Day 1-Still Not the AT, but Getting Closer!

March 19th, Day 1 is done! 

The shuttle driver picked up Doug (that’s the guy’s name that stayed in the hostel too) and I promptly at 8:15 this morning. 

We set foot on the Approach Trail at 9:00. It was so exciting to finally be hiking (even though my pack weighs a whopping 33.5 lbs)! Here’s a couple photos from the start. 

I pulled the plastic away from the sign so it could be in the photo too. 

Of course, Flat Will has to get his photo too. 

Doug and I started out together, and stayed together to the top of the stairs. 

The first set of stairs. 

Went up all those stairs to that fist bridge!

Could finally see the top of the falls through the fog. 

The first set of stairs wasn’t too bad. They are metal grates, so can’t use poles, but there is a railing. 

2nd set of stairs...a few more than the first set. 

Up up up!

Doug and I got to the top of the falls. With the fog, we couldn’t see all the way down (but it’s okay, we know it’s there).

Amicalola Falls disappears into the fog. 

Will made it!

And so did LB (neither of them were the least bit tired)!

We continued climbing, but back on trail. The weather was pretty awesome, and also quite warm (mid 60s at least)...and humid. I embraced the sweat. 

Periods of fog...

But a fair amount of sun too (I think, but don’t know for sure, that is Springer Mtn).

Doug, being faster, got ahead. That was okay fine by me. I enjoyed walking at my turtle pace. I took breaks at the campsites along the way. There was usually a log or rock to sit on. I was more than happy to take my heavy pack off (did I mention that sucker weighed 33.5 lbs?). I stopped and had a lunch of trail mix about 12:30.

For the amount of people that were starting, I didn’t see but maybe 5. At the campsite there is one other guy that was here before me (besides Doug). I spent most of the day by myself. Not too hard to practice social distancing!

So, tent is up (arrived at Black Gap Shelter at 2:45 after hiking 7.3 miles), and my shoes and socks are off! Not gonna lie, I was ready to be done, but it was a good day! Will say...a couple of guys I passed are definitely carrying a substantial amount of weight, and I’m not talking about their packs. They were struggling. 

Tomorrow I will step foot on the official AT!

That’s Doug’s tent down yonder. 







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