Section Hiked A.T. in Georgia

My wife and I started section hiking the Appalachian Trail during weekends to escape the summer heat and the virus. A.T. runs for 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine, with 78.6 miles in Georgia. Today we finished the Georgia part and entered North Carolina. We actually covered twice the distance (averaging 10-12 miles per section) because we had to come back each time to where we parked. We started hiking with the great Atlanta Outdoor Club back in February, 2020. But when the virus hit, group hikes were put on hold, so we were left to our own devices.

Hiking somehow grew on me. Perhaps, because it as a metaphor for life. There are ups and downs. Some sections are hard and require a great deal of effort and perspiration, while others are easy. There are exhilarating views but there are also areas with overgrown vegetation. Perceived risks, such as wild animals (note the bear spray on my belt ), are lurking in the distance. Some people tell you that you’re crazy. The climate is unpredictable, and planning is sometimes futile (we got ourselves in a really bad thunder storm and downpour once while the weather was supposed to be OK). But for the most part, it is just putting one foot in front of the other. It’s about the journey, not the destination. And the more you put in, the more you’ll get out.

Kudos to the wonderful people who maintain the A.T. and those who supported us with advice! Kudos to these brave thru-hikers that cover the whole distance. I’m really jealous…one day maybe.