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Well, after feeling good through summitting blood mountain, the early effort got the better of me.  Got 10 miles in and stopped at blood mountain cabins for a pizza.  After sitting there for a few realized I wasn’t going any further today.  A cabin was available so we took it.  Not part of the plan but definitely needed for me to recharge.  Hot shower felt great and so did the rockers and couch.  Still in schedule and plan on buying more food at mountain crossings in the morning.  Mountain crossings is an old cabinesque building in which the trail travels right through it.  On structure on AT that trail travels through.   Cell service has been spotty at best which is fine by me.   Although missing seeing the girls picture at camp.  Hoping for some good sleep tonight and new legs tomorrow. 

Doozy of a day!   Covered 16.5 miles today.  Too much.  Both Derek and I beat but we’re rewarded with a great spot for the night.  We’re atop Red Cedar mountain at mile 21.8 on AT.  Views didn’t disappoint.   Going to take it easy tomorrow which mugged be hard with Blood Mountain waiting only 7 miles away.  Blood mountain is highest point on Georgia section at 4457.  We’re currently camping at 3737.  Lots more to add about our day like “never pass a perfectly good watering hole when your down to only one bottle”.  But I’m pooped so going to bed!  

Day 1 off to a good start. We started off at the end point of our hike at Top of Georgia hostel.  Took Joyce and Sally’s shuttle to Springer.  Sally is a 75 year old transplanted mountain girl from St Pete.  Enjoyed the conversation. Derek and I finally hit trail around 1 pm but had to hike a mile to Top of Springer.  The southern terminus. It was a great feeling sitting atop thinking about what lies ahead.  Took a moment to let it sink in and then started our first northbound steps at 2pm.   Weather was perfect.  Took us just over 3 hours to get to our first stop at 7.4 miles in.   Overall not too bad but have some adjustments to make.  Derek has a blister forming and my left hip is raw.  Otherwise pretty good.  Got our tents set up and went off to refill water.  Water everywhere so glad we don’t have to carry as much.   Dinner time and meal choice is chili mac with beef.  I packed 2 bags of this flavor.  Derek went with rice and beans. But not before he spilled his pot of water.  Only for me to follow that up with spilling my bag of chili mac.  So are my second one.  Wrapped up the day and turned in early tonight just to get some extra rest.   Tomorrow will try and double the miles.  

Happy to be on the trail!

Just finished up a final “shakedown”. Pretty sure I have too much stuff!  We’ll see what the trail says about it tomorrow. 

Before shakedown we took a little stroll through Deutschland. Had me an American burger to top off the fuel tank.  Neat little town in a twilight zone kind of backwoods way.  But good way to start the journey.  Hour drive tomorrow to Top of Georgia hostel (end of hike location).  Getting a shuttle ride from there to Springer Mountain.   Almost go time!

15 days until I step foot on the AT.   Have been doing some last minute shopping and organizing.  Going out for a “shakedown” trial overnight hike this weekend.  Not only will I test pack weight, gear, meals, and clothing, I’ll also get to try out some good ole Florida heat!  For the moment I’m going to swing here in the hammock and look forward to the AT.