Day 1 Amicalola Falls to Stover Creek Shelter (11.1)

What an incredible day. It felt surreal to hike the approach trail and stand on top of Springer Mountain after dreaming about it for so many years. The hike was easier than I expected, but I’m still going to pace myself at the start so I don’t get hurt. I’m very happy with my preparation and the shape I’m in. At the shelter I met two hikers who completed the trail in 2022. They gave me some advice and told me a lot of cool stories. It stormed hard all night but it cleared up by the morning. 

Day 2 Stover Creek Shelter to Gooch Mountain Shelter (12.9)

Nothing crazy happened while I was hiking today. I had one good view and my body still feels good. I was hiking by myself all day and it was very peaceful. Most days I prefer to hike by myself so I can listen for birds. It drizzled on me but I got to the shelter before it came down hard. There were a lot of cool hikers at the shelter and we had some good conversations. 

Day 3 Gooch Mountain Shelter to Neels Gap (15.6)

My favorite day on trail so far. It was cold but sunny all day. I met Henry at Gooch Mountain Shelter and hiked with him most of the day. I will continue hiking with him for a while. We hit it off right away. Sumitted blood mountain today, the first big climb of the AT, and the views from the top were incredible. All the trees were frosty and I could see for miles. Stayed at the hostel at Neels Gap and it was definitely worth it. It feels great to hit the first major milestone on trail.  I can’t believe so many people quit at Neels Gap. Quitting the trail has not even crossed my mind. 

Day 4 Neels Gap to Blue Mountain Shelter (19)

Another great day on trail, hiked with Henry and Raw Dog. I’m pretty sure I was able to see Atlanta from one of the mountains. Longest mileage day on trail yet but the terrain was easy. It was also the first day with rocky terrain. Rocky terrain is the worst but I’ll see a lot of it in the future. I feel great on the uphills but the downhills suck. My right ankle is doing well but hurts occasionally when I step. My left knee is holding up well (I had ACL and meniscus surgery on my left knee). Possible blister spot on left heel and left big toe. Not too worried about it. I’ve been doing my mobility routine at night and I feel like it’s helping. 

Day 5 Blue Mountain Shelter to Deep Gap Shelter (15.8)

Not as long as yesterday but lots of elevation. I woke up to an amazing sunrise. The weather stayed perfect all day and my body was feeling good. I’m super happy with the shape I’m in. Nothing super noteworthy happened but still had some good views. Met some new people at the shelter but I’m still hiking with Henry. Short day tomorrow into Around the Bend Hostel. I’m looking forward to the rest and getting some real food. 

Day 6 Deep Gap Shelter to Around the Bend Hostel (3.9)

Woke up to another great sunrise and the vibes were high because it was my first Nero day. My trail name is most likely going to be Owl. I carry binoculars and am keeping track of all the birds I see on trail so Raw Dog told me to pick my favorite bird and that should be my trail name. I was debating between a few of my favorite birds and during the night at Deep Gap Shelter I heard a Barred Owl duet. A duet is when the male and female respond to each other. I think that’s a sign that Owl should be my trail name. Got picked up from Dicks Creek Gap and stayed the day at the hostel. The hostel was amazing and accommodated all my needs. I highly recommend Around the Bend. I enjoyed the rest but I’m excited to get back after it tomorrow. Two of my friends from college are coming out to the trail tomorrow and hiking for three days with me. I am going to cross into North Carolina tomorrow and I can’t wait.