Day -3 to 1 April 12-16, 1998 of Reed's AT Adventure

Report from the field: The trip has started well with decent weather and no equipement problems. An old Winthrop classmate of mine, Jerry Robinson, picked me up at the airport in Atlanta and let me crash at his place on April 14th. He drove me up to Amicalola Falls State Park on April 15th. He then hiked 7 miles with me to top of Springer Mt., the official start of the Appalachian Trail. After wishing me well, Jerry headed back to where he had parked, while I began my journey. I did another 7.7 miles on Day 0, then 16 miles on yesterday, and have done 5.5 miles today as I write this note. Currently I'm at the Walasi-Yi Center, a hiking store which is the only place on the At where the trail passes through a building.

I have seen dozens of others who have also set their sights on hiking to Maine. I'm feeling pretty good, although my knees are sore and my pack like everyone els's is too heavy

Vance Says: Click on pictures to make larger

I'm As Free As A Bird Now

Ahh the food we eat (4/12/99 9:19pm)
bork, bork, bork...(muppets chef)(4/12/99 9:19pm)
All of this in this little bag???(4/13/99 9:15pm)
Everything they taught is here (4/13/99 9:16pm)

Yea!!, I did it, I managed to stuff the kitchen sink in my pack (4/13/99 11:10pm)
Here I begin my life as a hobo (4/14/99 12:58pm)
Yeah, my ticket is here somewhere....(4/14/99 1:02pm)

Amicalola Plaque about 8 miles from Springer Mtnl (4/15/99 12:07pm)
Same sign but with my beautiful smile (4/15/99 12:07pm)
Oh, by the way, this is my friend Jerry Robinson. Jerry was a high school friend that nows lives in Georgia (4/15/99 3:07)
Two studly men at the highest point on the Appalachian Trail (4/15/99 3:08)

Strike a Pose(Ramrock Mtn self timer) (4/16/99 1:31pm)
Ram Rock Mtn 2nd pose (4/16/99 1:33pm)
View From Ram Rock (4/16/99 1:44pm)
Fly Like An Eagle, I mean Vulture (4/16/99 1:52pm)