Today we hiked the approach trail from Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain (the official southern terminus of the AT). We woke up around 7a, showered, and finished getting ready. Around 8:15a we packed up (Ha! Literally!) and headed to the visitor center where AT thru-hikers can register and weigh their packs. Mine came in at about 35lbs, Ben’s was high at 45lbs. But we were full food and water, which adds alot. We took our iconic photo at the arch, hugged mom and Jen, and proceeded to hike our first mile on the AT.
The plan was to do that mile up to the lodge, where we would then have breakfast with mom and Jen. We still made it to the lodge, but we accidentally took the wrong trail – dang it! According to an AT volunteer/ambassador it was harder than the normal start, so at least we didn’t cheat out at all. Oh well, we ended up where we needed to be and arrived almost on time too! I was glad for the extra time with my mom and sister, but found it hard to eat because we all kept tearing up. I’m not an emotional eater. I’m a comfort eater. So if I’m upset, I don’t eat. But I knew I had a hard day ahead of me, so I choked down the calories. I’m going to miss my friends and family so much. I expect that’ll be the hardest thing about the trail for me – harder than any of the physical challenges we have coming.
After breakfast we went back to the cabin. I shedded about a pound of uneccasary gear. Ben kept all of his for now. Then we checked out, made final calls to family, and headed back to the trail. It was a difficult goodbye filled with lots of extra hugs and turn arounds. Snot ran down my face as I was trying to hike.
Today was also physically challenging. In all, we hiked about 9 miles. It wasn’t much, but it was brutal at times. One AT volunteer said we shouldn’t have a hike like that again for the next couple of days. We met serveral other thru-hikers. We kept leapfrogging a guy named Kevin. We also met a man who is 68. His trail name is PawPaw. His daughter made him a dog tag at a pet store with a bunch of contact directions “in case of emergency”.
We had to take several breaks. Our average pace when walking was about 1.9 miles per hour. Not too bad for the first day! I have a blister on my left heel and a hot spot on my right. And… we are both starting to get sun! I call it “hiker pole tan” when you are brown on your thumb, going down the side of your arm that faces up when you are holding the pole.
It was supposed to start storming about 2p but held off until 6p. Even now, it’s not too hard of a rain. I’m grateful for the good weather we had. We were able to set up camp and eat dinner before it started.
Now we are trying to figure out what gear we can send home. Tomorrow we may try to hike 12 miles, we will see.
It’s only 6:30p – crazy early – but I may call it a night soon. I haven’t had good sleep for the last few weeks. Here’s hoping!
Right now we are at the Springer Mountain shelter. There’s also an area for tents. It’s a nice spot, plenty of cleared space. I can’t imagine what it looks like when it’s busy!
Okay, goodnight!
-k