I was dropped off at the airport by my parents with mixed feelings in my heart & my head. It was not the first time they dropped me off like that, but the first time I felt that I was on my way to do something that I still can’t comprehend all it signifies…something big, hard times, beautiful times, great encounters, something magical yet achievable…something that will be with me forever & I will be proud off…an experience that many embark on every year, but not all finish.
Upon arrival at the airport, I did my check-in. They indicated me where I could dropped off my cardboard box (wich contained my hiking poles, umbrella, food for the first 5 days & 2 resupply boxes). All my essentials where in my carry-on.
After, I headed off to security & the US customs wich is done directly at the airport. Right before security, I realized that I had a Smart Water bottle that was not even opened yet… I chugged it quickly, all 1 liters. I did not want to lose the bottle, since it’s with that I planned to thru-hike with. At the customs, they asked what I was planning to do in the States… I smiled and said “Thru-hike the Appalachianian trail!”. He wished me good luck & I continued my way to my gate.
Upon boarding, they said the flight was full. Off course, they said all carry-ons could not fit in the plane with us. They needed volunteers to put their carry-on as a checked luggages. Since I was one of the last to board the plane, they told me I needed to check my carry-on (containing all my essentials)…I did not want that. I said ” I could, but I have lithium batteries in the bottom of my pack. You will need to wait for me to unpack & repack all of it to take them out” (which was true). They decided to let me take my carry-on on board. Contrary to what they said, room was left for my pack (which respected dimensions for a carry-on).
The flight itself went well. Upon arriving close to Atlanta, turbulence showed up. It was pretty important especially as we approached the airport, even very very close to landing. It kind of scared me. I might also be getting older & more a scaredy-cat… at least about planes 😅
After landing in Atlanta, I retrieved my cardboard box & tried to find to the airport shuttle that would bring me from the internal terminal to the domestic terminal. Once found, the waiting line was long, very long. It took about 40 minutes. The great thing is I got a phone call from a very good friend in the waiting line. We talked more later that night.
At the domestic terminal, I bought my MARTA pass ticket to take the train from Atlanta to North Spring. On the train, I meet two lovely ladies on their way back from vacation in Florida. The son of one of them hiked the AT a couple years ago. We had nice conversations.
In North Spring, Michelle, my shuttle service driver, picked me up to drive to Amicalola Falls State Park. On our way to the park, we mostly talked about the trail. Arriving at the lodge, I gave her my two resupply boxes since she gracefully agreed to shipped them for me higher up on trail for me. Thank you so much.
That night at the lodge, I meet two hikers that turned back on Approach trail. It scared me & it got me thinking ” Am I really ready to do this? “
my carry-on (my hiking backpack with must of the esential, but without my hiking poles, umbrella , and food that I will start with). I checked
Enjoy Jessica!
Merci beaucoup 😃