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Sunny. 70 degrees.
Sounds like spring in Georgia, right?
I’ve just crossed into North Carolina, the second state on this incredible trail, and let me tell you, it has already been quite the ride! Being from Georgia, though, there was a sense of familiarity underneath each experience.
But no matter how many times you’ve walked a path, it will feel different as a thru hiker. I can’t explain it, but it’s almost magical.
Those First Steps
After I got my tag at the Amicalola Falls State Park Basecamp in the back of the new Visitor Center, I walked over to the arch for that iconic photo. My family surrounded me, ready to see me off on this new adventure. Even more friends would join me the next morning on Springer Mountain to show their love and support. Several people on trail are hiking toward their home. I’m hiking away from mine.
Gratitude swelled in my heart, knowing that I have such an amazing support system of people who want me to succeed. In that moment, it really did feel like everyone was rooting for me.
Putting on my backpack that next morning had me feeling like a kid again. There I was: backpack on and ready to head off into something new. It felt like the first day of school all over again. Except, this time, the lessons would be a bit different. And the people would be a bit more welcoming.
After summiting Springer Mountain with my friends and family, I made a 180 turn and faced to the North. It was time. The unknown was at my fingertips.
Sunset and Sunrise from a Stealth Site
In case I haven’t mentioned it yet, I have a trail name: Sunrise! I got my trail name several years ago from some thru hikers at Wesser Bald, but that’s a story for another blog post. I had debated keeping it or letting the people on trail give me a new one. But after searching for the perfect stealth sight with a sunrise view already on night 3 and proclaiming that it was once again “the best sunrise I’ve ever seen,” it stuck.
My time in Georgia would be filled with lots of thru hiking firsts – ranging from my first rainy day to my first bear hang.
But a moment that sticks with me is the first time I told someone I was “going to Maine.” I took the Blue Blaze to Long Creek Falls, one of the first (if not the first) official blue blazes on the Appalachian Trail. If you’re unfamiliar with the term blue blaze, that means a side trail leading to a point of interest. That could be a shelter, a water source, a vista, or, like it was in this case, a waterfall. There were several day hikers enjoying the beautiful day at the falls. I chatted with a couple there, and they asked me where I was heading. I responded, “Just 3 more miles to the shelter. I’m keeping my days shorter until I get my trail legs.” They said, “No, where do you plan on finishing?” It was at that moment I realized that was their way of asking me if I was a thru hiker. “I’m going to Maine.” They wished me well, and we headed our separate ways. I don’t think they realized that I think often of that moment.
Breaking News: My Shoes Stayed on My Feet
It’s hard to say goodbye. A few of the people I had been hiking with were only doing a section hike and already had plans of getting off at Neels Gap. But even more were saying goodbye to their dreams of a 2025 thru hike. Injuries, homesickness, and false expectations were beginning to take their toll on the thru hiking population.
But for me, there would be no tossing of the shoes up into the iconic tree at Neels Gap on this hike. My sights were set on making it to Hogpen Gap that night for a trip to Hiawassee and a stay at The Green Dragon. (The Green Dragon was absolutely incredible as my first hostel experience on trail. I’d highly recommend it!)
A mom waiting for her son to come through shared the last half of her pizza with me and bought me a coke. I told her stories from my last few days and shared about the trail community, and she bragged on her awesome son. It was an authentic moment – one I feel like happens less and less in a world disillusioned by social media and in a generation raised behind screens. And those moments would continue.
My First Zero Day
Hiawassee, or #hikeawassee, as they say. Who is they? The amazing volunteer shuttle drivers who do daily pickups from both Unicoi Gap and Dick’s Creek Gap!
My zero day left me feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the next few days on trail. I understood how crucial zero days are to give my body a chance to rest and take in some bonus calories. They’re also great for morale – new friends, clean clothes, and new dreams of the next resupply point. There’s something nice about knowing you timed your zero with the rain.
In Hiawassee, someone asked me how I was mentally approaching the trail: “Maine seems a long ways away, and I can’t imagine being out there for that long.” I’m used to comments like this. When I ran my first Ultra last year, several people felt the need to say things like “I don’t even drive that far.” or “I could never do that.” That’s ok; we have different dreams. Maine is my dream. And yes, Maine is far. But Franklin, North Carolina? That’s only a few days away. I can do that. There’s a phrase that goes something like this: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
So how do I hike the Appalachian Trail? One step at a time.
Keeping the end goal in mind is important, yes. But for me, it can’t all be about Katadhin. If it becomes all about reaching a place, I’ve missed the point. The Appalachian Trail is a journey. Each day is a gift. And I’m here to embrace the moments – the moments of rain, the moments of laughter, the moments of music, the moments of suck – I think you get the point.
Number of doggo sightings on trail: 21
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