AT 1 - 27th March.

 Went to AT office and registered. I’m number 1747. The guys are all volunteers. They gave a talk about the trail and to be responsible. I walked 8.3 miles up Springer mountain. At the start it was 500+ stairs up a waterfall. Then up up and away. Had a lunch siesta at Black gap shelter. The the final push to the top. 

Springer mountain is the official southern start of the AT. There’s a book at each shelter and Springer, you write you name and comments. It old school bush telegraph. You see who’s ahead and who you know and want to catchup to again. 

Camping at Springer mountain shelter. 

So I’ve actually only walked 0.3 miles of the AT. The climb up is approach trail and doesn’t count. Pitched tent and went to filter water from designated water source. Ate the first of many many many dried food dinners. It wasn’t bad. Heading to bed now to catch up on sleep. I was expecting to be cold but the weather has picked up and actually need sunscreen. I expect it will turn cold at some point. First day done on on the trail.