We've only just begun

Well folks, it has been quite the adventure already--and I'm only four or so days in. Unfortunately I'm a little short on time today...my morning has been full of TCBin' at the Mountain Crossings outfitters in Neels Gap, and I need to start hikin awful soon....but I wanted to get a post up before I departed since I'm not sure when my next chance will be.

Saturday- We'll call it day 0 since I didn't hit the actual starting point til Sunday. Saturday my dear friend Stephen shuttled me to Amicalola Falls state park where the approach trail begins. And lemme tell you....that approach trail means serious business. I would have to say at this point those 8.8mi have been the toughest I've done--and they don't even count in official total! When I'm finished with this journey, my mileage will have an asterisk by it with a footnote mentioning the extra distance...you know, like those steroid-ridden baseball hall-of-famers. Stephen and I camped halfway down the approach trail, encountered a group of rather ambitious bikers in the eve (one of which we bestowed the trail name of Four Man Tent to. I think you can deduce how he got that name), cowboy camped under the stars, and then parted ways in the morning with hugs and well wishes. He also gave me what has turned out to be the most awesome hat I have ever had--pictures coming once I can do some downloading. It is because of such wonderful friends and family that I am even able to attempt this journey.

Day 1, I finished the approach trail and arrived at the summit of Springer Mountain and the official start of the Appalachian Trail. The view was stunning, and brought into clear view the daunting task ahead. I hiked a couple miles down from the summit and camped near the Stover Creek Shelter where I met my first group of pontential GAMErs(GA-ME). Everyone was in high spirits and the company was excellent.

Day 2 was the roughest day of hiking I've ever done. I pushed ahead almost twelve miles, up and down steep mountain passes, in an unseasonably warm day. A fellow hiker and I chose to stop a mile and a half short of our intended shelter and instead set up camp at a gorgeous site along Justus Creek. I was so tired and worn I didn't bother with dinner--just hung my food out of the reach of bears and went to sleep. About 11pm, a storm rolled in, and about 1am it got serious. I did a poor job of pitching my tent and ultimately paid the price. I woke the next day with everything soggy and in poor spirits.

My hiking companion from the previous day and I decided it was worth the unexpected stop to get into the next town and dry off. We made a short day of it--about 7mi--and caught a shuttle into Dahlonega, GA. We split a room, showered for the first time in three days, got our belongings dried out, grabbed a hot meal, and slept like a log. The next morning, my newfound friend decided to stay in town since was working on a different timeframe than myself, so we parted ways. Blackfoot, I wish you the best.

Yesterday was a really good day. I tackled 11 1/2 miles, caught some of the most beautiful views I've ever seen, and arrived at the outfitters in time to get gear advice and ideas on ways to shed pack weight. Believe me, after four days with a loaded pack on your back, you start thinking about every single ounce and how you can shed some. I pitched my tent behind the building, conversed with a new group of great people, and now here we are.

I've already met so many wonderful folks: Journey, Blackfoot, Nature Boy, Flat Feet, Lumpy, Huck Finn....just to name a few. Each has something to offer, and each did so freely and willingly. I've also learned several things already: for example, you're feet will tell you when they've had enough, and when they speak up you better listen. After three days of wearing the same pair of underwear, they will magically begin riding so far up your leg you'll think you lost 'em. Ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain. Drink as much water as you can....seriously folks, it will make all the difference in the world, both day of and day after.

Well, I wish I could chat more, but I gotta get moving forward. There's ground to be covered....I'll be in touch.