Day 1 

After not nearly enough sleep and a few other hiccups my folks drove me over to Springer Mountain to start my hike. We pulled into the parking lot and dad hiked the mile back to the beginning of the trail leaving mom with the car. As we hiked the gentle grade it began to sleet. It was chilly but since we were moving it wasn’t bad at all. We made it to the beginning of the trail, snapped a few photos then booked it back to the parking lot. Just as we arrived it began to rain. I got suited up, said a tearful goodbye to my folks and I started my adventure.

  I was doing this. It was chilly and wet but I was now officially on my thru-hike. I had thought since I work on my feet that I could get away without doing much conditioning. I was wrong. I am a husky (remember shopping in that section as a kid) out of shape bar tender. What was I doing with 45 pounds of my life strapped to my back walking up mountains? Luckily the first day that I hiked was gently graded so I didn’t just bag the whole trip right there.  

Even though it was cold and rainy it was beautiful. The trees and the streams were enchanting. I walked all afternoon and by the early evening I had made it to Hawk Mountain campsite. It was down a side trail to the west. Even though it was situated in a valley the local trail club had constructed level tent pads on which to camp. My home for the night was the fifth pad. The rain had abated and I set up my tent. I then set about the other chores required each time you walk into camp. I got water, unpacked my things setting up my sleep system and cooking gear. Then I made some dinner. I didn’t have much of an appetite for some reason but I knew I needed to eat. By the time I finished with everything it was getting dark. I was drained both physically and emotionally. That was day one.