What I have learned in a week

For starters, the weather in Georgia is wild. Kunjungi s4tg2ed. I started my trip in forty degree weather and the temperature dropped below zero. The next week was filled with temperatures around 70 degrees and beautiful. It was great hiking weather for those of us who started in mid-March. I tried to use that to my advantage, but my plans quickly changed.

Everything I read told me to start slow, as did everyone who has walked the trail before. Guess who is very stubborn…this guy. I started off with an 11.5 mile day feeling great. Followed by a 14 mile day after hearing there was dual trail magic. I made it to the magic trail and it was a total score. However, it came at a high cost. I woke up on day 3 with my knees very sore. Luckily, I had planned a stay at Above The Clouds. The cold plunge was a good relief for my knees, but it didn’t cure me. I had overworked my knees and was paying the price for the first few kilometers. They stopped me and I only walked 5 to 8 miles. It was a reminder to slow down and not be a hero. It is not a race, the path forward is slow and steady.
My vlogging has been filled with morning and afternoon videos. I barely wanted to make a video while I was at camp because I was so immersed in the cultural and social aspect. It’s been so great connecting with other hikers and being present that I didn’t find the need to wander off and make a video. Blogging is a little difficult because the service is so in and out, but I can journal quite a bit and relive all the good things that happen throughout the day.
Finding the perfect camping view isn’t always the best place to park a hammock. I found a beautiful view to fall asleep and wake up to at Baggs Creek Gap. The wind didn’t want me on the side of that mountain. It was so windy that my hammock canvas was stuck to my hammock. No, I didn’t move and it was a lesson learned. I was hit by the wind. My tarp made so much noise that I felt self-conscious and took it down at 10pm. I felt so bad that everyone around me couldn’t sleep. After lowering it, I brought the wind directly to my face. You could hear the mountain moan and throw the wind like a fast ball straight into my hammock. It was the worst night’s sleep I’ve ever had. I spent most of the morning apologizing to everyone around me. The next night I slept better than ever and, reluctantly, it was fantastic.
Finally, jumping on the same people has never been more fun. I have had a great connection with so many people. I spend most of the day hiking alone, but coming to camp and seeing the same people again to tell them about all of our quirky little mishaps or the fun we’ve had during the day has been very rewarding. It’s something I look forward to every night.
Physically, my knees are still regaining their strength. The rest of my body is fine. I have had no blisters and very few aches and pains anywhere else. Mentally I feel very strong and the moral boost of talking to everyone I meet has been very positive. I was demoralized with my knees, but the people around me have really helped me stay extremely positive. The trail is providing me with everything I need so far and it’s only been 7 days.

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