It seems more than a week ago that Brent’s parents dropped us off at the approach trail in Amicalola Falls. Maybe time moves at a slower pace in the wilderness or maybe it’s just my tired, blistered, unfit feet telling me this. Regardless, it has been a wonderful journey from the falls to our first resting place in Helen, Georgia. We are two days of hiking from our first state line, which provides enough motivation to wake up in the morning and hit the trail again.
Among this motivation, we have witnessed the kindness of many trail angels and the beauty that lies beyond roadways. Trail magic. Wow. It’s been overwhelming how locals and fellow hikers have responded to us straggling thru-hikers. We’ve been offered rides, picked up on highways and given fuel, water tablets and food. Nature. Amazing. We’ve witnessed a momma bear usher her three cubs down a tree trunk, an eerie owl prowl for food below in leaf litter, a rattlesnake (that I nearly stepped on) slither across the trail, a turtle hide away within its shell, and a turkey looking bird dart in front of us.
I’d love to elaborate on the trail angels with whom we’ve crossed paths and acknowledge them by their names and good deeds, but it will have to wait until the next post. We’re already looking at a short night’s sleep, and we have fourteen miles to hike when morning arrives.
There were some strong storms back home tonight. I hope everyone is safe and sound with power! Until next time, happy hiking!
All the Rove 
Greetings from EVV–hope you’re making good progress. Are you still happy with your gear selections?
We are very happy with our gear selections! Everything has been holding up well. The main changes that I made was the hydration bladder and the sleeping bag liner. My Nalgene bladder began to leak on the approach trail, so we shared one until we got to Neel’s Gap, where I purchased a Camelbak bladder (the Platypus seems another popular choice). I’ve been so pleased with it! The plastic seems a bit stronger and has held up better. I also switched the Cocoon silk mummy sleeping bag liner for a Sea to Summit liner with a cotton feel (most likely a synthetic) that has kept me much cooler and allowed for a better night’s rest. The new liner has been the true life saver on the trail and deserves a great deal of praise!