Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Pitcrew and I drove from Maryland to Gatlinburg, TN yesterday. We have been to Gatlinburg many times before and enjoy it. Drove through lots of rain storms and high wind. Rain stopped a little bit before we arrived.
Said goodbye to the dogs (Sky and Pen) for six months yesterday morning. I find it interesting how emotional that was. Ever since Andrea died almost three years ago, my emotions have been so much more intense than ever before in my life. Mainly emotions around separation, loneliness, sadness, etc. I thought that would calm down over time, but not yet.
On that note, I am experiencing a seesaw of emotions between excitement and apprehension about the start of my thru-hike. I read that this is common.
Today we drove to Newfound Gap in GSMNP and then to Franklin, NC and Hiawassee, GA. Both are trail towns and I took advantage of the short drive to get the lay of the land in each town where I will be stopping in a few days. We made it to Amicalola Falls state park visitor center at 3:45.
Weather note…it is crystal clear and 72 degrees today. Same forecast for Amicalola Falls and Springer Mountain today! The forecast on the mountains looks like low 70s and mostly sunny with nights in the low 50s through for the next 6 days. I could not ask for better weather to start. I have been very nervous about the weather in April, hence why I chose a mid-April start date. Nailed it!
Got checked in, received my hiker tag, and did the orientation briefing. I am number 2318. Glad we got here by 4:00 as the AT registration closes at 4:00, not 5:00 when the visitor center closes! Got some great advice from the folks working registration. Weighed my pack with 1.75 liters of water and 2.5 days of food at 29 pounds even! Just what I expected.
Drove up to the lodge, checked in, and checked the place out. The lodge is very nice and the views are amazing. Walked down to the top of the falls to check the view and to locate where I will start my hike up the approach trail to Springer Mountain in the morning.
Got my backpack finalized for tomorrow, made my first daily blog entry, and relaxed with Dana and the amazing views. Will have dinner at the lodge dining room later.
Gear note…starting out with brand new pair of Hoka Speedgoats on my feet. Guessing they will last about 350 to 400 miles per pair.