My fight with the cell phone demons lasted almost 4 hours. It started by trying to install an AT&T system SIM card. Then it was determined that Vorizen had much better coverage between Georgia and Maine. So, the AT&T SIM card was removed and replaced with a Vorizen SIM card. Then it was realized that my IPhone 4S can’t function on the 4G system with Vorizen. So, the Vorizen SIM card was removed and replaced with the original AT&T SIM card. Then AT&T would not accept payment on a VISA card with an address in Canada. So, then I had to buy 5 monthly pay as you go cards. Everything had to be done over the phone at the phone store. That’s why it took almost four hours. Once we waited 45 minutes on hold for the AT&T dimwit to attend a request. The clerk in the Walmart phone store was astoundingly pleasant and cheerful in the face of unfathomable frustration. Finally, it would seem that I have prepaid with cash for 5 months of service while I attempt to “through hike” the Appalachian Trail. I’m sure that’s wrong. There will be perpetual nasty issues with reception and payments. It’s a fact of life.
The next day, March 3rd I was driven from the Hiker Hostel to the closest road access to Springer Mountain. I hiked one mile south to the Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail, signed the register, took some photos, and started hiking north toward Mount Katahdin in Maine. It’s a daunting prospect to walk 2,181 miles (3510kms) carrying everything you need for the next 5+ months (except grub) on your back. However, I’m going to try.
The first night I made it to Hawk Mountain Shelter at mile 8.1. It was cold and rainy all day. The trail was covered with melting ice in the hollows. One fellow from Los Angeles, California fell just in front of me and badly sprained his ankle. Luckily there was a road some few hundred yards further on. A passing car was good enough to take him off the mountain. After that encounter I was passed swiftly by a sprightly youth from Houston, Texas. He had long blonde hair under a Mexican flag bandana. His pack was festooned with muddy sneakers, water bottles, socks, and a sleeping pad. All were swinging wildly to his frantic gate. As he passed he said “I thought I was skiing on that ice back there.” I said “Yes, it’s almost as bad as home.” He said “Where’s home?” I said “Nova Scotia” and he replied “It’s alright I won’t tell anybody.” With that he was out of earshot striding far faster than seemed prudent. When I rounded a switch back a few moments later there he was sitting on a log eating cookies. As I passed him he smiled and nodded. I couldn’t help noticing his strangely savage blue eyes. I remember commenting to myself he’s either got a wicked sugar high, or he’s on bath salts. We passed each other in a similar manner three times till he seemed to disappear. What became of him I’ll never know.
Today I made Gooch Gap at mile 15.8. It was a long arduous day of climbs and descents. The rain stopped only to be replaced by dense fog. It was around 50F(10C) all day. I hiked all day with a retired US Navy submariner from Charleston, South Carolina. We were fairly even in pace but he kept wanting to stop and eat. We’re camped here at Gooch Gap. There is another fellow called a “Trail Angel” camped here that says he’s making banana pancakes for everyone passing by tomorrow. This practice is called “Trail Magic “. It’s performed by people who love to feed people on the AT. I don’t understand it completely but I’ll be eating pancakes in the morning.
Must turn in I’m dog tired.