OUR EYE OPENER of the Appalachian Trail..

  

Memorable Automobiles from The Past:

 

Sherry was born and this Packard was new in 1937 when the AT was completed and ready for hikers. The idea was born in 1921 by Benton McCay.

For today:

YEP, after our successful 2 week trial, we were sure we were ready. So we checked around where we could store our car during our LONG HIKE. Ellijay Georgia was good. (Informed them we would be gone months!!!!) Then took a shuttle to the southern Terminus of the AT, Springer Mountain. We were all set, raring to go.

WE knew we would have to fly back or maybe take the bus after we finished the trail LOL.. Little did we know…

There are hiker shelters scattered along the trail, we passed up the first one and hiked on to a good spot for a tent and fire. We were doing good. Set up our tent and gathered wood for a fire. We ate Ramein noodles. I spotted a black bear about 100 feet off. I told Sherry and all she saw was ears and that was enough. I figured I would need a fire all night so I gathered a bunch then looked in the tent and she was already asleep. LOL

We learned our speed was about 8 miles a day. Down south in the smaller mountains there are very few switch backs you walk a good bit on straight trails up and down. We learned we approach hills differently. I prefer up, Sherry prefers down. 

Sherry atop Blood Mountain

Blood Mountain was a tough mountain in Georgia, just after it we hitched a ride into town got a motel, checked for supplies, ate a real meal and had a bath.

Stumbling and hurting a little, we made it back to STANDING INDIAN MOUNTAIN AND WERE BEAT!!! Crossing the last creek I was in front. I heard an ‘ooooh’ behind me and turned to see Sherry falling backwards into the creek. The girl got wet. We rented a space in the camp ground; dried out our clothes, took a bath then had a long talk. Standing Indian was the start and ending of our first hike, we had made it about 100 miles.  WE CALLED for a shuttle to take us back to get the car. Then we headed back to Belmont with our tails between our legs… BUT we had gotten a taste of nature's beauty and friendships on the trail, we would be back….

So if I solo hike, reach and pass Standing Indian I will feel good. LOL

We needed a better way to cook, better feet support and realized it was not just a WALK IN THE WOODS, it was gonna be a real challenge!

Nite Shipslog