Date: 2012-04-10
To: The Prologue
Miles today: 0.0

Much as the 2,000+ mile Tour de France bike race, which starts with a very short opening effort called "the Prologue" before beginning its grueling course in earnest, our first day on the trail is designed to be short, sweet, and largely ceremonial.We leave north Mississippi at sunrise, driving quickly into Alabama, then cross that state on US-72 before darting into Tennessee (and losing an hour). We quickly go in and out of Georgia, skirt the northern end of Lookout Mountain, then turn south back into Georgia. Dalton, Chatsworth, Ellijay, then make our way off Highway 52 up to Big Stamp Gap, USFS 42.We make the mile walk south to the Southern Terminus, breathe a heavy sigh, and sign the register. Just like that, after all this time, it begins¢¦ Our Base Camp Manager then makes the most of the photo opportunity, and we all three pause to take in the moment before returning to the car. The rest of the day is pre-positioning a few bottles of Gatorade for tomorrow (we thus provide our own first trail magic: heaven helps those who help themselves!), checking in at the Hiker Hostel, and enjoying a delightful meal in Dahlonega at the Oar House.-XEnd of the day update notes: We are so slow getting going this morning, our Base Camp Manager calls to see if we have been hit by a semi- or have decided to abandon this grand adventure before it even starts... We arrive at AFSP at about 3pm and check in at the Visitor Center as #'s 839 & 840 for the year (although I have no idea what % come to the VC to sign in vs. those who proceed directly to the Springer Mt. parking lot). We are Numbers 13 & 14 for the day (with pack weights of 22.4 and 23.6). A quick survey of those signing in ahead of us shows only a few of the online folks we'd expected to see. We note most folks on the register do not have trail names yet.We quickly tour the nearby AT attractions (the famous arch, the first shelter, the nearby restroom with shower...), then drive back west and then upward to Springer and Big Stamp Gap. Even this late in the day, we see a lot of activity between the parking lot and Springer. Two women who look to be struggling with packs way too heavy. Several Europeans. And one or two rather serious looking hiking folks. We can see rain showers off in the distance heading our way, and a cold rain starts just as we are signing the register. The brief but threatening shower chased us off the top of Springer a little sooner than we intended, but stopped shortly after. Call us whimps, but rather than take the time to pull out a lot of clothing, we had quickly taken our photos and headed back. We should have toughed it out and enjoyed the view a little longer. A couple from Florida who had parked next to us begged a bottle of gatorade, which we were happy to supply. A malfunctioning water bladder had thrown a serious crimp in their plans, which at the moment seem not entirely well thought out. Do they really intend to leave a car parked here for the next six months???Our BCM decides we need a little more pre-hike training with AYCE (all you can eat) and we alter our plans for dinner. We go with family style at the Smith House in downtown Dahlonega instead of the Oar House. Good choice. No, great choice...-N