Day 0: Burnt Toast Theory

The beginning

Many emotions hit me when one of my best friends, GP, took me to the airport at 6 am. Next to me and my gigantic backpack stuffed inside a broken suitcase was a gift bag. Specifically, a Happy Birthday gift bag.

Inside was:

• a card,
• some Tru Fru freeze-dried raspberries,
• and a pair of pantyhose.

Yes. Pantyhose.

Explaining the whole story behind pantyhose would take too long, but basically one of my friends, Paul, who was in the military, told me before we went on this trip that one of the best tricks for dealing with difficult situations outdoors was to wear pantyhose under your clothes. Since I never had time to buy a pair, GP took it upon themselves to make sure I started my hike fully prepared for… whatever that means.

Honestly, it made me laugh so much I almost forgot how nervous I was.

The flight went smoothly, but the moment I landed in Atlanta, chaos resumed. Since I had to check my backpacking gear, I was already feeling nervous trying to navigate the airport. Somehow I managed to run onto the MARTA train less than a minute before the doors closed.

This was also the exact moment I realized I desperately needed to pee.

That $10 airport coffee betrayed me almost instantly.

Unfortunately, relief did not come soon because I soon discovered that I had completely taken the wrong train line. He had boarded the Gold Line instead of the Red Line because he was so focused on doing the train that I forgot to check if it was really the right one.

An incredible start.

Taking selfies on the train, happily unaware of anything

After backtracking, transferring, and finally arriving at Sandy Springs, I successfully accomplished:

1. I used the bathroom,
2. purchased food,
3. and I survived my last REI race.

At REI, I exchanged my Hokas for a larger size, which means I’m currently wearing two pairs of shoes until I can send one home. The staff at Sandy Springs REI was truly amazing. They let me completely blow my backpack all over the store, repack everything, and even weigh my backpack.

Final weight of the package with food?

24 pounds.

Now, logically, I know that is not the case. awful.

Emotionally? I felt like I was carrying a small car on my back. Maybe a Volkswagen Beetle.

While waiting in line at Cava, I had to take off my backpack completely because my shoulders were already screaming at me. I hope my body adapts quickly because right now every step feels extremely humiliating.

While eating lunch, I also made the executive decision to book a hotel in Dawsonville for one last night before starting the tour. Considering how exhausting the day had been, I figured it was probably worth it to get a shower, a real bed, and more sleep.

Honestly, I’m glad all these little “burnt toast theory” moments happened. before I started walking instead during my first few days on the trail.

The universe was soon removing chaos from its system.

At the hotel, I slept for about 14 years, inhaled Chick-fil-A, and made one last stop at Walmart where I purchased:

• a tripod,
• a new battery,
• and probably my dignity.

I am very happy to eat Chick-fil-A.

Turns out my headlamp somehow turned on by itself inside my bag and partially melted my old battery.

Awesome.

Everything may not have gone as planned, but oddly enough, I think I’m glad it happened exactly this way.

Tomorrow I start walking.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.