Miles hikes on AT - 0 (approach trail only)
Total miles hikes on AT - 0/2,193
Amicalola Visitor Center to Amicalola Lodge (overnight at Amicalola Lodge)
Total ascent- 1,652’
Total descent - 826’
Day #1 - Friday, March 13
Well - the day is finally here. It’s 5am. I’m currently sitting at Gate C47 in DIA (Denver International Airport) awaiting my 6:35am flight to Atlanta. Today I start my journey of hiking the Appalachian Trail. I have a lot of emotions right now - the unknowns of the trip, the escalating severity of the Coronavirus outbreak (subsequent consequences), and the logistics of my travel today. “Don’t go looking for something bigger when you have challenges in front of you”. This is a phrase I will continue to focus on. I’ve long ago decided that I will approach this hike like I approach a marathon - small goals, small pieces. It’s too overwhelming to take on everything at once. Keep it going - small steps can lead to bigger accomplishments.
What is the Appalachian Trail? The Appalachian Trail - a hiking trail in the Eastern US that extends from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The trail is 2,193 miles in length, passes through 14 states, and has a 464,500’ elevation gain/loss. My plan is to thru-hike (hike the complete trail) - starting in Georgia and heading north. I have a goal of completing the hike in 5 months (or 154 days). To accomplish this I’ll need to hike on average 14.24 miles each day.
Why am I doing this? Good question - one I’ve been asked many times since I resigned from my job on November 7th and began a 4-month prep leading to today. I guess the simple answer is: the challenge - the adventure. Doing something that quite frankly scares me to death. I like to live by the phrase “Everyday you should do something that scares you”. Simply put - do something that challenges you, something different than usual, something that takes you out of your comfort zone. This is how we grow, this is how we become better. As I sit here right now - I honestly don’t know if I can complete this hike. I literally have goosebumps writing this. I’m inspired. I feel more alive than maybe I’ve ever been before. ......... You know what - maybe that’s why I’m doing this!
I’m going to try to keep this blog so I can remember the days, the experiences, and the challenges. Hang with me - and let’s have a good time!!
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4pm — My Southwest flight was only half full this morning. You could smell the cleaning chemicals as you boarded the plane. First flight out for the day - I felt pretty good as far as limited virus exposure goes.
On arrival into Atlanta, I secured my backpack - which I had to check due to the size. The question was going to be - did everything make it intact. No worries - my carrying bag worked well. I connected with my shuttle driver and then took the MARTA (train) to the North Springs N11 stop. I met the driver (Dave) there. We then shuttled the 1hr - 10min to Amicalola Falls Visitor Center. We stopped mid-way for a quick sandwich. (I definitely needed that). I got to the Visitor Center around 2pm
They have an official check-in location at the Visitor Center. I’m officially hiker #1,080. We went over rules and guidelines on the trail. A couple other hikers filtered in. My pack weighed in at 32 pounds fully loaded. I took a bunch of pics and then started the Approach Trail. The Approach Trail is a 8.8 mile hike which brings you to the actual start of the AT. It’s sort of like a badge of honor to do the Approach Trail because (while scenic) - it’s a very strenuous hike of nearly 2,000 ft vertical. The goal today was just to do the 600 stairs up the Falls to the Amicalola Lodge. Total distance - 1.3 miles. Have you ever walked the Incline in Manitau Springs, CO (or heard about it). The Hike today reminded me of that. Short - but it packs a brutal punch. I’m in the Lodge now
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9pm — so - an incredible add on to my first day on the AT — my friends Liam and Kim have driven down from their home near Raleigh, NC. They arrived at 5pm. We went out and explored the Falls. We ended up hiking the entire 1.3 miles down the Falls and back up again. All good though. No pack and great conversation. Liam and Kim are awesome and we’ve done a ton of trips together. If I can keep up with them - I know I’m doing OK. We had a great dinner with drinks - with a little reminiscing along the way. Tomorrow they’ll hike with me to the actual start of the AT atop Springer Mountain. I’ll continue on along the trail and plan to camp 2.8 miles in (giving me a 10 mile day). Liam and Kim will hike back to Amicalola and drive into Atlanta on Sat evening to visit friends. Really special they’re here to send me off on my journey!
Day #1 is in the books. I’m sitting in a comfortable bed at Amicalola Lodge. Tomorrow things get real —- quickly. I’m going to write my blog daily - I’ll post whenever I can get a signal. Thank you to all the inspirational posts and texts today - I appreciate it greatly
To good health and good friends. Good night from Northern Georgia - 7.5 miles to the start of the AT
Graph showing hikers started/completed through the years
View almost to the top of the Falls
Me - ready to make some miracles happen
Famous archway at the visitor center
Plaque at Amicalola Falls Visitor Center
Tough stair climb for Day #1
Kim, Liam, me at the start of Approach Trail
This is so great!!! I have been thinking of hiking a chunk of the trail. Looks like the stairs might be what I can handle at the moment! Best of luck on Day #2 and beyond! You’ve got this!!!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck and safe travels. Hope your TP supply is there when you need it, at least until the trees leaf out.
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DeleteBadass on the trail people...step aside.
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