Pre-trail Jitters and Last-Minute Notes

In about 5 hours, dad and I are going to wake up, pack up, and drive over to Springer. We're shacked up in a little hotel in Dahlonega, GA for the night, about 20 miles from the southern terminus of the trail.

One of the interesting things about EDS is that it is often associated with issues regulating adrenaline release. For the last couple hours, I've been on a fairly steady surge of the famed "fight or flight" chemical. I can't explain why; There's no real specific reason for me to feel this stressed. It's almost more like I was stressed first, and I'm now searching for reasons to be stressed. An "effect -> cause" relationship, instead of a "cause -> effect" relationship.
Anyway, so I'm laying here with this adrenaline pumping through my veins, but since I can't identify a tangible issue, there's nothing for me to fight or flee from. Instead, this giant, heavy ball of energy is just sitting in my gut, and I'm so excited to go burn it off on the trail tomorrow.

Because this hotel has reliable wifi, and I don't know when the next time I'll get that will be, I want to clarify some stuff:

1. I'm not expecting that I will be able to update this blog every day, or even every few days. I only have my phone and one battery (the solar battery I ordered weeks ago is still in Texas...) and reception will likely be spotty at best.
2. The incredible amount of support I have been getting is unbelievable! I've been contacted by people from all over the world, and have page views registered from every continent except South America and Antarctica. I've been doing my best to get back to everyone that I can, but it's tough!
3. I will be posting pictures on this blog, but I suspect that I will be posting more over on my twitter page. On the upper section of the menu to the right of this post, you'll see a twitter button, as well as a live twitter feed. Check those out!
4. Finally, another huge thank you to my parents for all their support over the past 18 months. I know this has to be a little nerve-wracking for them, but not once have they let that affect this journey. I love you guys!

As far as the hike itself, the next few days shouldn't be terrible at all. It'll rain a lot, but it should be relatively warm, and I haven't seen any horror stories about ice.

It's a late start, but it's a better start than I would have gotten if I had left last week!