First of Three

3/11/2013


Survived...........so far .

Flight from MSP to Atlanta....... then light rail(MARS) through
Atlanta....... then shuttle to Hiker Hostel.  Lots of hikers already,  from Germany, Georgia, Michigan, Oklahoma,Tennesee, New York, Pennsilvania, Florida, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Wisconsin,  and yup, Minnesota.    Got about ten words out, in one conversation,  Just North of the Springer Mountain Terminus, before the kid, "Doc",  (and his buddy "Boone", both 21 ) says "You're from Minnesota!"  I laughed and said "Yaaaaah..... you betcha!"   Lots of people heading to Maine!
Yesterday,   about 6 hikers from my hostel took the ride up to the top of Springer Mountain.  Three of us, ( Andrew, From Boston, Ma.;  Ethan, from Tulsa, Ok.;  and me ),  chose to go to Amicalola Falls State Park,  and hike the nine mile approach trail to the top .  That's kind of the old time,  traditional,  way to do it.   I want to experience this journey the way earlier thru-hikers did,  and consider it a gesture of respect to those who have traveled it before me.  The falls is not 450 stairs like I told everyone.........it is 604!  Whew!