A lot of people asked me why I planned to hike before I began. Nobody on the trail has asked me why yet. So naturally I discovered some of the answers while on the trail.

I had for some time been saying how I love being out in nature and that, but if that were the main reason, I could easily experience plenty of nature back in Michigan, where the elevation is about as exciting as grits. The big reason that came to me today while pushing through the mountains was this: I like discomfort. In fact, I thrive in it. When someone tells me something is impossible, I have a sudden urge to complete it. If things are down and looking grim, great! I will try to make a joke and be in higher spirits than normal. I seek discomfort, only it took me so long to figure it out, with comfort always so easily in reach. Out here in the mountains, when there is comfort, of course I will take it, in a blink, but it is far less frequent than the opposite, and I couldn’t be happier.

Discomfort and meaningful connections with people. There are two solid reasons for those who asked me that question, and there is a sea of both on the trail.

On a separate note, I got my bonafide trail name yesterday. A group of us were huddled around a campfire, newly acquainted friends, talking and laughing. There was a lull in the conversation, and Stone Bear, who was an absolute joy to meet, said to me: “Your trail name is Firewalker.” I was honored to be named by such a respectable man, and also honored that my name wasn’t “Poopwhistle” or something.

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

What an exhilarating couple of days to begin such a nearly incredible journey upon which I am about to embark. One of my aims of such a journey is to increase my awareness of the pertinent present moment, the now. Therefore, rather than keeping my mind in the near future on the Appalachian trail, I am striving to keep it exactly where my body resides. This has not always been an easy feat, of course, considering my future body, but I have certainly enjoyed my time spent recently.

Here, I would love to express my full gratitude toward Taylor and Logan for driving me down to Georgia. Though it may have been a destination of interest for them anyhow (they have been talking of moving here as of late…), it was extremely generous of them to make room for me and all of my irritating habits at a perfect timeframe for my hiking.

On our way south, we took two days to avoid car/cabin fever, and to enjoy some things in between Michigan and Georgia. The Days Inn we stopped at had nice people, stained linens, and a confusing breakfast buffet, but then it was southward again. We stopped in Nashville for lunch, at [bakery], and we got to talking about my hike, and I got a bit of pre-trail magic! A free pastry, as we headed down to explore Nashville, truly a unique place. Though only mid morning, we found an exciting street full of open bars with live music. Along the sidewalks were street performers, and we stopped to enjoy Mandolin Mike, who shared his music and Nashville history with us. All in all, it was an enjoyable and unexpected detour.

With the time zone changes and daylight savings, we were all a bit disoriented when it came to the time, but we did alright. After arriving in Georgia, we set our sails for Amicalola State Park, near the approach trail for the AT. The state park was a bit shocking at first, as it is somewhat of a mockery of camping. When the woman at the desk started explaining to us the expectations of “Tent City” and that the “group campfire starts at 7pm,” we responded with blank stares. Upon securing a slightly more remote campsite, further up the mountain, we visited the lodge, and I was impressed that they had some events over the weekend about the Trail, giving advice and information, which was cool, but a lot of the park was pretty overwhelming. To each his or her own, but I will stick to simplicity. The night there was well spent, and I awoke in the middle of the night to a Barred Owl! “Who Cooks For You?” I often hear this call on my camping trips. At first, it was quite soothing, but it sounded like two owls calling to each other, and then it sounded like one owl getting attacked by a wolf and a raccoon. My best guess is that they were mating, as is the case with nearly 100% of all of the animals I have seen so far.

The coolest thing that we found there after spending the night was the fitness trail. We decided to go for a hike around the park, and we joked about the fitness trail, as it was advertised as having 20 fitness stations along the way, which made me picture stationary exercise bikes in the middle of the woods. The trail was actually really awesome, and I plan to build one of my own one day.

We stopped at the nearby town of Dahlonega. What an awesome town! It has the quirkiness of small town, the busyness of college town, and the charm of another culture rolled into one. The main roads were full of interesting shops and friendly faces. Some, unfortunately, were quite seasonal, but we still got to see quite a bit. We dined at the Bourbon Street Cafe, and our server, Amanda, was very charming and welcoming. She recommended the unusual combination of Gumbo and Grits. It was absolutely awesome, and I definitely plan to return. They were out of gator bites, so hopefully I can munch on those next time.

Fast forward to being on the road, driving on narrow and steep drives, climbing higher into the hills. We ended up at Cooper’s Creek, a stunning and gorgeous piece of Georgia scenery. Upon arrival, our dropped jaws were the only jaws for miles. Because of the clear skies, I opted for cowboy camping and am glad I did. Bright, beautiful stars winked at me all night. Normally, that amount of winking can be creepy or silly, but it made me feel calm and confident, with a side of wonder.

The following day, we went for another hike to explore the creek and surrounding woods. I was impressed. At risk of sounding like a Georgia commercial, I have been to few places with this great of beauty and this little of litter. It was a giant playground!

We stopped again back at Dahlonega, on our way back to the start of the Trail. I will begin hiking tomorrow! Though I have already begin this journey, it is a crazy thought to think that the journey will last another six months.

I do not know what the reception will be where I am, but I will do my best to keep everyone posted.

As I submit this post, I am in a hotel room. I do not know the next night I will spend in a bed, nor the next time I will shower (ewwww), nor the next time I will gaze at my beautiful reflection. What I do know is this: the journey has begun. I am on my way to Maine. I am feeling awesome, and I know this is where I should be.

My first try at a cat can stove:

Well, the start date is coming up soon. March 7th, I will leave my life in Traverse City to travel South to Georgia. From there, I will see a bit of Georgia and head on to the trail.

I am feeling pretty excited, getting all of my gear together and preparing mentally for my journey.