Day 1

Location: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles hiked today: 11.6
Miles from Springer: 2.8
Miles from Katahdin: 2,173.4
Elevation: 2,870
Temperature: 72 degrees

There is a saying we have in Wyoming when you want to express that you are about to let loose on something. (the equivelant of “Let’s Roll”) That saying is, Powder River, Let ‘er Buck! We scream it at football games and it was the battle cry of the 361st infantry during WWII. So now that I am officially past the official mile let me be the first to say it… POWDER RIVER LET ER BUCK!!

I could not have had a better start on the AT than I did today. The weather was gorgeous- 60 to 70 degrees and there were clear skies. I made 11.6 miles, almost 9 of those being on the strenuous approach trail which took me to mile marker 0 at Springer Mountain. It was beautiful walking. I met some really great people too. The first person I saw turned out to be an extremely great guy named Rick who is a strong Christian and had some great encouragement for me. I had a very nice conversation with a woman named No Agenda, and I met a dog named Zorro, who belonged to a couple who were celebrating their 6th anniversary since starting their thru hike. There were two young guys from Connecticut, Grizzly and Forrest Fire, who who brought a guitar but I didn’t get a chance to catch up with them. I met a whole family who were doing the 1 mile hike up Springer from the parking lot. They all seemed pretty intrigued that I was going to Maine, except the youngest boy who didn’t get it and asked me why I didn’t just rent a car. His brother, who couldn’t have been much older, seemed much wiser because he slapped him upside the head.

For being the first day I feel great, and I am satisfied with my equipment and everything is working great. It is great hiking weather so I hope to put in a big day 2. It is really an amazing feeling to be here, and almost hard to believe that I have already started. Powder River!

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