Date: 2015-03-04
From: Approach Trail

To: Sassafras Mountain
Miles today: 19.5

Mar 4th.      The StartWhat a day, what a day!!!I woke up early at my sisters house. My folks and I promptly got on the road, heading toward the famous Amicalola Falls State Park.I was excited, nervous, and tired. Between the travel to get here, moving, and getting the flu last weekend, I wondered how much energy would actually be in the tank.Soon, I would find out!!My folks and I arrived at the quaint park and immediately went to the visitor center to check things out. They had a surprisingly cool collection of live reptiles. One of my favorite things was the "house" for a particular snake. That "house" was a classic hiking boot!! My dad got a map and we drove to the top of the 602 stairs, saving me a a little less than a mile. I was hugely appreciative!!! That meant that I only had to do 8 uphill miles to get to the start of the AT--Springer mountain.The trail climbed and twisted. It was rocky and exhausting. It's tread reminded me of the Poto trail back home. One of the more unusual things along the way was a messed up tent crumpled against some branches. Tough day on the trail or maybe was it a bear?I summitted Springer at 12:30. I snapped a couple of pictures and signed the register. Away I go!!!Mercifully, the trail descended and gave me a big dose of relief from the climbs. I got to meet my first hikers on the trail. First, Cowboy and Iceberg came trotting along. Super nice folks from South Dakota. I chatted them up as I always do.Next came Clueless. He was great too. He was from Oaklahoma and Kansas. Apparently he actually had his roof ripped off during a tornado. Yes, he was home!After the official trail started, the tread and view changed significantly. Rhododendrons popped up everywhere and it was quite scenic.The trail was extremely well-marked and maintained. So far, no blow-downs. I did see the small remanence of snow and ice. Sure glad I wasn't hiking a week ago! Along side Stover Creek, I ran into a couple of fly fisherman from Indiana. Noah and Steven. Again, I chatted them up and found them to be very nice. Noah is a postal carrier and walks 17 miles a day. Ready-made long distance hiker!I kept cruising along fairly quickly. I am really out of shape and got winded quickly. I have a couple of significant blisters on my left foot. Not surprising...I chugged along and stopped by a shelter to get water. The shelter had tons of people there. I'd guess that I saw 10 tents there. I just wanted to grab water and keep going. On the way back out, I met HappyWarrior, who was from Wyandotte, Mi. He really seemed pleasant. After talking, I walked northbound. The last few climbs were tough.   I hadn't eaten or drank enough today. I really need to hydrate so that my hunger comes back.It started getting later and the winds kept getting stronger and stronger. A heck of a storm is brewing. It's supposed to be rain and sleet with temperatures in the low 40's.I wanted to set up camp, but by the time I had decided, either there would be no camp spot or there would be no bear hanging branch. I ultimately climbed up Sassafras mountain and found a mediocre spot. I hope I don't get pummeled by this storm (but I think I am going to!)I monkeyed with my tarp and gear and decided I wasn't going to make dinner. I just ate a tuna packet and decided to stretch out.As I write this. The winds are howling and the rain is coming down... Not the best place to camp, but it certainly isn't the first time at a less-than-ideal spot.Thank you to everyone that helped me make this possible!!! I am beat so over and out!!Camped at Sassafras Mountain19.5 miles