The one with the bow – Day 1

This is such an exciting day!!! Really carry my backpack, have breakfast at the hostel and finally reach the starting line.

The beginning

I started at the arch at 8 in the morning. The day started out cold, but quickly began to warm up. It was a VERY emotional farewell.

one of my goals

I went up the stairs and started down the access path. Before I got very far, I met Charles. I saw him the day before when we were walking along the trail. He hadn’t gotten very far and needed water. Since I had extra water I was able to give him half a liter.

I had prayed for several months that God would give me one person a day that I could impact. God answered that prayer and I hadn’t even gotten to the OT yet. I hope my act of kindness had an impact on Charles. I also shared a little of my testimony with him.

Springer Mountain

I arrived at Springer at 11:30 am I then proceeded to sign the log book and ring the first fire. The weather was perfect. The view from Springer was amazing! I got excited again thinking about my family and the goodbye from earlier. After resting I left at 12:30 pm and headed to Hawk Mountain Campground.

Long Creek Falls

Along the way, I took a short trip to Long Creek Falls. I arrived around 2:30 p.m. Soaking my feet in cold streams is something I learned to do to control foot pain. It feels amazing!

I left Long Creek Falls after about 30 minutes and headed back to camp.

Halcón mountain campsite

The campsite is nice, with probably 20 flat areas for a tent each. There are 3 bear boxes and a toilet. The downside is that it runs along a 0.4 mile side trail with the water at the end. I arrived at 4 in the afternoon and was the first person to arrive. Looking at all the sites, I selected a site about halfway up the trail, near a bear box.

I had plenty of daylight to camp, eat, and listen to my Bible. Another goal of mine is to listen to the Bible from beginning to end before sending Katahdin.

people i met

First, I met Nick and his daughter who were hiking together. I think that’s great. I hope one day to be able to complete a long journey with one of my children.

Along the way, I met Mamasita who hiked the AT to complete her triple crown. She is here on a Swiss tourist visa. That’s the winner for Georgia’s Farthest Home!

Then at camp I met Mark and Ashley, who are changing course this year.

Finally, I saw Joe from Connecticut again at camp and talked to him for a while.

Wrap

It was a great day 1! You couldn’t have asked for better weather.

Thanks for reading!

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