5 Days People!!

“Where we are going we don’t need roads” – Dr. Emmett Lathrop “Doc” Brown Ph.D

The real countdown has started and despite all of my previous hiking experience I am sick to my stomach with anticipation.. Literally it feels like everything I eat is going to explode from me.  My chest is tight, I am refreshing the 5 day forecast for Dahlonega every hour to see what Friday looks like. I had my final doctor’s checkup on Saturday and my blood pressure was much higher than normal man this is crazy.

The news from Georgia from hikers that started in the last few weeks has been painful. I see reports from Springer saying that there are a ton of blow downs and trail closures so most likely I am doing the approach trail regardless of my intentions which is just fine.  Leaving in February was never going to be easy and I feel like I have a good handle on my winter gear but I have to say I am more nervous about the start than I was a month ago.  My original start date was February 15th which happened to coincide with a massive ice storm so I am very glad my hike got pushed out two weeks, even if I am hiking with a larger bubble of people than I hoped. With any luck the weather will turn for me for a few days at the start so I can build some momentum.

On the flip side of all of this I have my first moments of Trail Magic already under my belt!   One of our fellow class of 2015 and App Trials blogger Kaili Morgan offered to give me a ride to Georgia on her way back home from North Carolina.  I am being sent a new pair of Vasque boots by the company themselves after they read my story, with an offer to send me another pair when I need them.  Vasque has been my hiking companion for years so I am super excited to have them backing me! I got a sweet pair of hiking socks sent to me for free last week, AND a free hostel stay at Top of Georgia Hostel in Hiawassee when I get there.

Now if I can just get everything to fit in my pack properly I will be all set..