Cookie Outdoors

When North Carolina enters with a bang  Day 10 First state border crossed Today I crossed into North Carolina, and it was quickly a lot of climbing (at least 2500 ft today, the most so far). These southern mountains have okay switchbacks and don't compare to the grades in the White Mountains, for example, but that doesn't make them easy. I met someone on the shuttle bus yesterday who is hiking the AT as the third of his triple crown, plus a few thousand miles elsewhere. His advice was it never gets easier. That's kind of how I feel about exercise; as you get stronger, you can do more/faster/farther, but it's still challenging in the moment. My tent, not my dog. Interesting names? Day 11 Surprise rain all day! Definitely a bit slippery with the mud on trail today. I was actually sad that it was so level because my hands got pretty cold as soon as I wasn't climbing. Next town stop I'm going to pick up some waterproof gloves. No

Trail magic!! Day 5 Today I met King Tut with some next-level trail magic. He and his church ministry have been helping hikers for 19 years. In addition to snacks, chairs, water, hot chocolate and coffee, pastries, fresh fruits and veggies, first aid supplies, and a panini press for grilled cheese sandwiches, they gave away hand crocheted hats. Plus King Tut had lots of useful advice and local knowledge. What a fine day. Too bad I got sunburned. Then 1 trail mile later I met Sauce, who was a 2022 thru hiker doing trail magic to return the favor for all the help he received. It was a sunny day, I was super well fed, and I hiked into the next shelter with a fun group. Sadly, my burgeoning collection of blisters are not doing well. It's been a lot of fun hanging out at shelters and having campfires - for the moment, I'm embracing the social side of the AT. I've met retired firefighters, Army vets, traveling nurses; English, Australian, Israeli, and Canadian citizen

Day 1 There might have been some tears as I turned and started walking away. Surprisingly, I didn't have butterflies in my stomach, but it is still emotional to be finally starting a big change and something that you've been anticipating. The waterfall right at the beginning was very cool and was definitely the hardest, heart pounding part of the Approach Trail. I've been hiking in New Hampshire for several years, so in my opinion this trail segment wasn't as challenging as rumored. Or maybe I had fresh legs and emotional drive. Into the mist  I was very pleased that my all-in pack weight scooted in under 30 lbs. My dad was surprised at the Leave No Trace briefing about how much they talked about poop. I'm staying at shelter sites to start, as building community is one of my goals. People are very talkative and have many different backgrounds, more stories to come I'm sure. Obligatory terminus photo  Day 2 On a chilly overcast

 The countdown is over The gear list has been debated and adjusted some more. My strongest be-prepared scout tendencies have taken over once again. My estimated base weight is sub-20 lbs (yay!), and the initial food haul probably weighs too much. I went for a little 7 mile shakedown walk and am ignoring the cold and rain in the immediate weather forecast (within reason). Over the next 6 months, I'll have more cold snaps and heat waves and rainstorms, so no point in avoiding it now. Take note thay my shoes are so clean. Thanks to my loving parents for their support, now and always. Thru hiking is a very privileged position, and there are many people encouraging and supporting me. My dad and I did the long drive from Pennsylvania to Georgia. We sampled local radio up and down the Eastern seaboard. Many snacks were eaten. These words are being written before I step foot on trail, but you'll read them after I've started. Quick post to say, it's final