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Thursday–April 1, 2021
Trail Day–041
Trail Mile–6.8/425.4
Location–Cooper Gap, then to Above the Clouds Hostel, Lucky Proprietor
We’re up early this morning, much anticipation. It’s going to be a clear but cold hiking day–excited to be returning to the 
trail, my first day hiking the AT northbound.
First thing, coffee in the Len Foote dining hall. Then it’s down to the sunrise room to catch
the sunrise before breakfast. And what another fine breakfast–sausage, grits, eggs, biscuits and gravy.
Eric, Len Foote General Manager come to join Barry and me. 
He has new hiking sticks for me, provided by LEKI, one of my steadfast sponsors.
Down from the Hike Inn, we stop at the Amicalola Falls State Park Ranger’s Station. Angel, staff ranger greets us. I’m #1446 to sign in at the AT information
tent.
We got out late and lingered long today. By the time Barry has me back to Three Forks to begin my AT trek north it’s after 1:30.
Rough, slow going today, rocks, roots, plenty of climbing–but vast, beautiful mountains! 
Barry checks on me at Hightower Gap, then hikes in to greet me from Cooper Gap, my destination for today. It’s after six before we head for Above the Clouds Hostel.
Sure glad Barry knows his way around these mountain back roads. A huge blowdown blocks the road we’re taking, but Barry knows another way to the hostel. We’re there just in time for supper.
Very nice place, Above the Clouds Hostel. Thanks Lucky and Nimrod for your kind welcome!
It’s the great, big, broad land ’way up yonder,
It’s the forests where silence has lease;
It’s the beauty that thrills me with wonder,
It’s the stillness that fills me with peace.
(Robert W. Service)
