Date: 2016-03-25
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 69.6
Weather: light rain

My cousin dropped me off at AFSP entrance just before 8pm as the sun was setting. After so much preparation and growing expectations it still hadn't hit me that I was finally about to start this endeavor. Even now as I hike daily and meet people with the same goal to make it all the way to Maine I can't believe what we have all left behind to accomplish this crazy adventure.Bright and early Saturday morning I gathered my things and headed back to the visitor's center to sign the thru-hiker log book and weigh my pack. I knew I was in trouble when lifting the pack above my head to hook it on to the hanging scale was a bit of a challenge. My pack weighed in at a whopping 52lbs which was about 12-17lbs too many, not the best way to start. The approach trail up to Springer Mountain (where the AT officially begins) sure is a rude awakening with just over 600 steps to the top of the falls and then of course an ascent up the mountain. I was able to make pretty good mileage but unfortunately it was drizzling and foggy all day so visibility was quite limited. I spent the night at Stover Creek Shelter and enjoyed hanging out with everyone until a guy named Smokey woke us all up with his frightening snoring. It was a mixture of Darth Vader meets the Exorcist complete with both words and sounds. Sunday I got to experience rolling hills which may be nice to look at from afar but are a pain in the butt to hike. I had my first trail magic experience when a group of 3 people were on the trail giving out hot apple cider and snacks. As the day went on it got colder and by the time I reached Gooch Mountain Shelter it had lightly snowed off and on. The shelter was full so I pitched my tent and set up camp before trying to get some needed rest.Monday was a long day, I hiked 17 miles from 7am to 5pm in order to pass a 10 mile gap with high bear activity that wouldn't allow hikers without bear canisters (I have a bag) to camp along the trail. Fortunately I was able to tag along with a man called the Professor who was also planning on hiking past Neels Gap that day. When my alarm went off at 6am I wanted to go back to sleep and stay in my warm sleeping bag but I got up and going only to find a fresh layer of snow to greet me. While it was cold and the wind was fierce it was a gorgeous morning for hiking. About 7 miles in to the hike I managed to trip and fall landing partially on my right ankle before it rolled out from under me. It was quite painful but no one was around so I just got up and hiked on and to my surprise it wasn't too bad as long as I put most of my weight on the left foot. Not only was this a high mileage day but it also meant conquering Blood Mountain (adequately named with it's steep south side) which had an amazing view from the top but descending it with my bad ankle was intense. I made it to the base of the mountain and passed through Neels Gap where 20% of hikers give up to Bull Gap campsite. It was that night that I entertained a few of my fellow hikers while attempting to hang my food bags (yes plural) that I was given the trail name Food Bag! Tuesday was my favorite day since the sun was shining and it was finally warm enough to just wear a short sleeve shirt. Half way through the day some men were giving trail magic and I got coffee, snacks and batteries for my head lamp . I made a pit stop at Low Gap Shelter and came across a group of guys more than happy to take some of my access food off of me. It was so fun to see them enjoy my extra rations and have a lighter pack, win win. I hiked to the campsite Poplar Stamp Gap and called it a day.Wednesday was another beautiful day and my third trail magic experience which I managed to get to right in time for lunch! I hiked 14 miles (my second longest day) and got to Tray Mountain Shelter which was packed and even had a few solo female hikers. Thursday the goal was to beat everyone else to Deep Gap Shelter since rain was predicted in the afternoon and I had no desire to be caught in it. I got to the shelter at 11:55am and ended up spending the rest of the day hanging out with fellow like-minded hikers and relaxing, not a bad day. Today I hiked a few miles in the early morning fog in order to beat my fellow shelter mates and get to the Top of Georgia Hostel. When I arrived to coffee and biscuits with jam and butter it was well worth the early rise. As my clothes were washed I finally got to shower for the first time in a week and man did it feel good to scrub off the layered dirt. Not to get too in to it but my skin has definitely reacted to the dirt and sweat, I haven't had this much acne since high school... Hope my body gets used to the grunge. Well sorry I went on and on, this week has been such a neat and new experience I just had to tell you all about it. I'll be heading in to Hiawassee, GA soon to mail back some items home and treat myself to a big meal!!