the adventure begins (tuesday, march 21)

let's just say it was an adventure before the adventure even started :)  the drive to amicalola falls was long, but uneventful and we were all thankful for the Lord's traveling mercies.  we arrived around 7:30 and ate in the beautiful lodge with breathtaking views.  it was so very good to see toby, carrie, brianne, and anaya already there!  during dinner, there were several flashes of lightning over the mountains.  and then the storm arrived in earnest!  wow.  i've been accused of having an overly dramatic flair when i've done adoption blogs but i promise this isn't being dramatic!  the lodge loses power and goes to generators.  the vaulted ceiling is leaking and we are told not to stand underneath the massive, rustic chandelier.  gulp.  the rain is coming down in sideways sheets.  we wait about an hour before attempting to get to the van so we can head to our cabins.  the lodge has called all campers in from the campground.  in come traipsing, lots of soaked campers and lots of happy dogs ;) we make a mad dash to the van and then into our cabins.  greg gets his final foot massage (his feet have been the ongoing problem area).  i ask greg what they will do if they are on the trail and a storm like this hits.  his answer, of course, is "we will get wet." 



p.s.  picture is sarah standing in front of a AT map showing length of trail from georgia to maine.  puts the length into perspective, yes?