the rolling hills.

We were tremendously fortunate that our loving friends wanted to "send us off right" and drove us down to the southern terminus here in Georgia.

Our campsite for the evening rest on the beautiful hilltop of a local stable. Owned by a kind man named Larry, his 100 acre property overlooks Springer Mountain; where the journey begins for many north bound hikers each year.






setting up camp.



We really could not have asked for a more perfect place to lay our heads on the eve of our first official day.

Slowly starting to entertain the reality of the next 5 months something inside us removed our apprehensions and uncertainties and peace came flooding in.

This is it. All the logistics and details of leaving our jobs, moving out and tying up loose ends has now transitioned into the real deal physical experience.

After stimulating conversation and full bellies, we let the glow of the campfire steal us away for a few hours.

We hope our friends will not blow away, down into pasture on this windy starry night because we look forward to sharing coffee before we say our goodbyes.

Tomorrow we will sign in at the visitor center in Amicalola Falls state park and start on the 8 mile Approach Trail.