Soggy no more!

I've never enjoyed the sight of an early sunrise more than I did after four days of nearly constant cold rain. I'm just hoping we don't get the same quantity of rain as the 2003 thru-hiking crew... 3 months of rain! I guess I shouldn't complain at all. I'm grateful the sun is shining now, though! And even with soggy clothes, and a weighted down soaking pack/tent, I am still as happy as ever.

I've met some incredible people, and I'm only a week into the hike. It'll be interesting to see who makes it to Maine. There's lots of long-distance hiking dogs out here too. More than I had expected. They even have their own packs.

I've made it to Hiawassee, GA and should be at the GA/NC border in just a couple days. Thus far I've knocked out roughly 3% of the trail (67 miles)...which doesn't include the 7 mile approach trail. And the forecast for the next few days has very little rain in sight :)

I'm starting the feel the hunger pains and smell the hiker stink that supposedly go along with walking nearly 2200 miles. There are quite a few prevous thru-hikers out here, and they've claimed it only gets worse. Makes sense. Especially in the heat of the summer. Mmmmm, that's gonna smell good.

I was planning on taking my first zero day (rest day), but am gonna make it a short day instead and hike 4 miles to the next shelter. I'll probably take my first rest day on the trail.

I hope everyone's enjoying the sunshine...if it's sunny where you are. I know I will!