Day 1 Foreplay / Long Time
Started: Amicalola Falls Visitor Center (-8.8)
Ended: Campsite (-4.4)
Steps: 16,135
Achievements: The hardest part is getting to the start
When I hiked the PCT, I took the train to San Diego. It was a great way to slow down and mentally prepare myself for trail time. Your day goes much slower when you have to walk to get there.
When I checked in at the airport, they weighed my pack. 26.0 pounds. That included some things that I will be carrying, like my treking poles.
Today, I climb a mountain right out of the gate. Weather conditions are in the high 50's with a 100% chance of rain. Welcome to the AT!
The ride in was awesome. I met two other hikers, Andy and Wally. They are roughly my age. Andy is hiking a trail off the AT and Wally has a room in the lodge and will not start for a couple of days.
It was a late start for me. I didn't get going until noon-thirty. It took a while for me to get organized for hiking in the rain. I reached Amicalola Falls. It was stunning.
But, it was followed by 450 steps. They were slippery.