Anticipation Building

Reality has set in.  There seems to be no more time for me to hike/camp before I start my AT journey.  I had wanted to get in one more two night trip on the Pinhoti Trail, but I don't think that will happen.  My start date will be February 26.  My wife and I will celebrate her birthday at Amicalola Falls State Park on the 25th.  Then on Wednesday I will begin the 8 mile approach trail to Springer Mountain, the official starting point of the Appalachian Trail.  I am extremely excited and filled with anticipation.  Even though I have planned and purchased everything I think I will need I still have a lot of uncertainity.  I am very much aware that my pack is heavier than most, but I don't know what I can do without.  A friend of mine who has hiked the AT will go through my pack to see if something can be eliminated.  The item with the most weight and bulk is my sleeping bag.  I will be able to send it home after the cold weather and go with a lighter one.  I probably am carrying twice the amount of water I need to, so that could drop a couple of pounds if I can get by with less.  Anyway, I will make one more trip to REI to get a larger size boot.  The ones I have are okay, but I should have a size larger.  I am nervous about some aspects of this trip.  I am a couch potato not an athlete, older than most of those who will pass me on the trail, with a bad back and bad knees.  I expect to be slower than most on the trail, but I am not going to even try to keep up with others.  I expect sore muscles and sore feet.  I am a little concerned about the weather but I am prepared for the cold. Of course being cold and wet may present a problem.  I think that once I get started I will be able to learn exactly what to do from other hikers.  At this time I feel as ready as I can be.  More to come later.