Appalachian Trail Flashback – PART 1: Georgia



Georgia – Where the adventure began

I’m inspired by friends (and siblings) I made during my long hiking adventure on the Appalachian Trail this year. Kevin Binkley and Joe Parris! I’ve decided I want to do the same and share my favorite photos from each state and recall some good memories from the biggest adventure of my life so far.

Touching the Arch at Amicalola Springs: The starting point for most northbound AT hikers

Georgia is a very interesting state for all northbound AT hikers, as it is the starting point for many people to begin a great adventure (for many even life-changing!).

I would say that everyone who walked this trail can remember the humble thoughts when they finally stood in front of the famous stone arch. A symbol of a door leading to a path that allows us to walk from Georgia to Maine completely on foot if we wish. 2200 miles or 3500 km of wilderness, nature and pure uncertainty about what will happen over the next 5-7 months!

Georgia is also the state where most hikers bond with their first hiking buddies. Other hikers who are doing exactly the same thing as you. People who consciously decided and planned to “escape the matrix” of normal everyday life and trade their warm, dry, cozy bed in a house for a foam mat, a sleeping bag, and a tent or hammock as their home for half a year.

Since it means that we all leave behind our material comforts like these, we are inevitably forced to replace these material comforts with social ones. – …Sometimes a warm conversation has the power to overcome the coldest weather…

Everyone (hopefully) left behind at least one dear person. Your parents, a brother or sister, a spouse, an uncle, a grandchild, or a grandparent or aunt. A great colleague or a childhood friend.

We were never created to live this life alone. Therefore, leaving our beloved connections at home behind the trail creates a void for every hiker that naturally arises from a longing for connection with other people.

The first impressive and rewarding view from Blood Mtn. on day 3

As I reflect on the next few states, I hope to share some photos and stories about the incredible people I’ve met on the trail this year, but for Georgia I have to stick with the obligatory image of the arch, the first white flare, and a landscape image from the top of Blood Mountain that was the first breathtaking view on a hike that turned out to be much more than just an outdoor experience.

I wish you all a blessed weekend and a good time reflecting on your personal experiences this year during this dark and rejuvenating time of year.

Peace be with you all. 🙏✌️ blue jeans 👖
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