Date: 2006-03-01
From: Amicalda Falls State Park

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, here I am. I touched the plaque on top of Springer Mountain. I saw my first white blaze. I got my picture taken with the scarf and the Grease Monkey. It was 70 degrees today, so the scarf was just for show. Many complements on it from all who have seen it.So, yes, it was a thrill to finally see the start of the trail. I did get a chill up my spine and a lump in my throat. I picked up my pebble to carry to Katahdin.Good lessons learned on the first day. I may have overpacked a bit. I hiked all day in running shorts and short sleeve shirt. Fleece, shell, base layer, hat, mittens all stayed in the pack. Sure to have snow somewhere along the way, probably in the Smokies, so I'm not sending anything home yet.However, there are a few things I need sent from home and will call Andrew from the first phone. Biggest one, I need my new Merrill hiking shoes. Even though I've not had problems with my old Salomons, they are too small for this. By the end of the day my toes were crammed at the front. I'll end up with blisters or lost nails very quickly.I've decided against having my L.L. Bean Crestas sent at all. Painful as my shoes may be, they beat hiking in heavy boots all to hell. Next, I need my Camelbak right away. I thought I could wait until hot weather. Well, it's here and I sweat like a pig. Even in cold I need a better hydration system than a couple of water bottles. I'll also need Body Glide right away. Chafing has already begun.A great day all around. I've heard that people on the AT make the trip. That you expect instant comraderie. True. After a 40 minute ride from the hostel I was already missing the folks from the van who were starting from the top of the mountain instead of the approach trail. I'm sure I'll see them again, Rick from Plymouth, Tom with the huge pack from Texas, Meriam and husband from somewhere. I started on the approach with Apple Pie, a past thru-hiker and Triple Crown hiker. We hiked and talked for a while, but had to hang back. The training, running and working out were all good for me, but being in trail shape comes from being on the trail. After slowing to my own pace, peace set in. The trail was steep with ups and downs, but nothing I hadn't done before. But it was different somehow. Alone, thoughts wander and I got into the zone, the same one I get with a long distance run. Only the pain from my shoes pulled me out.After Apple Pie, I met up with Shane and Rick, both from the East Coast. Shane is the Katz of the pair, first time with a backpack on. The three of us chatted with Many Sleeps at the top. He's a 70 yr old ridgerunner and past thru-hiker. He's also from Maine. Great to hear his Down East accent on a mountain in Georgia.Now I'm in the 2nd shelter on the trail, officially 2.6 miles from the start. So I broke my own rule about not doing 8 mile days for a few weeks. Today was 10+. Tomorrow I have to do 12 unless I stop at the next shelter only 5 miles from here. Maybe I should. Especially in these crappy shoes.Quiet shelter. I figured it would be swamped. Apple Pie is next to me and Cedar Moe on the other side. Scout and her sister tenting nearby. They shared great chocolate cake with all. Apple Pie shared tea and Oreos. I think I'm gonna like it here.