Kevin's AT Thru Hike

Day 3, Saturday, 3/19 – I took Nero day today (near zero mileage). I hiked the 2.4 miles to Jarrards gap. Then had to hike at least another mile down to the trailhead where the folks picked me up. Unfortunately, I’ll have to hike up that side trail again tomorrow to get back to the…

Day 2, Friday, 3/18 – I guess I started this morning sometime in the middle of the night. It was starting to get bright in my tent, so I figured it was dawn. I laid in my tent and started to wake up thinking I’d be mobilizing soon. After some time had passed I realized…

Day 1, Thursday, 3/17 – I started the day with mom, dad, and Taylor. We drove back to Springer Mountain, to pick up hiking where we left off yesterday. We all hiked to Long Creek Falls and had lunch together. Long Creek Falls was a bit off of the Appalachian Trail, but well worth the…

Day 0, Wednesday, 3/16 – I registered as an Appalachian Trail thru hiker this morning. Then Mom, dad, Taylor, Freddie and me all hiked up Amicalola Falls this morning. The falls were stunning, maybe all the rain last night played a part. Mom and Freddi stopped their hike at the top of the Falls. Taylor,…

My folks and I arrived at amicalola falls this afternoon, which is the unofficial Southern start of the Appalachian Trail. We are staying in a cabin a stones throw from the trail head. The drive down was smooth. It’s a 10hr drive from St. Louis, and we had great weather the whole way through. I…

I took a few photos of the gear I’m planning on starting with. The base weight comes out to about 15lbs, which is pack weight less food and water. So with 5 days of food and 2 liters of water, 30lbs is about as heavy a pack that I plan on carrying The dry bag…

Yesterday was my last day, for now, with Trane. I have mixed emotions about it. It’s obviously going to be nice to not have any tasks to complete, and no looming deadlines. but I’m going to miss working with the team. I’ve had daily interaction with my coworkers for almost 2 years. I’m humbled by…

Here it is.. I’m officially going to attempt a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. My last day of work is this Friday, then I’m driving with the folks to Georgia on Tuesday, then I start hiking on Thursday. Up until now, it hasn’t felt real. I spent a good amount of time planning, but…