AT Thru Hike Day 1 - Enjoying The Falls Too Much

Hi! I'm off to start my thru hike of the Appalachian Trail! I'm starting from the Amicalola Lodge, walking down the .8 miles to the Visitors Center and starting from there. Hopefully you will enjoy my day 1 of this great adventure.
Day 1
Total Miles: 12.1
Total Ascent: 3242 ft
Total Descent: 2861 ft
AT Mile: 2.8
Affiliate links of gear used:
--Cameras:
Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Camera - amzn.to/3sWgChj
Tamron 28-200 F/2.8-5.6 FF Lens - amzn.to/3t4RWTN
GoPro HERO10 Black - amzn.to/3F4usAM
Samsung S21 5G Unlocked - amzn.to/2MYu15j
--Other Gear:
Sony Digital Bluetooth Wireless Mic - amzn.to/3eS1aKG
Sony ECMXYST1M Stereo Microphone - amzn.to/3rLCCsT
PowerDeWise Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Mic - amzn.to/2EEwqLd
K&F Concept 67mm Variable ND Filter - amzn.to/3G27v2q
AOKA 28in/1.1lb Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ballhead - amzn.to/3trUwAW
PGYTECH Beetle Camera Clip with Snaplock Plate - amzn.to/3zwNr5Q
PGYTECH Action Camera SnapLock Plate - amzn.to/3pSPrC1
Video editing software: PowerDirector on Android
-Ways to help me out
Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/jaywande...
PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme2/jayw...
Venmo: account.venmo.com/u/JayWander...
-Patreon link (Get my InReach password to track me as I thru hike the AT starting Jan 28th, 2022!)
/ jaywandersout
Music from Epidemic Sound
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
#appalachian #trail
#thruhiking #appalachiantrail #thruhiker #at2022 #sonya7iv
#atnobo #asian #korean #hiking #hiker #veteran #marine
#wolffparkinsonwhite #pkd #polycystickidneydisease #pkd

[@claramullen]

Fantastic start jay I can't even guess how many extra steps you did for filming wow.

[@MsConnor02]

I’m so looking forward to your journey. This was a great video. Don’t ever say “I spent to much time” somewhere. Enjoy every single minute. Might be your one and only shot so take it all in. Prayers will follow from Dallas, Ga.

[@JayWandersOut]

Haha. I've said "I spent too much time" several times this week already! You're right though.

[@janmariolle]

This is so exciting! I love the way you appreciate so many little things around you. I’m happy to see this adventure through your eyes. Beautiful woodpecker! Thanks for taking the extra time.

[@wisenber]

Your video had about three reminders for why I ditched one bottle for a CNOC bag. The snow and ice cycles will come and go for at least another six weeks. On 2/4, it's snowing and icing in the Smokeys. Not all of that was rhodo. Mountain laurel is similar but smaller. Those tunnels make great wind breaks. I really do appreciate your recording this. Seeing how you staged and set some of those shots just on the stairs shows how much more time and effort you're exerting compared to a basic hiker without the camera gear or need to constantly retrace steps. I've hiked that staircase several time. Duplicate steps drive me nuts. The umbrella holders are good. I usually make sure I'm hiking a few miles behind someone that started with one.

[@Slowhiker-xw2kp]

And awaaaaaay we go!!!!

[@thomash7573]

Damn, I forgot how much I like Jay’s trail videos. Great job!

[@sheilastevens7956]

Nice pileated woodpecker photo, that is a good sign. It makes up for the burnt hyperlite bag!

[@gratefulhikes]

Hey Jay! Thanks for being in the live chat! That was great! What an epic video. It never gets old seeing someone start an AT adventure. Trail looks great this year. I hope she treats you well. I am very much looking forward to seeing all of your on trail shenanigans! I will bring it up again as you get closer but it would be awesome to bring you some magic when you get up north. Enjoy your warm bed at the hostel and thanks again for the amazing content. 🙏 Thanks for bringing us along today. I hope tomorrow’s miles are kind. Keep truckin’ and be well. -Grateful

[@carolecarr5210]

Ah, interesting, the lodge, the arch, visiting center at Amicalola Falls all were put in after I came thru there in early 70s. Looks good.

[@ST-hs7vz]

Thx so much for taking us along with u. I hope u realize how much u r helping the ones that wud luv to b out there doing what u r doing, but for whatever reason can’t fulfill their dreams at this time. Thx for again for doing this for us at home, I know it must b a lot more trouble filming as u go along. Just always remember it is always appreciated and we r always here rooting u on.

[@trailfleamlangdon2260]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Happy trails..

[@martij6]

Nice camera work. Thanks for taking us with you.

[@FishMH]

Quite good of you to notice the various types of trees and which direction you should be going ! Have a safe, great hike. , good health, laughter on your journey 🧗

[@leatherneck9944]

I wish Larry was here to follow your trip. I also know he would wish you the very best

[@dodge_walks]

Busy week at work. Time to live vicariously through Jay's AT playlist

[@mattgross7726]

I've been following you for awhile since you were traveling in your SUV and hiking the AZT. Every year I look for an AT vlog to follow to relive my 2006 thru hike. Love your laid back style . Looking forward to following you all the way to Katahdin.

[@michaelessig6376]

Thanks for sharing. Great first day

[@MaxZomboni]

Great start. Damn #41. I don't think I have ever seen a KZbinr get a number that low. 40 hikers in front of you and 3000 plus behind you. I loved the views of the water falls. The time at the falls was well spent. 👣😎👍☮

[@maryarnholt8910]

Your approach to the adventure is endearingly realistic.

[@suecox8355]

Thanks for the more detailed explanation of the visitor area, lodge and actual start of the southern terminus. Stay warm and safe. 🦋❤

[@gaylewalker4239]

There you go. Another adventure. Sorry about the cozy. Keep trekking. 😀

[@ewokinthewoodscairn8908]

Quite an eventful first day! Enjoy! It’s not just about the miles but about enjoying the trail and communities along the way!

[@taratreks]

GREAT VIDEO JAY ! thanks for sharing 😊🌲🥳

[@spector188]

Alright Jay lets do this!

[@jeffstone28]

Great start, Jay! Thanks for taking us along!!

[@jasononthetrail6356]

Here we go, baby!! Good luck Jay!

[@stevep7785]

So stoked to follow your hike!

[@gregfrommaryland7030]

Great first day Jay. Looking forward to many more.

[@littlewingpsc27]

Great start Jay. Great balance of scenery shots showing the trail.

[@dramallama6811]

Great start, Jay. Lovely to experience it through your eyes.

[@sherrylexus3471]

So excited for you ! I can’t wait to watch every video this is so much fun to watch you and your excitement. Thank you for taking us along thank you for all the effort to make the videos. You’re terrific.

[@frolege1]

Wow, I can tell you are going to be fun to follow. Nice filming and editing.

[@ladyjanesadventures]

Great shots, Jay! I have no more words!

[@Grandma-dl9dw]

Enjoyed your efforts. Great adventures to come.

[@corbychappell9751]

Tremendous start to your AT thru hike Jay. Thank you for taking me along with you.

[@danfarbecker2441]

Super excited about your Thru Hike! God speed & thank you for letting us tag along!

[@denicehiker4334]

Enjoy!!! I'm following along for a sneak peak of what is to come for me. Just a few more days!!!!

[@jamiet9254]

Great video, looking forward to following along!!

[@krisg3984]

Wow- that’s right ! You planned for February to start your Appalachian Trail . Here it IS. February already ! Just goes to show me, I need to make a plan !! Hey, Good on You - you’re on your Way ! - I will be watching

[@kevinmarron7523]

Excellent production! Good luck on your journey!

[@jameskerley8032]

One of the best starts I've seen . Happy trails

[@Belisarius9495]

Congratulations on the start of your journey! The filming was beautiful and there is a charm in your videos. Well done. You are the first person I followed that appreciates the beauty of the falls. I wish you the best as you travel forward.

[@wesleywade8363]

So cool to see this trail in February, thanks for taking us along!

[@clm2417]

Wonderful start! Congratulations! I have watched hundreds of AT videos but I must admit, so far your video has managed to capture the beauty and serenity the AT has to offer. So excited to follow your journey. Be safe.

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

Great start, Jay! You got in a lot of extra steps on you walk bys … even on the steps! Thanks for taking us along.

[@bobv8219]

Well done , thank you for taking us along. U rock brother

[@outcastsix7021]

Great to see the beginning of a new endeavor… stay healthy & without injury. ✌🏼

[@kimberlypenney7216]

So happy for you Jay. Stay safe.

[@angelalawson9233]

Can not wait to follow along on your whole journey!

[@philsellers1]

Great story telling. Love your trail footage.

[@Onward4x4]

I so can relate, the excitement and trepidation at the same time of the first day into an expedition! Awesomeness!!

[@AdventurePlusMe]

Woot woot! Day 1 in the books! Great video, looking forward to them all! Stay safe out there!

[@meganhendricks6966]

Stunning footage of the falls. Great first day!

[@judeoliver5256]

Fabulous Jay! I'll be following you all the way! Love your filming.

[@skyeasti]

Fantastic start Jay! Love your enthusiasm and energy. I’ll be watching your journey and cheering you on from here in Alabama!!

[@louispanarella2123]

Great video. Good luck. Look forward to following your journey.

[@BearTrekAdventures]

Nice first day some great footage you captured 👍. Cool shots and pics of the falls. That shelter looked pretty nice.

[@jerrym2367]

Enjoy your hike, Jay! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@carmenhernandez6102]

Congratulations on your official start!!!

[@chapter2hiking802]

Happy trails Jay can’t wait to get started myself

[@feralhikes8898]

What a great start, Jay! I'm jealous!

[@LindaM-ICT]

Wow! What a beautiful day! Best of luck on your thru hike. 😊

[@gailn]

Looking forward to your journey and seeing all the videos!!! Stay safe and warm!

[@anthonydecapio5427]

Enjoying all of your videos. Going to be fun to watch your hike.

[@laurenbouchie2394]

Yay Jay is finally back on the trail!! Good luck and I am looking forward to your new adventure!

[@andrewlivelife]

Looks about right!!!! Great seeing you out there Jay!

[@Islhopr]

Great start Jay, thanks for sharing your journey!

[@ricklohr5]

Great first day and awesome footage! You included a level of detail about the lodge and approach trail that I've not seen in any other videos. Well done and best of luck to you out there. I'll be following in your footsteps in about 38 days. --Pale Rider

[@dwhalen64]

Thanks for sharing your journey! Have a great trip.

[@JohnTubbsMB]

Great to see another through hike from you! I did about 500 miles of the AT in pieces many decades ago, so will enjoy following along since my hiking days are over. I enjoyed all your Arizona Trail videos and look forward to these. Good luck!

[@larryputman6660]

It’s good to be with you on another thru hike.

[@hinker8]

Great to see you on your way. Wishing you the best. Thanks for the great video. I enjoyed it.

[@periwinkleblue3416]

Dude, I'm excited for more videos. Love that they are half an hour long, too.

[@kierano5496]

How exciting!

[@sandramariegarcia6060]

Happy trails and safe travels!

[@guatehikes1011]

Good work so far, Jay. Things happen but you're going to have a lot of fun.

[@ThomasSteves]

Been looking forward to you getting started. Hoping to catch every one. Safe travels!

[@OntheWrightPath]

Awesome first day! The shot of you walking to the falls at 9:40 is gorgeous.

[@brianwofford3831]

Looks like a great start! Good luck to you.

[@malikpata1996]

I got a good feeling watching this. Thanks!

[@99jkane]

So nicely put together vlog. It's clear that you are no rookie but I like that you show your mistakes and mishaps - helps noobs like me. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Happy Trails, Jay!

[@HikingWithWhiskers]

Awesome start Jay!!! Thank you for sharing!🥾🥾⛺️

[@erinthetraveler6168]

What an eventful first day! Your pics of the pileated woodpecker are beautiful.

[@XL72011Peregrine]

Congratulations on your first day! Really good quality video, composition and purpose framing. Thanks for catching and sharing those moments and the small gifts the trail presents. Will be following your journey to Katahdin!

[@jeffs6229]

Safe journeys! Thanks for taking us along!

[@bradleyengland489]

Happy Trails Jay! You are a great ambassador for the hiking community! All Best, Kiwi

[@markcummings6856]

Most excellent video. Have fun.

[@allencrider]

Fresh start!

[@amandamoon6294]

Great first Day !!! Looking forward to following along this wonderful adventure

[@OldPackMule]

Very cool overview of the area. That bent tree is an Indian marker tree. That's a crazy amount of camera weight to carry. Love to see the results. Great video and God Bless.

[@tothewoods743]

Love your enthusiasm and attitude. Have a wonderful journey - I look forward to following.

[@MudFlap62]

And so it begins. Really nice opening video, well done. Cheering for your success. 🍺☮️

[@dath6971]

Good start. Best of luck on your journey

[@RobDFishing]

Looking forward to watching your AT journey.

[@AT-Bluebird]

Loved watching your first day on Trail. Sorry about your bag! Good luck! 🥾

[@paulflannigan276]

Good luck from the UK Jay, can't wait to follow along. Happy hiking.

[@MrNoRegrets]

Great start brother! Loved every minute of it and the music too! Be safe

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Have a feeiing I'm gonna get addicted to your videos. Happy trails Jay!

[@thestumpknocker]

I really enjoyed your video and the sound of excitement in your voice. Have a great walk!

[@celenasherrill1455]

Great video! I'm going to enjoy following along on your journey. Have a great time.