It’s that time of the year again. Those of us who are in the planning/wannabe stage of a thru hike of the Appalachian (that’s App-a-latch-in for all you flatlanders) Trail are engulfed in the overflow of words and images from the efforts of more intrepid folk who are already out there in the cold and rain/snow. You Tube, small lightweight cameras and gigaplenty storage cards have made the virtual sharing of that experience possible.
The scrape of branches and much huffing and puffing accompany the narrative as hikers talk to the lens and tell us of their adventure as the trail passes behind hem. I’m waiting for the bloopers reel when the faceplant caused by inattention to footing gets caught and posted. Be careful all you budding Hitchcocks. But the videos are only part of the treasure available to armchair hikers. Blogs,trail journals, facebook posts are abundant now that spring has sprung and Springer Mountain is one of the most photographed and talked about places in Georgia.
I have written about the trail here and there and here before and continue to plan and prepare for April 2017 when I hope to see the plaque atop that Georgia mountain in person. For now, I sit in envy of everyone slogging up and down and eagerly await their latest narrative or video. Humor and self deprecation go a long way in selling the stories. We mustn’t take ourselves too seriously mustn’t we.
My son, Brian, hiked with me almost twenty years ago on a section of the AT. He was just about ten and had no idea what was in store for him. We had many issues those two days and it took buckets of patience on both our parts to make it back to the pick up point. The joy of the rocky and mostly uphill wilderness did not make it into his ten year old brain. Last October with his wedding approaching, we decided to try it again.
What a difference a few years makes. We had a wonderful trip back into the shelter and celebrated his bachelor’s party over mac and cheese and good bourbon. Brian tells me he is ready to go again as soon as winter is over. I think that is a grand idea. But maybe next time there will be even fewer issues with soreness and slowpoke hiker buddies. I’ll try to be in a little better shape, Brian, and not slow you down. How far is it to the trailhead?
So for those of you starting out now, look for some trail magic in Rocksylvania this summer a few miles north of the Allentown shelter at the Fort Franklin road crossing. Some old dude and his now married son (and maybe even The Child Bride) will be there a few times with food, drinks, a trash bag and maybe even a chair or two. See you on the trail!
mikefullerauthor 
What a wonderful opportunity for “Dad and son” to have some one-on-one time together. 🙂
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We have come to that place and it’s great.
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Your writing is awesome!
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Thank you.
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Looking forward to reading about your upcoming hiking adventures!
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And I yours.
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Mike that’s awesome! I’ve always wanted to hike the AT. Can’t wait to hear about your journey!
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I’m not sure how much I’ll write about the trip but I’ll be writing while I’m out there. I’m still working on the hardware to take. Pen and paper are lighter but I sure would like to have a keyboard to work on. Weight and durability are big issues.
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Thanks for sharing your story, Mike! Looking forward to maybe running into you soon!
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NOBO AT 2017. Probably early to mid April. Trail Magic summer 2016 in PA.
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My family and I love exploring trails and parks around us! I look forward to reading more about your adventures!
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Spring is here. More trail adventures to come.
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That looks like great fun. I used to hike the northern end of the trail through New Hampshire mostly. What a national treasure. 🙂
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The NH and ME portions are said to be the most difficult. By the time I walk there from GA I hope to have the right attitude to make it through. I have to remember that I’m still young in spirit. Now if the spirit can drag a used car body along then all is good.
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Now that’s a situation that I can relate to…. mind and body not being in synch regarding the biological age of all the bits and pieces necessary for me to function at some level. The mind always seems to rule, but the body will always have the last word!
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I am following several blogs written by current thru hikers. It’s early, most have not gone over 150 miles yet but the toll has begun. Some write about the injury, either physical or mental, that pushes them from the trail but others simply disappear and their blogs lay unattended. But what fun to follow along and look over their shoulders as the trail passes by. Still on track in my training for an April 2017 start in Georgia. Arthritic fingers crossed.
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They’re not too bad. Some steep patches, but beautiful and worth the effort 🙂
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I hope to be passing through there in the fall of 2017.
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That trail must be quite something else! Great you got to experience it again with your son 🙂
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He makes me laugh, in a good way. He has had a tough few years but met the love of his life and saw a clear path to his future. Now all of a sudden what Dad has been saying for years sounds reasonable. I can almost see the cartoon light bulb flashing above his blaze orange knit hat (it was hunting season and we didn’t want to appear “gamey”). He is saving a few vacation days to hike with me over the summer and fall as I prepare for the Appalachian Trail.
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That is all fantastic 🙂
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Love it, Mike. I don’t live very far off the Trail, so be sure to let me know when you come through sw NC!
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This reminds me of a similar experience with my son. Age (and possibly the maturity) changed everything…and that’s referring to just me. 🙂 My son, who graduates from college this year, and I both love to get together for a hike! Now backpacking…yeah, he’s just not going to do that. 🙂 I hope to also get a chance to thruhike when I retire, but for now I love sectioning. Totally excited to be getting miles in Maine this summer!
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