It’s Just Another Hill

I’ve made it 50 miles in…

To be exact I’ve made it 52.9 miles in, but who’s counting? So last Saturday, March 5th I started the Appalachian Trail going Northbound, I gotta say my life has already changed dramatically. For the better of course!

I’m staying at the Helendorf Inn in Helen, Ga. If you’re going to stay in this town, which by the way is like a German mini Gatlinburg hybrid. This place is great, $44 bucks for a room!? Hell yeeeeah!

Let’s start from the beginning

So I’ve made it to Amicalola Falls State Park, I’m thinking in my mind “holy shit, this is it. What I’ve been prepping for now almost 2 years. IM HERE…” So my parents walked me to the archway, took a few photos with me and we said our goodbyes. Not going  to lie, I got alittle emotional there for a minute…

Until I hit the stairs. 600 of them. Holy mother of god, that was definitely a good start to the Appalachian Trail, me dying trying to climb up so many stairs with a 30 pound pack on. So far the Approach Trail has been the hardest part of the trail and technically it’s not even part of the trail… But I’m glad I did it. My hips on the other hand, not so much.

Stairway to hell.

Stairway to hell.  

The trail family begins to grow

A week in and the trail family is already strong. There’s about ten of us already hanging out by the campfire, shooting the shit every night. I can feel this trail begin to make complete strangers grow together, it’s pretty incredible to watch.

image

So our plan is to be in NC on Monday, March 14th! Georgia is no joke. They don’t mess around here,but it’s just another hill. Taking it one step at a time and loving every moment of it.

imageimage

Thank you for all the trail Angels out there who have helped myself as well as tons of other thru hikers the past couple days. It means a lot.

image

Until next time, LemonHead out!!!!

 

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Comments 3

  • Marilou Wagner : Mar 16th

    I have been reading AT blogs for a week now . I love you all stories. I love hiking and enjoy nature and just being outdoors in general. March 2015 my cousins and I went hiking to Grand Canyon for the first time we got down to the plateau and the hike was amazing. November 2015 my co-worker and I hike down Haleakala Crater in Maui,Hawaii with our 30 pounds plus camping gear we stayed over night in the rain and gusty winds blowing our tents away a couple times so I can pretty much relate to what you guys are going through. Rain, Gusty Winds and Cold Weathers don’t stop me from going hiking. My future plans is to hike AT by the time I turn 50 which is next February 🙂 but I need to find someone to go with. I have been hiking for the last 3 years now and I love it.
    Thank you for sharing your AT Adventure.
    Be safe and Cant wait to read more blog soon.

    Reply
  • Marilou Wagner : Mar 16th

    IMG_0187.JPG

    Reply
  • Naomi : Oct 27th

    Hey Aaron! I just read each of your posts. Congrats on finishing your thru-hike! I am currently planning a south-bound thru hike for 2017. I am also taking a gap year and starting the week after I graduate high school. I will only be 17 when I start and I’m going solo for most of my hike (my mom is going for the first month with me). How many other people did you meet who were also taking a gap year from high school? Did you graduate early in order to start your hike in the spring?

    Reply

What Do You Think?