AT 2024-section hike start

Hey everyone. Well, I’m a glutton for punishment! Planned and met 2 hiker buddies from last year, Bootlip’s from Memphis and Hummingbird Guru from San Diego. They started a bit further South and waited for me in Daleville, VA.
Started out of Daleville on Friday and hiked 18.8 miles. I was hurting!
Saturday hiked 13.5 to Bryant Ridge Shelter. Better day.
Yesterday was a long hard day. 17.1 and a ton of elevation gain. Stayed at Marble Spring campsite.
This morning hiked mostly downhill 8 miles, over the James River and got a ride to the first Hostel for the trip- Stanimals in Glasgow.
Have already met a bunch of cool people and again from all over the world!
First off there’s MacGyver and his wife Sweaty Betty from Pittsburgh so Yinzers in the house!
Then we met a mother of four who is celebrating her birthday tomorrow. She goes by Mountain Goat and she’s from Georgia. Also met up with Dingo, a military girl from Australia. Another couple is from Northern England.
Few others as well.
It’s been hard to get used to hiking again but so glad I’m back.
Just wish my bride was by my side
Love ya hon. Until next week y’all!