I left my house at 7 am after giving my dog one last cuddle.
It was a yet another miserable morning as my son Fabian drove me to the bus station.i have to say my tummy had the butterflies. Down to the apprehension.
The coach soon arrived and I was heading to the airport. I dozed in and out as we made our way along the motorway.
Once at the airport I grabbed my bags and headed to the check in. I was hoping to check both of my bags in but as the second would have cost me £70 I took it with me. I thought that I had allocated my seat when I had booked, But apparently not. So I asked if I could possibly get an aisle seat. The desk assistant said that they may be able to do that as I board. Oh well not a major issue.
This is the worst bit .the hanging around watching the clock. I grabbed a sandwich, crisps and a drink and then settled back to clock watching.
“Boarding At gate 13 ” flashed the announcement .I didn’t hurry as it’s only a race to another boarding pen before the bun fight to get on to the plane. I showed my boarding pass and found a seat and began to relax almost dozing off until the Tanoy announced my name !!.I wandered back to the kiosk confused. But it was to update my seat brilliant
At last they are boarding. The Tanyo made various announcements that no-one could understand but gradually the room began to empty and soon I was too fighting me way up the aisle to my seat.. Luggage stowed I’m om let the fun commence.
We were soon airborne and armed with a set of headphones I began searching for what films I fancied watching. First the marvel film a so so film, followed by “The shape of water” Which i thought was amazing. After eating lunch with a few G&T’s i watched the Churchill film . Again another great film.I  put on another but must of nodded off  as I woke to Fernando the bull before we landed.
Atlanta I am here.. I followed the herd down escalator after escalator then corridor after corridor until at last immigration and OMG. The queues stretched for miles..
once in line I switched on my phone and received a torrent of pings as mail and texts arrived.
It was  with much sadness that I learnt my brother Robert or Bob to his friends had sadly passed away which was tragic. I will not go into the detail here but I was overcome with so much emotion, the excitement about this new adventure and the sadness and grief about loosing my brother.
Slowly the line shuffled forward, the clock slowly advancing, this would take at least an hour . As the desks become nearer, the officials began asking passengers about their visas. I had the type that allowed me to scan it. Argh why didn’t they say that earlier. I stepped out if line scared my passport and I was through.. When I say though. I mean through to the next queue that is passport control..
NEXT…… I walked up to the counter as he looked at me and my passport
What are you doing here Sir?
I have come to hike the Appalachian Trail.
How long are you staying ?
About six months I said.
When’s your flight back?
He then stamps my passport and I am HERE!!!
OKAY baggage reclaim next as I enter into the baggage reclaim hall there is a lonely bag circling that is mine. I Hoist it up onto my shoulder and then go in search of the Marta that is the train..After asking for directions I head outside and queue for the shuttle.
It’s a large queue so I think it will be several busses before I make it on.
At last I am heading for the domestic airport and the Train station . 2o mins later we arrive and the bus driver tells me where I should go.
OKAY I’m in the station. I need a ticket. I walk to the machine and gaze at it .it’s in English but makes no sense to me.its no good I seek assistance and soon have a ticket . I board the train that will take me to north springs that’s as far as I have organised. The journey lasts an hours a d so I begin the reply to texts and was about my brother.
Was I get closer to my stop I launch the uber app and book myself a car.i have not done this before so am a little nervous. But it’s booked a d the car will be here in 8 mins and cost $52. Sounds good to me as I’m now feeling weiry my phone tell me it’s midnight and it feels it.
Roger Roger a voice calls. It’s my ride..the journey to Dohlonega will take an hour and I need my bed. My driver is chatty and so the miles quickly pass by.
Here you are sir. I grab my gear give him too much of a tip but it’s late I am tired. I check in and grab my tent. Thanks so much Tartan.
I dump my stuff on my bed and relax.my left eye is sore and bloodshot I’m not happy about that hope it fixes itself. Okay I need a beer then bed. I wander around the town and find a Mexican bar restaurant. I ask onside if I could grab s beer.
Sure sir. I’m amused as I have to show ID
The waitress brings me a cold beer then asks if I fancy some nachos. Why not
I munch through my nachos and salsa what enjoy g my beer
I went to pay my card was declined ..mm that’s not good I’ll check that tomorrow .
My phone is going me it’s 3am and so night all