The Final Countdown

What happens when the abstract ideas and dreams in your head start to coalesce into reality? That’s where I find myself with the start of my AT journey fast approaching.

The idea of hiking the AT has been in my mind for nearly 30 years. In the fall of 2021, the idea became a goal. I have been planning my AT hike for 3 1/2 years and in that time, I have read countless books and blogs. I have watched hundreds of YouTube videos and listened to hundreds of hours of podcasts. In all that time, though, MY hike has been an abstract thing, not really real. That’s all about to change now and it’s hard to wrap my head around the concept.

Final Plans and Preparation

Where do I go and how do I get there?

Starting a hike is simple enough, just start walking. However, the first questions are where do I start and how do I get there?

The AT Southern Terminus is on Springer Mountain near Blue Ridge, Georgia.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/eydrqsyWZHjjAnus9?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

We are flying to Atlanta and will take a rental car 83 miles north to the Amicalola Falls Lodge where we will spend the night. The next day we will drive to the trailhead, and I will start my northbound journey.

https://amicalolafallslodge.com/

Is the Gear Ready?

The short answer is yes. I have nothing left to buy and don’t intend to tweak anything else. Gear. Done.

 

Am I Ready?

More or less. I have no doubts or second thoughts about going and am excited and ready to start. I have trained as much as I intended and will stick to my routine of hiking with gear about 20 miles a week to stay ready. I have had the distinct privilege of hiking in heavy rain recently to properly test everything out. While I don’t particularly love hiking in the rain, I don’t mind it too much.

Coming Down Buckets!

FreeBird?

Who’s FreeBird. Well, I am of course. Trail names are a must on the AT and I have chosen FreeBird. Yes, from the Lynyrd Skynyrd song. The song evokes exactly what I feel at this moment of transition in my life. No, I am not leaving my wife, but I am certainly moving from one phase of life to another.

Anyone Want a Sticker?

I decided to have small stickers printed with a logo my daughter created. I will stick them on various pieces of gear and have them available to hand out. Printed on the backside are my IG and FB links. If you see me on the trail ask for a sticker.

 

Launch Sequence Initiated

The countdown timer is running and I am ready to go.

See y’all on the trail.