DAY 1 ….

… and what a day it has been! What an amazing roller coaster of emotions. And I’ll tell you why it was amazing in a minute.

But, let me back up a bit and share some of the events that have brought us to today. I have been extremely cautious this year to avoid any injuries before this hike. I have spent the better part of a year planning this adventure. Two weeks ago, I had a small calf pull that seemed like it was no big deal. Two days ago, Wednesday, found me at the doctor and then for an MRI Thursday. I was worried, as this could end my hike before it even started. Thankfully, it turned out to be only a very mild muscular calf strain and I got full release, with instructions to take it easy as I started my hike.

Thursday night turned out to be a late night, with a 2am alarm to get Leanna and I to the airport on time. The flight was great and we had an amazing sunrise as we made our way to Atlanta. From there, we rented the car, and with only a couple of wrong turns, we made it to Amicalola Falls!

After a brief orientation with Nick, Master Splinter, he got my registration complete and we were on our way. All left to do was secure the shuttle for transportation. That just wasn’t going to happen the way we wanted.

I’ve learned that all things happen for a reason, and I no longer question it. Everything is going to work out exactly as it is supposed to. And it did today.

So hop on the roller coaster and fasten those belts! Here we go.

As we sat there trying to figure out what we were going to do our emotions just poured out to each other. We talked, cried, laughed, cried some more and then made our decision. We ended getting a room at the Amicalola Lodge and then hiked the 604 stairs to the top of the Falls and the East Ridge Trail. It was a great way to test out the calf and ease in to this hike.

All the planning I have done – the daily mileage, the campsite selections, nutrition, food box preparations, gear selection and testing…today, meant zero. Because the one thing I didn’t plan for mentally and emotionally was being gone for 4-5 months, and not being with or seeing Leanna. And today that roller coaster took me for a ride. It made me question the importance of doing this hike.

We had an amazing dinner and watched the sun start to set over the mountains as we talked some more, and that is when I truly realized this hike was bigger than just me, not only for Leanna and I, but also for all of you following along. It’s not just a hike, it’s about stepping out of those comfort zones, chasing dreams and horizons, coming together to support one another and growing something that’s more than just a group of people that know each other, but a family.

I know that each and every one of you are out there with me on the trail and my hope is that you can find that passion to push forward when things are hard, and push harder when they are at their hardest. I hope you can take the time to listen, to truly listen, to the ones around you that care and love you, and allow that quiet voice of reason to talk to you.

This truly is going to be an amazing journey!