Getting To Springer Mt

imported
#1

Hey all! I’m about to hike the AT and I have a few random questions. The most important is, how do I get to Springer Mt. from the airport? I’ve tried searching the archives for an answer to this, but just found some random listings of people who were offering lifts (I’ve contacted a couple of them but one didn’t work out, and the other hasn’t replied yet). So that’s problem number 1.

When I’m flying, should I just pack everything into my backpack and just use my backpack as a suitcase? In other words, do I need to stuff all my gear into a suitcase for the airplane ride?

I have a small gas containing thing for my stove, how long will that gas last? Someone at EMS said I would need to refill it every week, that’s a lot of refilling if that’s true!

Where do I get gas for my stove? Also, should I put gas in my stove now or is that not something that I should be putting on an airpline (a gas full of stove - this is a simpleton question, but better safe than sorry here).

thanks,
danny

danny

#2

So many questions. First, how to get to Springer from the Atlanta airport. Well, it’s obvious that you don’t have either Wingfoot’s Handbook or the ALDHA Companion. Detailed suggestions are in both. Since you will want one of these books for a thru-hike, I suggest that you buy them now and thus find out how to get to Springer.

Short answer, contact Josh or Leigh Saint at Hiker Hostel. They have a new hostel just for people such as yourself.

If you check your pack, I suggest putting it into an oversize duffle bag so that the straps don’t get ripped off by the baggage handlers.

How long your fuel will last depends on how much cooking you do. Generally speaking, an 11 ounce fuel bottle is big enough. You will probably be resupplying your food every 3 to 5 days, and will probably want to top off your fuel at that time also. Some times you might go 7 or 8 days between resupply. In any event, most of us can stretch a bottle of fuel for a week or more. If in doubt, fill your fuel bottle, weigh it, cook a meal, and then weigh your fuel bottle again. That way you should be able to estimate fuel consumption.

You can get fuel in almost every place where you resupply. For details, read Wingfoot’s Handbook or the ALDHA Companion. They list places that have fuel available for hikers.

Don’t even try to fly with your fuel bottle and stove in the luggage. It’s illegal if caught. Best if it is UPS’ed to Hiker Hostel or some other place near Springer. Make sure it goes UPS Ground. To prepare your stove and fuel bottle for shipping, empty out all fuel. Wash out the fuel bottle with hot soapy water. Allow to dry for at least 24 hours. Then, take it to a UPS Shipper for them to package and ship. Don’t put it into a box and seal it up yourself. The shipper should see what is being shipped. Make sure they ship it ground rather than air.

Peaks

#3

Danny…Peaks is right on all counts.I bought a duffle bag at WalMart for 10 dollars to ship my bag in at the airlines.If you get shutteled into Springer,most of the drivers have fuel or will stop so you can purchase some.I don’t know if they are still listed but in 2000 We used Wes Wesson from Suches.His number was 706-747-2671.The following year, I used a guy by the name of “SLY”. Great guy and a thru-hiker.Loads of luck and best wishes on your hike.:cheers

Bill Harris

#4

When do you plan on coming into ATL?

Zaphod

#5

definatly do the duffel bag thing, i flew from atl to texas last may and i put my pack in a duffle. when the duffle came in bagage claim the handles of the duffle were shredded. I was only out 10 bucks but i would have cried if it had been my pack!

KyleJackson

#6

Thanks for your replies guys, very helpful. I’m coming to ATL in the next week or two, I haven’t bought my plane ticket yet! I’ll do that today or tomorrow.

danny

danny