Day 1- Amicalola Falls #266

Ron at Yellow Blazin drove me to Amicalola. I walked 600+ steps. I stopped, ate, and drank a couple times.

There’s a gentleman that’s lost, so it was hard not to think about him, his family, and the people he touched, like Bob who gave me the AT introduction. The parking lot was full of people looking to find him.

My gear was all delivered to the visitors center rather than the lodge as labeled. The front desk lady told me I’d have to hit the stairs again to go get em before volunteering to make the drive. I took her up on the offer. So far, my thoughts on humanity are improving.

I’m looking to Springer +3 tomorrow.

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Comments 18

  • Kathy McMenamin : Feb 20th

    James, I went back to school at age 50 to become an ultrasound tech. Best thing I have ever done. Loved becoming a nerd and working in Healthcare is really interesting and rewarding. Good luck with that and your hike! I will be about a month behind you!
    Kmac

    Reply
    • Melanie : Feb 20th

      James, I was happy to retrieve your boxes from the visitors center. It was an opportunity for me to do a random act of kindness. I enjoy meeting and conversing with all our hikers while working at the front desk of the lodge. What gives me the most joy is finding opportunities that allow me to help out our hikers while they are at the lodge.
      I wish you well on your journey. Melanie

      Reply
      • James Aguilar : Feb 24th

        Thank you Melanie. Everything about my stay at Amicalola Falls Lodge was great especially your package delivery and in spite of the weather. Good burger and breakfast, clean room and a great nights sleep. Thank you for making the start of my hike a great experience!

        Reply
    • James Aguilar : Feb 24th

      Thank you your response. It’s been a tough five days on the trail, but so far a great experience. I made the goal of Neels Gap and am staying at Neels Gap for a nero and zero at Blood Mountain Cabins(highly recommend). Picked up my mail drop, reorganized and prepping to send back stuff I don’t need or overpacked, tomorrow I’ll head into town for a beer and burger, send my stuff back and up date the blog. Get ready for a great and challenging adventure.

      Reply
    • James Aguilar : Feb 24th

      Thank you Kmac! More posts to follow tomorrow. Get ready for a great adventure and another learning experience .

      Reply
  • Julie : Feb 21st

    I’m looking forward to following your adventures!

    Reply
    • James Aguilar : Feb 24th

      Thank you for following! I arrived at Neels Gap this morning and am resting, staying warm and dry. Tomorrow I’ll update my last few days.

      Reply
  • Randy Colborn : Feb 21st

    Love you, James! Keep on keepin’ on. I’m looking forward to following your adventure.

    Reply
    • James Aguilar : Feb 24th

      Thank you Uncle Randy! I stopped in Neels Gap, GA for a day and a half, it was my first stop goal. I’m reorganizing and sending extra weight home. Tomorrow I’ll update my blog. Thanks for following.

      Reply
  • Ron and Barb Colborn : Feb 21st

    I can’t think of anyone better prepared mentally and physically than you. You don’t quit and when the going gets tough you are only going to dig deeper. I only wish I was younger and walking with you. Have a great trip and get a life time of memories. Uncle Ron and Aunt Barb

    Reply
    • James Aguilar : Feb 24th

      Thanks Uncle Ron and Aunt Barb. I’m so grateful for living around you and experiencing the cold winters. I’ll be updating everything tomorrow from Neels Gap, GA. Staying warm and dry for a day and a half.

      Reply
  • Nate Colborn : Feb 22nd

    Jai, glad to hear you’re embarking on this hike after all the marathoning you’ve done. After a few hours hiking around Round Rock with you, I can honestly say there’s no way in hell I’d last more than a day or two on AT. Kick ass and take names!!

    Nate

    Reply
    • James Aguilar : Feb 24th

      Thank you Nate! You’d do fine. Apparently the area I just went thru is used for Special Forces training and I passed three soldiers hiking a section as well. They provided water and MREs as well. I took the water. I’ll fill in the last couple days tomorrow

      Reply
  • Julio Aguilar : Feb 24th

    Looking forward to updates.
    Love you, son. Proud of you.

    Reply
    • James Aguilar : Feb 29th

      Thank you dad. I’m more thankful that your taking care of my dogs than all the hassles you’re dealing with with my ever changing mail drop. Thank you!

      Reply
  • Kirsten Alford : Feb 24th

    Hey JP! You are such a strong and determined person and I am proud to call you my friend. Good luck, stay safe, and lots of love to you!

    Reply
    • James Aguilar : Feb 29th

      Good morning Kirsten. I’m getting ready for breakfast in Hiawassee, GA. As I was leaving Blood Mountain Cabins, I went to drop my keys off and was greeted by their grey and white cat. I’d never seen it off their porch or in the office. This cat led me back to my cabin. it knew where I was staying! I thought about letting it in, but I remembered what Simon did to your car, so I passed. Have a great weekend!

      Reply
  • Kirsten Alford : Mar 16th

    Love all the pics! Glad you’re doing well.

    Reply

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