Date: 2011-01-01
To: How did I get here?
Miles today: 0.0

I don't remember when I first heard of the Appalachian Trail. I'm sure it was probably at the home of my step-dad's mother. She supported my interest in the outdoors more than anyone else in my childhood. For years and years she kept a subscription to "Ranger Rick" magazine going for me. She had a large tract of land outside of Atlanta complete with a nice lake. I caught my first bass in that lake. In the adjacent woods I saw my first deer, snake, owl pellets and more pleasant memories than I can count. She would help with the National Geographic articles when I was young and I have a vague recollection of her telling me about Grandma Gatewood. This has been simmering for a while.Over the years I've bought guidebooks twice, with a thought of a big section hike, but a Thru was something for new college grads or retirees. I had commitments and it just wasn't going to happen.5 years ago my wife and I hiked around Mt. Ranier. It was our first outdoor experience together and she said "Now I see why you love this." I had her! When we got back to Chattanooga, we drove to Springer so I could show her the Terminus. As we were walking up from FS 42 I heard a god-awful racket coming up from behind us. A young guy who was all knees and elbows flew past us and when we got to the summit he was laying there crying. Turns out he was apparently the first SOBO to finish that year. We fed him and took him home with us that evening and drove him to the airport the next morning. (Trail Magic story #1)2010 we're looking for something to do and I notice a get-together at Amicalola Lodge with speakers that include Gene Espy, the second thru hiker. We go down and I'm kind of intimidated to approach Gene because he's a living legend. Angie chats with him until she gets me over there to meet the kindest most genuine Southern gentleman I've ever met. At some point she says "You love this, don't you?" We pick up a flyer for another get-together.April Fool's get together in Franklin hits just a couple of week's later. We didn't know anybody there and it didn't matter a bit. Angie was amazed with the mix of personalities and the feel that it was 1 big family. Guess who was there signing his book? Gene and his whole family was there. (Trail Magic story #2)Somewhere on this trip Angie convinced me that we were in a great spot for me to attempt a Thru in 2011. She is painfully organized so if she says to put it on the front burner, who am I to argue?Angie must have enjoyed herself because she logged on the computer, found the Trail Days website, and put in for time off before going to bed.In Damascus a couple of month's later, we were still "outsiders" but saw people we had met at both of the above gatherings. There were some great speakers and a good time was had. And guess what, Gene Espy was there and by now the family recognises us. That'll kill the "outsider" feeling for good!On the way out of town we pick up 2 hikers. Angie just sees me looking and says,"You think we have room?". We drove them to a hostel just off of Max Patch. What's another hour and a half? (Trail Magic #3) I think she's a converted Trail Angel now.Nobody makes this dream happen alone.