AT01 From France to the Southern Terminus

Thanks to my old tramily and friends, my journey started very well. From my arrival in the United States to the trailhead and beyond, they have been by my side. I am so grateful to have people around me to live this amazing adventure with.

March 1st

After a long 8 hours flight and 2 hours spent at the border control, I’ve been picked up at Newark at 11pm by Try-Try and her friend.

Thank you my friends for your patience and your kindness !

That night, I’ve got offered a warm bed and beautiful time with them.

March 2nd

Let’s get some supplies for the trail !

Now that I’ve got food, it is time to fly to Atlanta. From the plane, I was able to see the Appalachian mountains and I couldn’t wait to walk along them.

Sparkles, one of my trail mates from 2020, picked me up at the airport and we drove to Amicalola falls state park where I pitched the tent in the dark at 11.30pm. We then had a drink by the last campfire going at that time of the night before heading to bed.

March 3rd

As soon as I got out of my tent that morning, I got my first trail magic.

A thru hiker, She-Ra, arrived with two cups of coffee

“Do you want a coffee ? I brought an extra thinking I would give it to the first person I see, and it’s you!”.

I sure did want that coffee, and I shared it with Sparkles after I woke her up as gently as possible.

We had breakfast at the lodge where I could catch up with Cayenne, a trail angel who helped me out 4 years ago.

After a nice meal, we stayed at the lodge, enjoying the sunshine and the presentation of a Corn Snake by the ATC.

I then registered at the visitor center. I’m hiker 705, and my base weight is 17 lbs. I’m happy with it.

I’m keeping my tag from 2020. I’m going to carry it proudly all the way.

More friends, AlleyCat and his tramily who thru hiked in 2022, arrived at the State Park where they were renting a cabin.

I had a lovely time with everyone. I enjoyed the company of old and new friends, sitting around the campfire, telling stories about the trail about life…

March 4th

I woke up with the scent of bacon and eggs. Thank you Wrecking Ball for this amazing breakfast!

After hugging everyone goodbye, I started the approach trail with Sparkles. We said bye on top of the falls, I’ll see her again the next morning.

I am now hiking the trail again, after 4 long years waiting for it. I feel emotional, but it also feels amazing !

I reached the Southern terminus and signed the logbook. My journey is about to start. From now on, I’ll be following the white blazes…

Let’s do it !

I camped at Springer Mountain shelter with my old trail mate Dreamer who came all the way from New Hampshire to follow me with trail magic for a few days.

This is how my Appalachian Trail journey started. I couldn’t wish for a better way to begin my adventure, and this is only a little taste of the magic that will follow me for the next few days.