a miserable final two miles into Neels. As I staggered across the parking lot looking for a Gatorade, what should have been a celebration when my wife met me at the finish, turned into a serious bout with dehydration.

At the end of the day however, the experience was phenomenal. I look forward to many more journeys on the trail, and am certain to be a little wiser for the experience.

**fallkniven** · 05-08-2014, 21:56

Yes you learn a lot on your first dozen trips. Glad to hear it all worked out.

**WVadvrider** · 05-08-2014, 22:07

Love thr picture and story

**Mountnman** · 05-08-2014, 22:12

Sounds like you are hooked!! Thanks for the report and stay hydrated

**MAD777** · 05-08-2014, 22:22

What a way to start a hiking career; the AT! Way to go!

**Flounder** · 05-09-2014, 16:13

I love that section. I'm glad your setup worked well for you. I have the same and love it too!

**AaronMB** · 05-09-2014, 16:26

Good stuff. Great setup shot.

Did you hike solo? I find it's easier to over-do-it when I'm backpacking by myself.

**Alpine Dad** · 05-09-2014, 17:44

That is a great story and I like the photo you chose to accompany it. Hopefully this will be the first of many future trip reports.

Cheers

**jbogg** · 05-10-2014, 13:52

Originally Posted by AaronMB

Good stuff. Great setup shot.

Did you hike solo? I find it's easier to over-do-it when I'm backpacking by myself.

Yep. I was solo and had been cautioned about trying to hike too far too soon. Found myself having hiked about 9 miles by lunch time. Tried sitting around and taking it easy, but got bored and decided to keep hiking. Seemed like a good idea at the time. Oh well, my experience bucket is now a little more full, and I am a little wiser.

**2ply** · 05-10-2014, 13:58

Glad you had a great time and learned a few things. If you get a chance come join us for a group hang on the Chattooga River May 23-25.

Chattooga Group Hang info