From the Journals: DAY 1, Feb. 24

Coach

Springer Mountain - Gooch Mountain Shelter: 15.1 mi.

It was a solid day. A little rough; I'm pretty sore, but a great mileage day considering we started at noon. The other hikers were pretty impressed with our pace. The plan called for us to stop 8.8 miles into the day, so of course, we pushed on to the next shelter. The hike was pretty tough elevation wise, but felt awesome. It will be interesting to see how the Professor and I feel in the morning. It was amazing to finally start this adventure.

NIGHT 1: So last night was hilarious. After everyone laid down for the evening, this guy called "Ole Yeller" started talking and basically got a conversation going about this guy he saw on the trail with an umbrella. Well, everybody met this guy and agreed he was very strange. I mean you know a guy puts off a bad vibe when a group of strangers who have not met him think there is a strong chance he could be a serial killer. Ole Yeller's snoring also taught me that I need some ear plugs. So far I have done a lot of laughing. If it keeps up, morale won't be a problem.

Professor

DAY 1: "You boys watch out for that rain tonight" says a man walking with nothing but a denim shirt and pants, short hair, a long, long beard, and nothing but an umbrella in hand.

"You boys better watch out for that rain tonight, don't let it get you... or I will..." my imagination makes him say.

Skipped Hawk's shelter pushed on to Gooch Mountain shelter. 15.1 miles, really tired. Feel better after dinner.

And They're Off!

Coach and the Professor began the Appalachian Trail at 11:47am on February 24, 2011.

But let's backtrack just a little..

First, please let me introduce you to Manager Mike (pictured with the sleepy hikers). Mike is the Professor's Dad and a major reason why planning for the Appalachian Trail went so smoothly. He is also the point man on re-supply and, well, pretty much everything. He will also be referred to as "Wooden Spoons" on the Trail.

These guys were up late the night before preparing their drop boxes, a typical one contains the following: Grits or Oatmeal for breakfast, Summer Sausage, Tuna and Pita for lunch, CLIFF bars and for our main course we went with Alpine Aire. On our gear test we tested the Alpine Aire meals and found them to be the best value in terms of taste, quality of ingredients and calories. Black Bart Chili is the best.

After the early morning picture was taken (by the Professor's Mom who was kind enough to help document!), Manager Mike drove Coach and the Professor to Springer Mountain. Here they are in the parking lot:

From here, everybody hiked up Springer Mountain to begin the AT (yes, they had to hike to get to the start):

They reached the beginning of the Appalachian Trail:

They checked out the view and posed for a picture:

And came to the first of 90,000 white blazes that will guide them from Springer Mountain (Georgia) to Mt. Katahdin (Maine):

And then they struck out and waved farewell:

and vanished....

**Report from Manager Mike aka Wooden Spoons:

• Thursday, February 24 (15+ mile day):Arrived at the Springer Mountain parking area on US Forest Service Road 42, one mile from the top of Springer. The Professor, Coach, and Manager Mike ("Wooden Spoons") and Doc ("Hell Hound") hiked to the southern terminus of the AT at Springer, snapped a few pictures then returned to the parking area. From there the Professor and Coach struck out on their immense journey. Wooden Spoons and Hell Hound drove to Neels Gap and dropped off the first re-supply box. Weather was cool and windy but mostly sunny, a perfect day for hiking. They originally had planned on staying at Hawk Mt but continued to Gooch Mt arriving around dark. Thunder storms during the night.


• Friday, February 25 (approx 14 miles):Stayed at Blood Mt shelter. Amazing sunset reported.


• Saturday, February 26: Report received from Neels Gap indicates they plan to stop at Whitley Gap today and nurse some chafing and minor blisters. Spirits high. Weather remains mild with highs near 60 and lows near 30.