On trail

On Saturday I flew to Atlanta and took the Marta train to Sandy Springs. There I stayed overnight and on Sunday took the REI shuttle to both Amicalola State Park to get my hiking tag.

At the arch at Amicalola Atate Park

And to Forest Road 42 which is 1 mile from the Spring Mountain terminus.

The southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail

Although it was clear for a while it started to torrentially rain. So after 7 miles and soaking wet I camped for the night.

The next day was sunny and cool. Here’s a few photos of the trail.

It’s just a path through the woods
A very long path – 2192 miles

Today I passed Neel Gap where there is a tree for people who are giving up they toss their shoes into it.

Neel Gap shoe tree of those quiting the hike

Today, day 3, I’ve made it to mile 42, but have a severe case of chaff – ugh. Tomorrow I need to resupply in Hiawasee GA.

11 thoughts on “On trail

  1. Looking good ! Mary and I are watching your GPS postings and enjoying the hike vicariously.

  2. I’m glad it turned out to be a beautiful day after the rainy day. Go Brian! thanks for the updates.

  3. Great pictures! Thanks for the update. I’ve really missed your morning greetings this week! Wishing you all the best.

  4. Once again, your physical prep prior to a major thru hike simply amazes me. I don’t know of anyone who has done as many miles pre-hike. It appears that you’re applying your marathon experience to hike training, am I right? Kudos to you, so many people neglect the physical training and wonder why they end up quitting.

    I hiked the AT in 1984. Something like 11 out of my first 14 days were marked with rain (at times torrential), sleet and lightning strikes at close quarters. I was drenched repeatedly and kept on going. Fewer than 100 people finished that year. I carried between 38 and 57 lbs in my pack. Stayed in shelters nearly every night. Met my future wife on the trail. Had an unbelievably great time. Produced a film about the AT in 1992, North to Katahdin (16mm film, HEAVY camera gear carried the whole way).

    I hope you love wildflowers. The southern Appalachians are famous for off-the-charts wildflower displays. And of course zillions of hikers. And a different kind of beauty than you’re used to seeing. It’s a great trail. I hope you come to love it as much as I did.

    I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed meeting you and hiking with you on the PCT – you were definitely one of my favorite hiking partners. If I’m home when you’re hiking thru VT and NH, I’ll do my best to show up and see how you’re doing. [You can count on me for assistance if you need it.] HOG AT-1984 CDT-1998 to 2013 PCT 2014-2016

  5. Thanks Hog for the kind words and offers. And yes, I was a marathoner so made a plan and followed it, but on trail is always different. Over the past week it has been sunny, rainy, and snowy – sheesh!

  6. so this hiking tag? Is it like an ear piercing? Like the tags farm cows have? Can we track you via gps if need? Bwahahahaha……a little levity to start your trek. (And yes i do know I’m going right to hell when i die). Take care, and we all love you and pray for a safe hike.

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