Shades, the hiker formally known as Chad.

There is a long standing tradition among thru-hikers, or any type of hiker, to have a "trail name". Essentially a nickname to be used on the trail. Some pick their own, others let their name be chosen by those their fellow hikers. I fall into the second category. Finally, on day 5, I received mine. But anyway, let's start with day 1.

Day 1, Miles Hiked: 8.1, AT Miles: 8.1

After hiking to the top of Springer with my parents and saying our goodbyes, I took off to hike another 7 miles that day to the first shelter, Hawk Mountain Shelter. (Shelters are often simple one to two story huts for hikers to stay in. I usually just camp near them for the social aspect and the privy, or outhouse.) It was an absolutely gorgeous day for hiking with predominantly mild terrain. I met a lot of awesome people that first night, many I continue to run into. I also met the two families, total of 15 people, that are hiking the entire trail. It rained pretty hard that night, which made breaking camp that much more enjoyable. 

Day 2, Miles Hiked 7.7, AT Miles: 15.8

After breaking camp, I hiked most of the day alone. So far, this has been my preference as it allows me to move at my pace and enjoy the stillness and solitude of the woods. Anyway, I rolled into camp fairly early and spend the day lounging around and drying out my stuff. I stayed at Gooch Mountian Shelter and met many more incredible people, as well as running into many from the night before. 

Day 3 Miles: 8.5 AT Miles: 24.3

Took my time breaking camp today and just enjoyed the absolutely gorgeous weather. Big day with Blood Mountain tomorrow, the first real Mountian I'll have to hike. 

Also, thanks to Molly and William for being awesome and giving me some peanut butter, Nutella, blister band aids, and great camp conversation! It was much appreciated! 

Day 4, Miles: 15.7 AT Miles: 39

What a day, hiked Blood Mountain and had some absolutely incredible views. Then made my way to Neels Gap, and hung out at the outfitter there and bought boot insoles which may have saved my hike. This is where the story gets fun. I was supposed to only go about a mile past Neels Gap and make camp near a water source, that ended up being dry. My original play for a 9 mile day went out the window as I continued on to find the next few water sources were dry as well. Severely dehydrated and exhausted I stumbled upon the two hiking families' (Known as the Biff Network) camp. I could barely even speak at this point and they gave me a liter of water to drink as well as filling my bottles and offering even to help set up camp. I was in rough shape and they helped me out in a big way, so to them I owe a great deal of thanks for saving my hike and just being absolutely incredible people. 

Day 5, Miles: 11.5 AT Miles: 50.5

Woke up in a cloud and remained on a cloud all day. It provided for some cool pictures and even cooler hiking, a big change from the 80 degrees of yesterday's big, and stupid, mileage day. Feeling good and having easy terrain, I pushed out almost 12 today. I also am sleeping in my first shelter so I don't have to pack up a wet tent in the morning.

This is the day I got my trail name, Shades, due to a pair of pink Oakley frogskins I decided to bring as sunglasses. They have nice lenses, are lightweight, and I got them on sale I have no regrets. Shades it is. 

Day 6, Miles: 2.4 AT Miles: 52.9

Hikes to Unicoi gap where the shuttle for the Top of Georgia hostel picked me up. Got a bunk there for the night as well as a shower (my first of the trip) and they did my laundry. They even gave me a pair of scrubs to wear while they did it and I wore them to town when I went in to resupply. We all looked ridiculous in our muddy hiking boot/scrub outfits but it was amazing. 

Day 7, Miles: 13.1 AT Miles: 66.0

After getting back on trail, I hiked some of the hardest miles so far, up and over 3 mountains that left me absolutely worn out and glad to make camp. 

Day 8 (Easter Sunday), Miles: 12.6 AT Miles: 78.6

Hiked 3 miles to Dicks Creek Gap where I walked a short way back to Top of Georgia to retrieve my spork that I had forgotten. (Oops) after resting and eating lunch I got back on trail and pushed out about 9 more miles to make the NC border. One state down, 13 to go. I camped directly after the border with a good group of people and I had my first real campfire. Life is absolutely great and the people I'm around are incredible. Really loving trail life. 

Day 9, Miles: 7.7 AT Miles: 86.3

Short day today to rest the legs alittle. Well that, and it was rainy and cold and so I took the option to cram in a shelter instead if trying to pitch a tent in the storm. 

Day 10, Miles: 16.2 AT Miles: 102.5 

After a sharp climb and a long day, I hit to 100 mile mark! An absolutely beautiful with and even more perfect evening. North Caroline is beautiful so far. A shot day tomorrow and into Franklin, NC to split a motel room and enjoy a very refreshing day in town. 

I am having some trouble being able to post the pictures I have on my camera so unfortunatly don't have any to share, hopefully by my next post I will have it sorted out and can share some of the amazing views, and amazing people that I have been surrounded with. This trip so far has exceeded even my best expectations. I am doing great, loving life on the trail, and have been so blessed by all of you that have sent me so many kind words and well wishes. 

Unfortunatly it will most likely be another 10-14 days until I can post again as I am about to enter the Great Smokey Mountains of Tennesee.