March 15th – The Journey Has Begun

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After many months of preparing to hike the Appalachian Trail, the time has finally arrived. Yesterday my family and I departed Boston, in the middle of a strong Nor’easter and flew to Atlanta. From there we drove to Amicalola Lodge in Northern Georgia where we spent last night and will stay tonight. The lodge is beautiful with amazing views of the surrounding mountains. This morning we made a quick trip to the nearest Walmart where I picked up the food I will need for the next 4 days. After lunch I registered my hike at the AT Conservancy office and attended a brief orientation session which basically focused on two topics – how to manage your human and non-human waste while on the trail. No, this will not be a 5 star accommodation rating experience!

Following the orientation my family and I hiked the lower falls portion of the 8.9 mile approach trail to Springer Mountain, which is the southern terminus of the AT. The falls were beautiful but it was a steep climb and I was very glad not to have my backpack on. Tomorrow morning my family will drop me off at the top of the falls where we stopped today. They will make their way back to Atlanta to catch a plane to Boston and I will finish the approach trail to Springer Mountain and begin my hike on the official AT route Friday morning.

I cannot express enough my appreciation to Diane, Stephanie and Courtney for supporting me and joining in at the start of this journey. I will miss them more than words can express over the coming months.

Thanks for following along as I make my way north to Mt Katahdin, Maine.

11 thoughts on “March 15th – The Journey Has Begun”

  8. Leah Lundquist's avatarLeah Lundquist

    Alan,
    We are so excited for you!!! Cannot wait to read and hear about your progress!! Let us know when we can meet you in Maine!!
    Keith,
    Leah,
    Ella and Addie

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