AT: HTC Summer 2017 backpacking trip day 1

The summer Holy Trinity Chatham back packing trip was set for Grayson Highlands State Park in VA. Michael and I drove up and met the crew — large this time at 15 hikers, at the trail head. We were joining the AT at Fairwood Road (VA 603). The two of us got there late due to a nail in the tire that had to be taken care of before we left Pittsboro, right when most of the hikers were ready to go. The big group took off and Michael and I left 15-20 minutes later.

We caught the main group half way up the hill, and then I decided to keep moving to find Shae, Caleb, and Bob, who were ahead. After at least an hour or more on my own, I started to worry that perhaps the plan had changed and I hadn’t been told! I had stayed on the AT, but never saw the lead group. I reached the 6 mile point, where the itinerary said the shelter would be, but it was at least another two miles according to the map and other hikers. I debated for quite some time here on what to do, eventually finding a nice rock to make a cup of coffee on and wait. And wait. And Wait.

After 45 minutes I debated whether I should just go forward to the shelter/camp site and wait, or go back. I assumed either way if the plan had changed, someone would realize I was following the original plan and come find me. I opted to hike back to the group, and after at least a mile, finally came across Shea, Caleb, and Bob. They had waited at a trail junction, but slightly off the trail, and we never saw each other. The four of hiked on to the camp area and set up our own tents, and waited for the rest of the crew to show up.

Photo’s below:

Strava data – this includes my back and forth route along the AT:

Trailhead sign (and my HEAVY pack — I packed enough to solo thru-hike the AT other than food!):

I was my own barista on the trail, waiting for the group and debating whether to go forward or back… The coconut is a bit sweet for me, but the frothiness was good.