I left the house at about 5 PM on Friday.  Here is my pack in the car on the way to the airport.

I bought a paperback to read on the trail. I’m already starting to tear out the pages as I read them. I think I’ll be putting my fire starters in the trash before I hit the trail.  

 Started at Bears Den in the pouring rain.  
The first step on the A.T. :

And here’s Jeff and I at Raven Rocks in pea soup fog.  I haven’t been this wet in many years.

And now it’s back to the Wingard’s for a hot shower and to dry out after 8 miles, about half on the “Roller Coaster”.

BTW, we met 6 NOBO thru hikers today, including Snoopy, who was resting on the porch at Blackburn.  Perhaps in 2 1/2 months I will be equally mellow.  

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Chinese Proverb