I drove a rental car to Dawsonville, GA yesterday. I took a shuttle the last half hour to Amicalola Falls Lodge. I had my last pre-AT shower and bed. Amicalola is the start of the 8+ mile “approach trail” to the AT, where mile 0 is the summit of Springer Mountain.
I didn’t realize the lodge was at the top of the falls, and I’d have to hike down a mile to the visitor center first so I could check in and be assigned my hiker number. I’m #18 northbound (NOBO) thru-hiker for 2025 out of what should be ~3000 for the year.
In the first 5 minutes of my hike down, I had two competing thoughts occupying my brain. #1: “Should I put my spikes on now or wait until I really really need them?” The trail is covered in snow and ice in a lot of places. #2: “Should I ditch the rest of my cold brew?” It’s hard to hike while holding my trekking poles in one hand and the last 25% of yesterday’s giant 32oz coffee in the other.
They say the trail teaches you what you need to know. At least one of my Woods Hoke Weekend mentors, Clay “Pony” Bonnyman Evans, said that. I only have one bar of signal, so I’m not going to research it right now, but I think he may have even written a book on the subject?! [Thanks to WHW mentor RTK for adding a comment with the link!]
As I’m having these two thoughts and reaching no decision, my foot slipped from beneath me, and the giant cold brew went flying and splashed all across the snow and ice. I laughed out loud. 30 seconds down the trail I realized I had picked up the empty cup but the lid was of course missing. Like a forensic detective searching for bullet casings, I went back to the scene of the crime and recovered the lid. Leave No Trace, baby!
I don’t know how often I’ll be posting, whether they’ll include videos, or what my hiking pace will be. My mentors advise me for personal security reasons to lag my posts some number of days or weeks. But know that I’m out here, and so far I’m being an attentive student of the trail!
safe travels! Looking forward to reading along your adventure, and seeing you in a few months!
Happy Trails Lusious!
-BamBam 2001 GA>ME
Nature is humbling before mile one! Spilled coffee and a slip? Sounds like the trail gods wanted to make sure you had a memorable start. We’re all rooting for you.
I assume the fall helped with the spikes decision! 😂
Stay safe!
Go get ’em, Luscious! Looking forward to hearing about all the adventures.
Best of luck Benj, enjoy!!!
We are following along! Team Waveriders is cheering you on!
==> Virtual Bear Hug <==, Benj !
( Real bear hugs deprecated this trip… 😉 )
Stadig, stadig oor die klippetjies Benj ( slowly, slowly over the pebbles Benj ) as we say in South Africa…
What a great start!! I’ve only done a small portion of the trail, but that experience has stuck with me !! Can’t wait to read along. Be safe and have the best of time
So excited to follow along. Team Janie & Olive cheering you on from Milford, MA. Go Benj!!
I’ve already been covering you in prayer. You are in my thoughts. Sending much love and encouragement.
Trail of 2025, trek on! It’s the journey of a lifetime!
https://www.amazon.com/Trail-Teacher-Living-Learning-Appalachian/dp/1735396818
Luscious –
Godspeed!
Sounds like a great start. Everyone loves you Benj so don’t worry about delaying things. Near worst case is someone finds you and gives you a hug (hugs from strangers are kind of weird). We want the updates! I’ll be really sad if this kills you, but I doubt it 🙂 Enjoy it!
Go Benj, GO!!!
Well… Nature answered the coffee question and the question about the spikes.
Happy trails!
Good luck Benj! What an adventure!
#18, eh? You are always ahead of the pack. You got this, Benj. Saving hugs for May.
Praying and hoping that you’ll be safe and comfortable… And that’s your adventure will be one to remember Always! Love that you’re doing this! Breathe it all in!
Jennifer
Benj, I’m so proud of you for hiking the AT. I know it’s going to be arduous and amazing. I can’t wait to read more. Be safe.
Wow sending warm thoughts, good luck and enjoy your walk in the woods.