Alright, so I am not dead yet. It sure felt like it though, when I woke up in heaven, or, as people around here call it, the Appalachian Trail.

I had my first revelation (of many I am sure) while hiking yesterday. It is this: Life is not about what you do as much as it is about the places and people in your life.

This sort of came about unexpectedly, as a result of the people on the trail. Most of the hiking that I have done has been quite isolated, but the AT is much different. It is a social trail, and before I even hiked the Approach Trail, I had met another prospective thru hiker, THE Michigan Wolverine, and his friend Derellll. After hiking the first mile or so with Taylor and Logan, we bid our farewells amid the roar of the massive and beautiful Amicalola Falls. It was sad to see them go, my last connection to the life I knew. I met up with the other two and hiked to Springer, joining with another thru hiker, Mr. President. Conversation so far has been pretty dreamy, mostly centering around gear, where we have hiked, or how beautiful our surroundings are. What else is there to talk about really?
After making it to Springer, we paused to snack and admire the view. They were encouraging me to spend the night atop Springer, but I felt that I should continue on. I hiked a bit further with another thru hiker, Truck. I admired Truck because he practically jumped into hiking without much planning at all. All the planning that I have done almost takes the fun out of it (not really; it is still the funniest thing I have ever done). I anticipate running into him quite a bit along the trail.

I know, I know. I keep dropping names, but I can’t help it. There are so many hikers out right now! Some are section hikers. Some are former thru hikers, like Blue Sky Georgia Barbecue, whom I met and spoke with for a while yesterday. So kind and great to talk to! It has been awesome so far.

Again, as I said, I am alive. Last night, I stayed at Stover Creek Shelter, about 2.8 miles down the official trail. It was rainy the first night, but the shelter kept me dry. Tonight, I will be camping at Devil’s Kitchen, about 14.4 miles in and just short of Gooch mountain. The next shelter is supposed to be super crowded, and since it should be dry tonight (though cold and quite windy), I will be camping out.

I was able to camp with Blood, and we chatted over a rather windy campfire . It was good to have the company.

I will write more soon. Reception has not been great, but it should get better as I progress.

My reception is not terrific, so I will post pictures later. So long for now!

Nayt