On the eve--

Well it's the 7th of April, the night before I leave to drive down to Georgia. I wasn't sure if I'd actually be leaving tomorrow because of some debilitating health issues, but I'm happy to say I've recovered and feel ready to leave and get started.

My bag is fully packed, stuffed to the brim with food, clothes, and shelter. It's heavy, heavier than I would have liked, but I should be able to handle it. The food will diminish rapidly and so I'll keep that in mind while I'm lugging it up the mountainside. I'm eager for my first day, to see how hungry I get, how tired I will be, and how badly my body will ache. In some ways I'm looking forward to the pain, seeing what my body can take.

I also want to put all this new equipment to the test. I can't say it was easy getting it all together, but I do have to give a shout out to one person who made it much easier. Ian, or Dusty as he is known on the trail, was someone I contacted with a wide range of gear and logistical questions. He completed an AT thru-hike last year and without his helpful answers to my many questions I don't think I would be where I am today, about to set off on my own hike. If anyone comes across my blog and reads this be sure to check out his website, www.thedustycamel.com. After his trip he and his hiking partners were inspired to start a non-profit, so definitely go check it out for more information. He's a great guy and extremely helpful, so don't be afraid to ask him anything about getting ready for your own trip. I know he loves to talk equipment too.

Anyway, I'll probably be heading to bed soon, waking up early to make the drive down to Virginia first and then Georgia the next day. In a few days I'll be climbing up to Springer, making my first post from the trail. And then from there it'll be one step at a time.