Sunday, April 1, 2007.Starting out - this is the approach trail to the summit of Springer Mountain, Amicalola State Park.
Eight miles later, atop Springer Mountain, and the thru-hike begins! This is the southern terminus of the AT, and the starting point for "NoBos" (North-bounders) heading for Maine. 
The AT goes right through the Walasi-Yi Center, where Rob had to purchase a new pack.
Here is the pack! Turns out the new internal frame pack is super - making it easier to say good-bye to his beloved old external frame monster.
Hiawasee, GA, is the first "Trail Town" and welcomes AT hikers!
The "Pain Train" at the Georgia - North Carolina border.
Rob loved the Smokies. Here he is at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Gotta keep those Smoky-bears out of the shelter! Hard to see - but the entire front of the shelter is covered top to bottom with chain-link fence. (The bears go to the hiker-zoo at night!)
Here's a favorite scene - Rob "BigBy" atop Charlie's Bunion, Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Rob's new 'do...
and the inspiration for it!
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Rob spent the past weekend at "Trail Fest" in Hot Springs, NC. Here he is with "BigShanty" (AKA Tyler) - Rob "BigBy" about to head out from Hot Springs early Sunday morning, April 29. Tyler's Mom and Dad "Momma and Poppa Train" (Lori and Steve) supplied this picture. Now MomK has her own virtual trail buddies! Lori and Steve come from Virginia, and have met up with the "Pain Train" at a few places, including Trail Fest. (And Lori even started the trail with her son - backpacking the first four days!) They were kind enough to contact me and let me know that my son is traveling with a good group of people! Trail magic comes in many forms.
4 comments:
HOOOOOOOOOOSER!
Rob, you look like a Smoky Mountains kinda guy. I love following most-of-your-every-steps-of-the-way on this trip, and man, am I jealous so far! This has been one big, wicked adventure!
ROB KIMBALL, HE'S OUR HERO (CLAP CLAP, CLAP CLAP CLAP)
It's the NoBo System, the mighty mighty system!
GO GO GO!
Love the pictures! So far your mission of conquest seems to be going well. One thing I've noticed about your voicemails is that you are getting a Southern accent. Really! For me, that is the most exciting part of your trip.
All of us here in Chicago are rooting for you (I submit friends/classmates/random passersby to daily updates on your adventures). Keep us posted!
Can't wait to see you in a few months, when you will be muscle-bound, bearded, and have a Southern accent.
GO ROB GO!!!!!
love, medium sister bear
Dear Rob (and Aunt Kris?)-
Hope you got the message from Jess and myself last week. Looks like the AT is treating you well...I especially like your new hairstyle. I'm going to stalk this blog religiously now.
Happy Trails!!!!
Cool Cousin #2
Hi Rob!
Can't help but notice the family blog has a Disney/Country-Bear theme! Mom K and two sister bears ... and you with a Southern accent!
Every time I walk the dog down the "hill," I think of you. Can't believe the miles you've logged already. Love the pics you guys post.
Back at the ranch, we're deep into baseball season. Freshman team is 7-1 and having fun. Little Bear cousin will be a frog in a mini-musical next weekend. UP is getting ready to coach his summer team.
Looking forward maybe to seeing you in our old backyard! If we're lucky, maybe we can catch you up on Greylock! Or at least holler up the mountain: "GO 'TRAIN!!!!"
Much love, the MA-Bears
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