We arrived at Amicalola Falls on Tuesday and checked into the lodge. Rick and Kasey loaded their packs and we went down to the visitors center for the official sign in and weigh the packs.
View from our lodge room.
Rick is hiker #343 and his pack weighs 34lbs
Kasey is hiker #344 and she was very proud her pack only weighs 24lbs
On Wednesday, March 13th I drove them to Springer Mountain.
Rick and Kasey passing their first white blaze.
On top of Springer Mountain at the official start.
It was 41 degrees and windy. They were both very excited to get started. We saw several other thru hikers already. The first town they will come to will be Neels Gap in about 3-4 days. They will mail me the camera memory card and notes about the trip then. And I will keep you posted. They say Georgia is one of the worst states for elevation gain on the entire AT and it is colder than average for this time of year. I told Kasey it is left, right, left, right but she says if she wants to waltz thru Georgia she will 🙂
2,186 Miles: Rick & Kasey Stratton's Appalachian Trail Journey 
SO happy for them to get started. It is going to be great with all the pictures Cathy. Hope you get back home without any delays. Looks they both have a smile on their face. Deb Stratton
Great photos! I like the one from the top of Springer Mt. They book look like they feel great. Have a good trip home Cathy.
You only live once…waltz away Kasey!! Great pics!