The Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Bly Gap, North Carolina approximately 8-9 days-80 miles of trail hiking. My good buddy Lane and I are starting the first week of November. We are still planning the trip and may break it up in sections. I have had many memorable motorcycle rides with Lane, who rides a Harley Davidson Electra Glide loaded up with tour packs and lots of chrome. I remember two rides that were pretty neat. One was a tour of the North Georgia Wineries where we both came back with wine bottles sticking out of our saddle bags. The second was a ride where we were way up in the mountains and came to a stream that ran across the road. The water was about a foot deep and it was the first time I had to ford a stream on my Harley. Today was our recon trip to check out the AT and get some maps and advice. We loaded up my Jeep with our day packs and headed for Mountain Crossing Outfitters at Neels Gap. Jason was very helpful with the maps and the map details. We settled on a map set of two trail maps by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and water proof pocket map by Anti Gravity Gear. Jason gave Lane a tour of their sleeping bags and he made several gear recommendations and directions to the trail head. We took the Byron Reece Trail which is a Blue Blaze Trail that connected to the AT. I had made the hike with our Cub Scouts Pack 538 last year but we came from the Vogel State Park side of the mountain which I think was an easier hike. We made it to top of Blood Mountain which is around 4,400 feet so the views are pretty amazing. I saw several thru hikers and for a Friday afternoon there were a lot of day hikers and surprisingly there were many senior citizens making the hike. For me I discovered I need to work on my Merrell Moab hiking boots. Going up no problem, coming down my toes were crowding not sure if its a lacing issue or what. I also noted that I brought one trekking pole thinking it was no big deal but in the future I will bring them both. I could really tell a difference on which side I used the pole from stress on the knees and feet. All and all it was good day to hike. It took us about 4 hours and we did lollygag around checking out the views ect. I think we hiked about 5 miles or so round trip. I will be making a run to REI to pick up some gear. Lane and I will have a gear check and menu plan then head for Springer Mountain and the Appalachian Trail Adventure or the L & B ATA.

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