Doctormuck - Appalachian Trail Journal - 2011

First day of my first hike

Drove from PA to Bennington, VT overnight, after little sleep, and after 5 hours of driving arrived around 7AM. A local AT shuttle taxi service dropped me off at the trailhead intersection of Rt 9 and the AT. She said good luck. I took pictures of the trail entrance, put away the camera and was lost within five minutes. I couldn't find a blaze, never saw one before, this was my first time and I was solo. Started walking for about 10 mins and turned around to head back to the parking lot when I saw it, a white blaze up on on a tree about 10 yards up on the side of the mountain. And, I was off, climbing hand over hand up the side of this ridge, exhausted but too excited to notice. whahoo! Got to the top without slipping or falling off the ridge and came up to my first shelter and privy. Cool, took a few pics and got lost again. Re-traced my way back to last known and saw the sign I missed the first time - Goddard shelter and met Nascar and Bullwinkle coming up the trail at the same time. Howdy, howdy, they stopped for water and I took off on my own. They both passed me later, met them at lunch on big rock over looking VT. Made it to Goddard safe and sound, exhilarated, proud I got this far, and exhausted. Hot water and freeze dried in a bag, passed out by 7. fantastic day! - dm

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