March 17 - 15.1 miles

I have survived my first day out on the trail. It was a very productive day of 15.1 miles, but I am very tired. It is not even 10 but I should have gone to bed an hour ago. The morning started out by going to the visitor's center at Amicolola Falls to check in. Will and I were the first ones there when it opened. We signed the check in sheet. I am the 314th person to sign in this year. More have started, but they did not check in. After signing in, we drove to within a mile of Springer. Granted there was a detour along the way which set us back a little.

Will, his dad, and I backtracked up the AT to the top of Springer. We took our pictures and sand our hellos to others. We then hiked back down to the cars where mom and dad Thompson were. We grabbed our packs, said our good byes, and headed off. The first few miles were downhill so we knocked those out pretty quick. After some ups and downs, we got to Horse gap at 2673 feet. This was then followed by the uphill climb to the top of Sassafras Mt. That was miserable and when I noticed my first problem. I noticed the inside of my water hose is covered in mold. I will make due until I get to the Walasi Center on Friday to buy a new one.

The remainder of the day was followed by two more mountains. We ended around 8 this evening at Gooch Mtn Shelter. It is very crowded. The shelter is full and there are probably 15 to 20 tents up. Before going to bed we sat around the campfire. One guy needed to have his mouth washed with soap. He is a lttle off. He is attempting to hike barefoot. We also talked with a group of 10 or so guys that have met within the last few days and are now hiking together. Not sure if we will stay with them or not. All at the shelter were very impressed with our 15 miles. It has taken every one else 2 to 5 days to get to the same place.

I also go to so see my first person quit. He only made it the mile off of Springer to where we parked our cars. Will's dad ended up offering the guy a ride back to Atlanta to get a bus or train ticket. Guess thr guy didn't know what he was getting into.

Last thing, my packed weighed 45 lbs. That is very heavy as others are in the 30's.

I've taken my two advil and multi-vitamins. I am off to bed.