there's no turning back now.

Windy morning after a pleasant evening. We were awakened in the middle of the night by a group of coyotes howling.

Thanks again Josh, Tom & Hilary
We had a blast!




At the start of the approach trail.
We signed in, took a few pictures and then we were off.



After 604 stairs straight up we made it to the top of Amicalola Falls. The breezy weather provided motivation, along with the numerous day hikers.

We stopped to rest and eat lunch around midday -Salmon with sun dried tomatoes on bagel thins. Regained our energy and kept hiking.





Hearing that the shelter we had planned to stop at for the evening was full with a group of 25 we decided to end about 1.3 miles short. We forgot about spring break adventurers.

The sun is setting now and we retreat to our cozy tent.

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Location:Black Gap Shelter

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.

5 hours to GA - 5 months to ME

We're on the road!


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an introduction & word of thanks.

Hello! Hello!

We're the Oakleys.

We would like to invite you to follow along as we

start our adventure on the Appalachian Trail stretching from GA --> ME.

Together we will be spending half of our 23rd year of life away from the demands of school and work and be focusing on the basics of living.

and a lot of walking.

Our motives:

-seeking the truth through beauty

-growing together as one

-taking the time to think & pray

-the love of simplicity

As we've been preparing for our journey, we have been overwhelmed with the love and encouragement  from our families, dear friends, co-workers and friends of our faith community.

With grateful hearts, we say to all of you, thankyou.

     truly, thankyou for supporting us.