Tossed & turned quite a bit last night. Slept in shifts. It was still quite cold. Awake at 4:45 just hoping to sleep a few more hours. Woke up at 9:30. Hit the Trail by 10:30. 

Made good time despite ever changing footing. Frozen mud to start, changing to thawing mud, followed by plain old sloppy mud. Paid very close attention to my footing. 

Met some great folks at the Shelter. Shared stories as to why we are here. All different, yet strangely the same. Happy Birthday Ethan!  

The highlight today…I saw a Bald Eagle. Just came up over the ridge at camp, did to circles, and disappeared over the next Mountain. Thought I was seeing things, but Google says they can be found in Northern Georgia. 

Supposed to rain tonight. More mud tomorrow!  Looking forward to it.