Arriving at Neels Gap, GA

JimmyJen checked-in on Wednesday for the first time since leaving on the trail about a week ago. They delayed their departure by one evening due to the rough weather that hit the area and arrived at Neels Gap (Georgia, about 40 miles from the Springer Mountain launch point) on Wednesday, April 12.

Thursday, April 13, is supposed to be a "day off" since they are a bit tired after the 40 straight miles they've already gone.

Jimmy stated that the hiking is "pretty hard" but was not tougher than what they expected.

At Neels Gap is the Walasi-Yi Center (pictured above, taken from WhiteBlaze.net), where workers at the center help novice hikers go through their heavy packs and unload some weight where necessary. Both Jimmy and Jen dropped about seven to eight pounds from each pack. Jimmy's notable item dropped was the water filter, which became a nightly chore to use, clean, and store. Switching full-time to iodine tablets and using fresh water found along the way is the easier alternative.

Jen, however, held tight to her IPod Nano despite a worker's suggestion she send the "luxury" item back. As we all know, Jen can't stand to be separated from her Britney Spear's Greatest Hits playlist.

JimmyJen stayed at a nearby hostel the first evening, which was filled to capacity and had about five people who managed to snore out loud in unison. The second evening was less crowded and both of our hikers were looking for a better night of rest.

In the coming days, Jimmy promises to send more pictures from the trail and a list of four or five locations where friends can send messages, care packages, or rental car vouchers (kidding).