Today was to be the start of the hike but due to a forecast that called for 80% chance of rain and "severe thunderstorms" we decided yesterday to wait it out in Gainsville. That worked well for the shuttle driver and the other hiker sharing our ride to the trailhead too. So, naturally, today began with sun and scattered clouds which are continuing to build and the rain is not to start until tonight.

Taking advantage of the free time we explored a bit of Gainsville beginning with the cemetery just across the road from our motel. Graves there go back to the Revolutionary War (although we couldn't find that section) and many from the Civil War marked with a Confederate flag. The prime attraction is the gravesite of General James Longstreet.

We next found our way to a square with the courthouse, some shops and the library, then back to the motel wishing it would rain so justify this zero day before we've even begun! Tomorrow will definitely be the start and now the forecast says the days will only get better after a quick storm rolls through tonight.

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