If you don’t know already, Nadine and I decided to give the Appalachian Trail some of our time this year. I’ve been keeping a short journal on my phone so I figured it would be appropriate to post on our blog as we hike to keep our readers updated. Please forgive any typos and lack of editing since all posts and photos are being done via my phone. Enjoy!
Day 0 (April 6): Had a long day of traveling to get to the trail. 2 flights, a train ride, a shuttle, and 12 hours later we made it to Amicola Falls Park and setup in the shelter just behind the visitor center. Went to sleep early and it seemed like I barely slept at all. Lots of rain, lighting, and thunder that night but we stayed dry.
Day 1 (April 7): Woke up with the sun and after registering at the visitor center we hit the approach trail. The falls were awesome but the climb up the 700 feet of stairs was not.
Had to take many breaks but it was worth it once we got to the lodge at the top for a buffet breakfast. Hiked 8 miles up to Springer Mountain and the first white blaze. Apart from the stairs, the hike wasn’t too bad, but we are definitely out of shape. Stayed in the Springer Mountain Shelter (0.2m) with Rachel, JC, Johnny, Sam, and Charlie (dog).
Day 2 (April 8): Still didn’t get much sleep but was up before sunrise again. Had a warm breakfast and was on the trail by 8:30am. Got our first 8 miles done on the AT to Hawk Mountain Shelter (8.1m). Finished around 1:00pm so had plenty of time to rest and socialize. Stayed in the shelter with Rachel, Pantyhose, Thor, Dead Weight, Chris and some crazy preacher in camo pants. Campfire helped with the cold night (28f).
Day 3 (April 9): Finally got a good night’s sleep, actually woke up just after sunrise. Coffee and a squeeze fruit pouch for breakfast. On the trail at 8:33am with Rachel. Bundled up from the cold and wind and crushed some steep climbs to get to Gooch Mountain Shelter (15.8m). Mashed potatoes and pork was an awesome dinner. Another campfire help to warm up the grumpy ridge runner. Spotted a night owl over the fire. Sheltered with Rachel, Thor, Pantyhose, and Dead Weight. Supposed to warm up tomorrow.
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