diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index d93b094..abed79c 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -74,6 +74,8 @@ go install google.golang.org/grpc/cmd/protoc-gen-go-grpc@v1.3.0
 export PATH=$PATH:$HOME/go/bin
 ```
 
+> You might want to add the two `export` commands to your `.bashrc` file so that new sessions with be able to see go
+
 ### Install blast
 ```bash
 git clone https://github.com/bjohnson5/blast.git
diff --git a/blast_core/start_bitcoind.sh b/blast_core/start_bitcoind.sh
index af9d60f..af32300 100755
--- a/blast_core/start_bitcoind.sh
+++ b/blast_core/start_bitcoind.sh
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 #!/bin/bash
 
+mkdir -p ~/.bitcoin
 echo "server=1" > ~/.bitcoin/bitcoin.conf
 echo "regtest=1" >> ~/.bitcoin/bitcoin.conf
 echo "rpcuser=user" >> ~/.bitcoin/bitcoin.conf