3/17/03
The beginning of my trip – Dad, Jamie and Sean saw me off. Soaking rain – hiked at a good clip – did 12 miles today and feel really good.
(Picture 1: Southern terminus at Springer Mtn.)

3/18/03
Made it to Gooch Mountain shelter. Raining the whole way. The terrain is pretty rough – best to take time. Walked 12 miles today. Haven’t been able to see a thing with the fog – shame as there are many beautiful views missed.
(Pictures 2-3: Are of me at Gooch Mountain shelter – as you can see pretty dense fog)

Should be able to make it to Neels Gap tomorrow. Half of all hikers quit at that point. The other half who make it to Harpers Ferry quit at that point. This is the first weeding out period.

For more information on this portion of the trail, visit the: Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (www.georgia-atclub.org)