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Leaving Georgia – the feelings of my first full week on the AT
Finding friends
I knew the Appalachian Trail was a social trail before I even started it, and the social aspect is even what made me decide to do the trail in the first place. No matter what my expectations were about the way the trail would feel, they were exceeded. The number of fun, interesting, and cool people to meet along the trail is ridiculous, and it makes me excited to get to a shelter at the end of each day to meet more hikers. It has been amazing so far to have already found other hikers in my age range that have a similar pace, allowing us to hike and camp together for several days in a row. So far, with a group of 4-5 hikers, we have spent the last few days hiking together and have planned our next two town stops as a group.
Finding the right gear
When my entire livelihood consists of what I carry on my back, what I carry and how I carry it is important. And when all I have done for the past week has been carry my gear, it is easy to find out what I like and what I don’t. When I arrived in Hiawassee for my first resupply, I quickly knew that the original pack that I was carrying was not going to cut it for 2100 more miles. Fortunately, the outfitter in town was so helpful at helping me find a new pack that resolved every issue that I had with the previous one (after I gave them a laundry list of things wrong with my original pack). I was also able to ditch a few other pieces of used gear – like extra sleep clothes, a sit pad, and rain pants (that were going to rip soon anyway). Leaving the outfitter, I felt lighter and faster than ever, ready to push on for the rest of the trail.
Being willing to be alone
In the last few miles of Georgia, I also had my first opportunity to stealth camp alone. Towards the end of the long day of hiking, coming off a late start because of a zero the day prior, I was not going to make it to a marked campsite for shelter for this day. Nearing the end of the day, I spotted a good looking spot to set up my tent, right next to a sign declaring the area “swag of the blue ridge.” As I set up camp alone, at first I was scared. So many things could be out there that I no longer have a group to protect me from. But the more I hung around my own camp, the more I learned to accept that being alone was peaceful and much appreciated. I already spent much of each day hiking alone (so I can go at my own pace) but I had learned that camping alone was cool too. Even though the sounds from the woods might seem scary, I know that I am safe (enough) in my tent and that I am perfectly capable of camping by myself.
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Comments 8
Way to go on hiking out of Georgia!
Congratulations! Awesome that you got to experience both solitude and social experiences on our Trail. I hope that continues for you. Enjoy every step and Keep Hiking!
My son did the AT in 2009. Met 2 great new friends. Walked the trail with them the whole way. One from Fl, one from Pa.. Now, life long friends. My son, Russ ( trail name Trusty ). 2009. Enjoy your hike. Have fun, be safe. And glad to see you are from West Virginia. I married a southern boy from West Virginia way back in 1971. Again, enjoy the hike.
Nice reset at that outfitter. Appreciate the alone. I was 35% of the time in my ’74 hike. Didn’t see anyone for days from the Springer start…
Enjoy reading your post. Can you tell us what pack you ditched and which one you added? Also, would enjoy reading your gear list. Congrats on your hike so far.
Yes, like Craig im curious too which pack you ditched and which one you bought. Always love reading gear lists too! Good luck, you got this 👍
We camped at the Swag on a cold and windy night in November. It was our first over nighters on the trail. Froze our assessment of because we were greanhorns.
Have a great hike,be safe , take lots of pictures 💖
I enjoyed your honesty about being alone, camping for the first time. I feel brave enough when I’m out hiking with my dog… no problem.
Thinking of being without her.. maybe my bravery would disappear. I’m not worried about animals. I’m worried about humans. lol.
Always plenty to think about and plan.
Thanks for sharing your experience, it is motivating!