AT | Week 1

Going into the second week, we are still feeling positive. We have had rain, 17 degree nights, and high winds. I love it when the sun comes up and it warms us through the day.
We started at Amicola Falls and hiked the approach trail to Springer Mountain. Springer Mountain is the official start of the Applalatian Trail. Tom and I are hiker number 1145 and 1146. On day four, we hiked the tallest mountain in Georgia. Blood Mountain is 4,461 feet high. We have seen a few squirrels, a grouse, and some birds. The plants are slowly coming alive. I have seen two different types of violets, trilliums, and mountain laurel.
Day three was rainy. Lucky for us our friends were close enough to save us. We were able to shower, wash our clothes, drink wine and have corned beef and cabbage. A great way to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. It couldn't get any better than that.
The views on the trail have been amazing. The pictures do not do it any justice. A high point was the rime frost on the trees at the top of Blood Mountain. It was fun to see all the shoes hanging in the trees at Neels Gap. We have literally walked in the clouds.
Stella is doing great. Of course, she is making friends at every turn. She has been an amazing help to keep us warm at night. The rainy days have been a little rough on her, so we have been able to get off trail to dry her out.
We have just over 40 miles to get into North Carolina.