Update

April 27
The magnitude of this undertaking is starting to sink in.  Reading about the Appalachian Trail is one thing, actually  hiking it is another.  I met my shuttle driver Survivor Dave, I guess it was his trail name. At least i hope so.  Survivor Dave spent most of his adult life as a chef. Now he shuttles hikers to and from a number of different points along the AT.  As we made our way to Amicalola he filled me in with the inside scoop about the different personalities and businesses involved with the AT.  I had a feeling i was entering a different world with its own unique list of celebrities and personalities. We arrived at the Amicalola visitor center at 3pm knowing i was already behind schedule.  I was supposed to arrive at the visitor center and hike 5 miles to the Len Foote Inn. The problem was that to hike to Len Foote you had to leave before 2pm because of the amount of daylight left and not wanting hikers stranded in between the visitor center and the inn. I was deflated.  Thankfully something good happened to me.  The park ranger called  and received permission for me to hit the trail.  I talked to the inn keeper and he told me dinner was at six and they would keep a plate for me.  It was exciting to finally, after months, even years, of dreaming and planning this I was getting one step closer. O.K. maybe more than one step.  Remember folks, Amicalola is not the start of the AT.  Amicalola is the starting point for the approach trail to the start of the AT at the top of Springer Mountain.
Regardless, my day was looking up.  After a few miles with my pack on I started to feel things that the books can't really convey.  Exhaustion.  Thankfully my adrenaline was still pretty high.  After a few miles i heard the Len Foote before i saw it. They ring the dinner bell to let everyone know dinner is ready. It's an amazing place The southern hospitality and rustic appearance was just as one would have expected from a place like this. The first thing i thought was that i had to bring Emma and Sara back here one day.  The group there was small.  The southern cooked meal was prepared by Cathy. I'm hooked on her corn pudding and peach cobbler.  This was the night of the killer storm barreling through the south eastern part of the U.S.  They woke us up at around 10pm to head down to a cellar type room because of the possibility of tornadoes and high winds.  A minor inconvenience considering i could be atop a mountain totally exposed. I'm hitting the trail tomorrow in earnest. The real deal. My first step on the AT.  Next stop Hawk Mountain Shelter. That's all for now.  I'm taking my Advil and heading to bed.  Love you Emma and Sara. No bears yet girls

Part of Len Foote Hike Inn

Dinner Bell

Cathy's Homemade Peach Cobbler

Cathy the Chef!

Thought the sign was cool

I"m Off

I don't know about this guys. It might be an omen of things to come, but it hasn't been the best of starts this morning. Double checked my pack loaded it in the car headed for the airport, no problem.  Checked in and headed for the mother of all security checks.  I take it they don't see many backpackers head through their security checks.  Needless to say they stopped me to ask about the items i was to take on board. First, it took a few minutes to assure them that yes that is an actual water filter.  Then on to my $120 Leatherman.  They didn't care that is was a tool, can opener, scissors, screw driver, etc....  Flight leaves at 7:15 with doors closing at 7:05 for boarding.  TSA had me from 6:15am.  No matter how much i begged they were steadfast in there assertion that my Leatherman posed a national security risk.  Just go check it in they said.  So i ran to check it in. Luckily there wasn't a line.  "No you can't check it in. It has to be in a bag sir." Ugghhh.  I run back to TSA to surrender my $120 Leatherman and get to my flight thinking i'll pick up another one when i get to Atlanta. I approach the agent who searched and interrogated me. These guys are trained well, or intoxicated with  the power of being  the most important person in the lives of thousands of travelers herded past them on a daily basis. "You have to go through security check again sir".    "But i just did that 5 minutes ago. Surely i can  just pass through with glance at my butt back."  At this point i glanced at the line and i my heart sank knowing ill be watching my ride taxi down the runway without me. I was past the panic and anxiety  stage and shuffled back in line.  Lo and behold they escorted me again to the side to asking me again about my water filter.  The planets are aligned against me today. God is sending me a message. This does not portend of good things ahead.  Well, i get a seat a seat on the next flight to Charlotte and head for  5 Guys for  a hamburger. Screw this, if things are falling apart at least i'll indulge in a hamburger.  It really hit the spot.  Now as i type this i have to endure the guy next to me talk to someone on his cell about his meeting with his boss. Not a problem in itself, but does he have to talk as if he's addressing the entire airport. Boarding now. Onward.  I'll keep you posted.