We dropped Trevor off at the Hiker Hostel http://www.hikerhostel.com in Dahlonega, Georgia on Sunday, March 6th. The hostel is about 6 years old and is owned and operated by a young couple that hiked the trail and decided to open this hiker hostel.
During the drive to Georgia, Trevor contemplated his trail name. Hikers refer to each other by their trail names and if you don't have one at the start then others will give you one. For example, when Trevor checked into the hostel he met an older, bearded hiker known as "Backyard" - we didn't asked how he came up with that name!
Trevor considered the name "T-Bone", which is his gamer name, and "Ridiculous", which is a word Trevor over uses. He finally decided on "Hellion", to pay respect to his great grandad, Charles Helderman, who passed away at the age of 96 in June 2009. Great Grandad was a retired Colonel who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. As Provost Marshal he led a group of military police known as "Helderman's Hellions". I think Great Grandad is smiling!
On Monday Trevor plans to hike the 9 mile approach trail, register at the start of the Appalachian Trail, and continue about 3 miles to the first shelter. We anticipate hearing from him around Thursday when he should arrive at Neels Gap, Georgia. At this location the Trail actually passes through a building where hikers can resupply and purchase “real” food. If Trevor chooses and they’re not already full, for a mere $15 he can stay in the hostel overnight and get a towel and shower. They also have laundry facilities and can arrange shuttle rides into town for dinner. My guess is that if the weather’s decent he’ll think it’s too soon for such luxury, but I know what I would choose to do! http://www.mountaincrossings.com/mountaincrossings-hikerhostel.aspx
Here are a few pictures we took on Sunday when we were leaving the hostel.
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