And He's Off!!! - photos

   "Red Bull" is off!

   We arrived at Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia in the morning.  Red Bull signed the 2016 "Thru-hiker" registration book at the Visitor's Center, he was hiker number 1,623.

   A wonderful guide helped do a "shake down" of his pack and gear, she completed her thru-hike in December!  She saw he was very well  prepared, and only suggested letting go of a couple of small items; fire starter kit, multi function tool, etc...  The only thing she suggested adding was dryer sheets to use as insect repellent.  She told him there were currently several sections of the trail closed due to fires, but believed they would be open again by the time he got to those areas.

Appalachian Approach Trail
Amicalola Falls, Georgia
photo by Red Bull's Family

   We did a photo shoot at the famed "arch" where the 8 1/2 mile approach trail begins for the Appalachian Trail (Springer Mountain, Georgia).  We then did a mini hike together to see the Amicalola Falls, very beautiful.  It drops over 730 feet, and is the highest waterfall in Georgia.   Amicalola is Cherokee for "tumbling waters.

Amicaclola Falls, Georgia
photo by Red Bull's Family

This is where we parted.  I watched him climbing the 604 steps to the top of the falls, and disappearing as the stairs twisted into the foliage,  It was very hard to say goodbye.  I have said goodbye to his four older siblings as we dropped them off at college on the other side of the country, but this was different.  He is making his way over 2,190 miles on his own, in the forest.

photo by Red Bull's Family

  Godspeed Red Bull, you are  in our prayers.