Start of the trail ….or trial?

On the first day out of Springer, I broke several resolutions. 

I will not lose anything. First to go was my p-style. It was in a mesh bag attached to my bracketpack belt. It ripped off somewhere before mile 3.

I will not break expensive stuff. It began to drizzle around mile 5. I went to open my trekking umbrella and the mechanism snapped. 

Also broke my kindle, see the next resolution. But it was an old one. 

I will not fall. On day two I took a nice slow motion slip into the mud. 

Other adventures so far: as the last person to limp over Blood Mountain into Neel’s Gap, I had the last tent site. On just enough of a slant to spend the night sliding off my pad. At about 3 am a wind gust tore out a tent stake and the tent collapsed. At least it wasn’t raining! But it scared Boomer who made a (small) hole in my screen.

One night I stealth camped and had beautiful sunrise to myself. I’ve heard spring peepers, heard a great horned owl right beside my tent, and walked through cool shady rhododendron tunnels. 

Speaking of Boomer, he has agreed to sleep in the tent. So I can mail back his dog tarp! He has been so tired that he is even better behaved than usual. The first night in the tent he wasn’t sure, but he was so tired he fell asleep sitting up and conked over. 

As you can see from the cover photo I am hungry enough to try new snacks. They taste sort of like like sunflower seeds. Boomer wouldn’t try them. 

Other stuff mailing back because I am a weakling: My camp shoes, camera and charger, kindle cord. 

I think after the Smokies I’ll send back my stove and just eat cold stuff. 

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

  • kait2333 : Mar 22nd

    What happened to your kindle? I want to bring mine. But I’m worried about mine breaking. How did you break yours?

    Reply
    • Eva Briggs : Mar 31st

      I broke it either by falling on it or by stuffing it in my backpack, I’m not sure which

      Reply
  • Lisa Rhea : Mar 23rd

    Totally impressed with you!! Glad you with be able to achieve your dream! I too have long wanted to hike the AT, and with your dog makes it even better ! GOOD LUCK

    Reply

What Do You Think?