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 

It was a pretty rough night.  I tossed and turned.  I finally gave up and made myself a good breakfast.

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.

I hiked until five.  It is only 4.4 miles, but it is a start.

Tomorrow, I'll reach the AT proper.