First Post From the Appalachian Trail

Mushy Preamble:

I’d like to dedicate my little escapade to family and friends, to the guy (hello Moe!) who put this idea in my noodle some 50 yrs ago, to those who looked at me like I was nuts (permission to gloat — I face-planted — y’all may yet be proven correct), to Shawn who didn’t get a chance to chase his dreams, and to all who have supported and encouraged me in all facets of life.
To my kids: Will (the Old Man face planted Day 1) and Alida (my hiking buddy and meal planner)... Candice, Alex, and Jess (BTW you can reverse your undies to the clean side after 3 weeks… after a month is just gross).  Lastly, a word about Pam (…kiss me and smile for me, tell me that you’ll wait for me). My bride has stood solidly behind this trek and has worked her derrière off navigating logistics, iPhones, Covid tests, transportation to Georgia, and telling me it would all come together when I was having my doubts.

Now to the little walk I'm on:

I received my trail name March 9, an A.T. tradition, from Momma Seal and Devil Dog: I am henceforth know as "Father of the Bride", owing to a patch on my pack courtesy of my sister Julie. I was serenaded, not by peepers, but by machine gun fire after lights out my first night on the trail.* Let the fun begin. Peace out Robbie!

Sending this from 4400 feet up on Blood Mountain. This shit is gruelling.

* According to Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion 2019, At Hawk Mountain Campsite and Shelter, "Army Rangers from nearby Camp Frank D. Merrill use the area for training exercises and have been spotted all times of the day and night."