I arrived by train around 7a.m. I hardly slept a wink on the train. Every time it shifted and jostled I would wake with a start, thinking the train was about to derail. I was exhausted, so around four in the a.m. I decided I would book a room at the local super 8 via my iPhone.

As I was hopping off the train I noticed two other hikers stepping off in front of me. One was middle aged and the other appeared to be his son, probably in his early twenties. They were hard to miss as the older of the two slipped while exiting the train and ripped his hand open. He was bleeding pretty bad from what I could tell. I hope he’s alright.

While standing there trying to make chit chat an elderly man approached me asking if I needed a cab. I did of course need a ride, but was very hesitant as this man was obviously nearing 80. He was persistent though and apparently the only cab at the station. After a few incoherent mutterings I obliged and hopped in. After asking me at least 8 times if I was going to Amicolola (the park where Springer mountain resides) I finally got across that I was headed to the local Super 8.

For a nearing octogenarian he drives well enough, even if 80% of what he said was unintelligible. Larry James (that’s his name) was very amicable. He didn’t charge me for the ride to the hotel. Instead he set up plans to pick me up at nine tomorrow morning to head out for the trail. things are going swimmingly!

As I’m writing this I’m sitting outside my room. It’s now 52 degrees and misting here in Gainesville. I just got back from a bit of shopping for food at the local Walmart. I’ll probably post again before the nights over.