So, I sort of fucked up with the cabin reservation. I somehow managed to overlook the fact that Blood Mountain Cabins are located at Neal's Gap, which is the first major stop along the A.T. where people resupply for the first time and start offloading all the crap they're already sick of carrying.
It's approximately 4 days into the hike.
Had I kept my reservation, it would have meant either skipping those first 4 days worth the the A.T., or finding transportation back to Springer Mt.
Rather than go with a pricey cabin or room - which are booking up fast - I opted to get a campsite at Amicalola Falls State Park instead - which is where the A.T. does indeed start.
On the positive side of things, I packed all my base weight stuff (except the sleeping quilt, which is still being shipped) into my backpack, figured out how the correctly attach my trekking poles to the pack and added several water bottles to simulate extra weight.
I then figured out some - not all - of the strap adjustments to make the frame fit me better.
It felt much, much lighter and more comfortable than anticipated. Yes, when I add food and clothes it'll get heavier, but seriously.... I've carried heavier loads back and forth to work when bringing laptops and hard drives with me.
Granted, I was lugging them for short periods of time and I wasn't doing it up every mountain I come across, but still... by every measure of physical comfort, I am pleasantly surprised thus far. It's one thing to look at the weight as a number on a spreadsheet. It's another thing altogether to have it on your back!
So, my train ticket to NYC is booked. My campsite is booked. I move out of my apartment this Saturday. Gear is shaping up nicely, with a few things still on order.
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