Georgia
This is it! Our final three days on the trail were filled with two days of thunderstorms, so we were hiking shelter to shelter at night so we could sleep out of the rain. We finished out GA and our thru-hike with our friends Cucumber and Hummingbird, a father/daughter duo from Michigan.
Not only was this shelter super enclosed, which helped us stay dry, but it was also a double decker so it helped us stay warmer too!
We ditched our rainjackets after the Shenandoahs because we were never wearing them (it was, afterall, a drought). We carried ponchos the rest of the way instead and only ended up wearing them these last two days. We did not regret our decision to send the coats home one bit.
One afternoon the storm got reallly bad (we actually learned a little while later that a tornado touched down not far from where we were). We somehow were lucky enough to arrive at Mountain Crossings, an outfitter and a hostel that is located right on the Trail, just as the storm was picking up. We got to stay inside their hostel for a few hours, dry out, charge our phones, and most importantly- fill up on pizza.
The next morning the sun came out and we were almost to Springer! We couldn’t believe it. It brings back a rush of so many different emotions just thinking about it now.
Springer doesn’t seem so far away anymore!
It was soo special that my parents were able to hike to the summit of Springer with us!
Throughout the entire hike, I just kept trying to envision the picture of us sitting on top of this rock. It seemed like a dream for so long that I couldn’t believe it when we were actually sitting there taking the picture in real life (and another picture, and another HAHA #sorrynotsorry we worked so hard for these pics!!).
Signing the last log book and sitting next to our last white blaze. TEARS of all different kinds, man.
We knew all along that we wanted to take the Approach Trail down. It’s an 8.8 mile section that isn’t technically part of the AT, but it takes you past a huge, gorgeous waterfall, over 425 steps, and then down to the Arch.
Then we all headed back to the cabin at the Amicalola Lodge and celebrated!
So happy and lucky that Nana and Papa were able to join us 🙂
It was the most amazing journey! Thank you, Shawn, for taking this adventure with me. And thank you to everyone for the support, prayers, advice, and love along the way.
xoxo
Em
4 thoughts on “Georgia”
So….now that I’ve stopped crying (almost) I can just say how immensely proud I am of the two of you. You began the Trail as busy people with crazy lives and commitments, who chose to do what seemed impossible…and then you just put one foot in front of the other day after day after day. And you did it!! You ended the Trail as two amazing, focused, centered people who can now take on anything (and as Graham is happy to remind Shawn, “Once you’ve spent 5 months in the woods with my sister, you can do anything!” And, although you have finished hiking the trail, you’ve brought the trail life home with you; I see it everyday! Dad and I are so happy and honored to have been just a small part of this and we have loved bragging about you and sharing your blog with anyone who would listen!
Now, on to your next great adventure(s).
“Do you think they can do it?” “It’ll take a miracle…..” and a lot of hard work, but yes, they can!
Love you,
Mom
It was truly our honor to finish with you! Made for a perfect ending to an epic adventure!
I got to see this only because of some dear friends of mine that you met on your journey and they took some pics for you, Cathy & Tracey Trumbull. She shared this on Facebook, and I haven’t been able to stop looking at it for hours! Thanks so much for sharing your adventure! Even if I were younger, I’m not sure I would have the courage to try this, so I really admire you two!
Pass the tissues, Lauri! I echo everything that she said: so proud, loved to brag about your adventures, enjoyed your breathtaking pictures (you really should publish them) and, of course awed by the courage and determination you both demonstrated to make it to the end. I certainly can understand the reluctance to blog as the emotions were deep… but you will be so glad you did. Just in case you ever need a fix – there are always Cosmic brownies and jars of frosting at our house! Cheers as you determine and plan your next adventure!