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Home Backpacking

ATKO: Appalachian Trail Kick Off Weekend

admin by admin
March 17, 2023
in Backpacking


“You become like the people you spend the most time with”  Jim Rohn

That is just fine with me.  I spent the first weekend in March at the Amicalola Falls State Park.  The park is the location of the Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail – on Springer Mountain.  The ATKO (aka The Appalachian Trail Kick Off) was being held this first weekend in March at the lodge within the park.  My hubby and I drove 6 hrs to be there along with vendors, speakers, hikers & the hiking community.

I booked us a spot at the campground within the park.  There was also a “tent village” area close to basecamp where some hikers were staying at a very reasonable price, but with my reluctant camping hubby, I “treated” us to a private site with water and electric.  I brought my thru hiking gear, never missing an opportunity to practice using it all.  My lightweight Nemo 2 person tent (is NOT really a 2 person comfortable tent) so my hubby brought the family “Taj Mahal” tent which looked massive next to mine.  Didn’t matter that he had an electric blow up mattress with a lamp inside on top of a table. I was so happy to have him there supporting my hobby. More like a  passion at this point. . I know he would have preferred to stay at the warm and cozy lodge where all the activity took place.

Listening to the presentations, seeing the recommended gear, meeting the people – gave me all the feels!  I asked questions, bought merchandise and became like the 5 people I surrounded myself with that weekend. I obtained  social media info as well as pictures of these impressive folks.  I felt at home and supported already.  This community is so supportive that there were 2 hikers there that both thru hiked the trail in 1973, Yes 50 yrs ago!  Warren Doyle & Mic Lowther

1973 Thru Hikers

Before heading back home, I stopped by Basecamp.  This is where hikers starting their North Bound Journey (NOBO) sign in, get their tag, listen to the Leave No Trace speech before literally starting their walk.  I watched 2 male hikers get their bags weighed.: 29 and 42 lbs.  they also had their pictures taken.  It was great to see it all before my actual launch date – a bit reassuring. There was a hiker box there (discarded items that hikers decided they didn’t need in their packs) and I was able to snag something I could use. Thanks Hiking Community!

One last thing was to climb the stairs leading up to and parallel with the beautiful Amicalola Falls.  It was a beautiful sunny day for it.  Just a couple of more weeks before we are back for the official launch.  We DID book the lodge this time – it’s a big milestone!  This is really happening.

 

At The Lodge

At the Top of The Falls

 

 

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