When reality hits….

What are those occurrences that finally snap you into reality that you are about to walk over 2,100 miles in the woods:

1. You walk into your living room and see the floor covered in 180 boxes of Poptarts.  (Lane has coordinated all the food and food drops for this adventure.  She’s a remarkable hiking partner.)
2. You notice that all of Lane’s stuff is neatly organized and stacked.  Lane finally told me to get my backpack ready.  Pack it, weigh it, and re-pack it.
3. Susan is now asking 1,000,000 questions.  (Mom is showing some signs of worry.)
4. I’m getting weather reports every 2 hours.  (Sorry to report that we will have a couple of wet days to start the hike.)
5. My 5th graders are writing me notes. 😦

Although there are still a few lose ends to tie up, I feel like we are ready.  The hike itself will sort itself out.  Like a long run, the key is to just keep moving and get into a daily routine that works for us.  I am amazed at the amount of research Lane has done, and her knowledge of the AT.  I am in safe hands!

We plan on meeting Susan after hiking for 5 days.  We will meet her  in Hiwassee, GA.  We are dropping Maddie off, picking up fresh supplies, and heading toward Fontana Damn, NC.  Here is a map of the Georgia section:

 

67 miles from Springer Mountain, GA to Hiwassee, GA.

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2 weeks and counting!

Well, there are only about 2 weeks left before the adventure begins.  I must admit, the reality is starting to hit.  Lane has been great with planning and getting everything ready before March 7.  We are now in the process of getting our food and mail drops in order.  I am also looking forward to dinner with “jbyrd.”  This is a friend of a friend who has done this crazy hike about 8 times.  The only thing he probably carries is a rope and knife.  This is all I am taking:

 

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