The Art of Adventure

In 2016-17, I completed a Thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I chose to do a flip-flop hike, which in my case meant I started in the middle at Harper's Ferry, WV hiked to Maine, then returned to the middle and headed south to Georgia. 

Hiking the Appalachian Trail was the best decision I have made, and taught me a lot about myself and others. 

Here are 15 things I learned on my hike: 

Appreciate the little things. 

Running water, electricity outlets and a soft bed are all luxuries on the trail. This just means you appreciate them more when you have access to them! 

Every step counts. 

Whether it is a day when you feel like you are flying down the trail, or a struggle make it another half mile, every step is an accomplishment. They add up quicker than you will realize!

Other hikers are AMAZING! 

The friends I made on the trail were all unique and wonderful people. Even though many had been hiking for months to reach the point I started, they were incredibly welcoming and willing to help me adjust to trail life. 

Peanut butter is a miracle food. 

Enough said.

That noise you hear is probably not a bear...

...but it may be a skunk or a porcupine looking for a snack

Early to bed, early to rise. 

Hiker "midnight" is 9 pm. It is not uncommon to fall asleep while it's still light out after a long day of hiking. All the better to wake up with the sun and get going!

It is okay to take candy from strangers

Trail magic has the ability to change the entire outlook of a day. Multiple times complete strangers offered a snack, treat or ride into town. Always unexpected, always appreciated. Thanks to all who have ever acted as Trail Angels!

Not every day is sunshine and summits

There were days when I was sore, tired and not in the mood to hike. It is a challenge to remove the comforts from your daily life and choose to undertake a thru-hike, but working for the miles on those "bad" days makes them that much more rewarding in hind site.You'll also get some good stories! Take care of your body and take a day off if you feel rundown to the point of quitting. Most likely you will feel better with rest and energized to continue. 

the trail in PA

Pizza motivates

Knowing there is hot food at the end of the day is a truly amazing thing. 

Embrace the stink

Hiking hygiene is not usually a pretty picture. It's not pleasant to wear the same smelly, likely damp clothes day after day. But the stink means you are working hard towards your goal. So, "you stink!" is sort of a compliment! 

Hiking is not simple

Although hiking simplifies a lot of things, and you have a lot of time to think while walking, resupplying food, maintaining gear and getting to the night campsite can be stressful. Take your time to enjoy the sights along the way. 

It's okay to butt slide

One of the first things I learned on trail was risk management. There were many things in the woods that made me uncomfortable. I learned there is no shame in sitting on the trail and scooting to get down steep descents unbroken. 

My body is amazing (and yours is too!)

When I started hiking, the idea of 10 miles a day was daunting. Then in a few short weeks, that became an easy day. On trail you will continually be amazed at what you can accomplish as your body becomes stronger and takes you to new places. 

I can do it! 

I started the trip doubting pretty much everything about my plan. It was something I wanted to do, but there were so many things I knew I would need to learn to be successful. My confidence grew immensely with every day and every new situation taught me new skills. Plan and prepare for your hike as much as you can, but leave room for error and learning along the way. It's sometimes the best part of the adventure! 

6/26/16: Day 41, Mt Algo Shelter

I did 8 miles today from 10 Mile Shelter. The shelter was beautiful- right next to a river. Lots of fireflies and bats swooping in the field next door and an amazing view of the night sky. Tempted to zero and just go swimming all day, but didn't. Plugged along at a decent pace, but when I came to the road crossing at about 2pm there was trail magic with beer and fresh grilled burgers. Everybody was there and I ended up staying for 3 hours then backtracking .3 (uphill!) to this shelter. About 15 miles into CT now! I got to see the Dover Oak. The past two days I've eaten lunch at a deli (deli-hopping in NY is the bomb!) I am sleeping in my hammock tonight since it's warmer.

6/30/16: Day 45, Riga Shelter

Didn't have the energy to write last night. Currently at the Riga Shelter- 19 miles hiked today. I was doing okay until the last 2 miles when it got very rocky. Took Ibuprofen at dinner in order to be able to sleep. The shelter does have a gorgeous view though- overlooking a lake and the surrounding valley. Was the only one sleeping in the shelter last night. Lovely morning- taking my time getting out of camp, almost 10 already. Crossing into MA today!

Day 46, Hemlocks Shelter

Witnessed the truest hiker meal I've ever seen at dinner today. Marnal Custard showed up around dark and proceeded to eat cold ramen with beef tallow, beef jerky, hot sauce, snyders pretzels and mustard all mixed in.

Day 48, Upper Goose Pond Cabin

Tried to pass up the hostel due to logistics, but ended up staying anyway because of bad thunderstorms. Thought I would be able to get a pizza delivered and use the dryer for my clothes even if I had to hand wash them. Well pizza will not use the driveway because it is half a mile long and potholed and the dryer was broken. Stinkiest hostel and nights sleep I've had yet. Left damp.
Now at Upper Goose Pond Cabin, which is world's better even though it's in the woods! It's a beautiful setting. Surprised myself by going 22 miles today- longest day yet. The whole gang is here- GetWeird, MyFriend, Romani, Popper, Two Socks, and Toad & Yellow. Taking a zero now. Went canoeing twice today and did much needed bucket laundry (9 days!) Enjoyed a pancake breakfast and a sleep in. Also met two flip-floppers, Toasty Hands and Fire.

Day 52, Friend's House

Pulled into Bennington today. Staying with friends from high school. Past few days of hiking were tough with the trail very eroded and lots of roots to trip on.
Hoping to connect with people at church in Hoosick Falls and catch up with Rugby and GPS soon.

6/15 Day 30:

Hiked 12.5 miles today. Got another late start- about 9:30. Took almost a two hour break at the High Point Visitor Center and considered only going 2 miles to the High Point Shelter (a beach day was tempting) But after my break I had more energy and went 6 miles to the Murray Property "secret shelter". It's a cabin with a nice front porch, a solar shower and electrical outlets! Just washed my hair and rinsed out my clothes. Now gazing over the open fields and doing some bird watching while enjoying the sunset and cooking dinner.

Day 31:
Plan was to hike 13.5 miles today, but it turned out I am closer to Uncle Rick than I thought, so I got plucked from the road crossing a bit early. Taking a zero tomorrow which will be nice. With two zeros in two weeks and the lower mileages hopefully my feet will feel better. Saw a skunk leaving the shelter this morning. Light drizzle through lunch time, but actually refreshing to walk in. Peaceful and good terrain.

Day 33:
Took a zero with Rick and Marie. Walked 12 miles to Wildcat Shelter- very dirty! The privy was overflowing. Saw my first black bear on the trail. It was conditioned, came right into the campsites during dinner time. Lots of ups and downs. Pretty much any rock you saw, you had to go over. Tiring...

Day 34:
Very hot today! 93 and humid. Many of the listed water sources are going dry, but the trail angels have been amazing! Ran into the Yellow Deli folks and got peach matcha tea and cookies. There were water jugs at every road crossing as well as multiple coolers of sodas, fresh bagels and cream cheese, hotdogs and mini calzones. Much of it was due to "Patio" who hiked in 2000 and drove to multiple road crossings. Don't know what we would have done for water otherwise. Patio told us about a campsite 2 miles south of the shelter by Island Pond in Harriman State Park, so that's where most of us ended up. I took my first hiker bath (swimming) and it was so lovely! Hung my hammock and slept very well, only waking briefly to the full moon. Bigfoot the Good, Toad & Yellow, GetWeird, Champa, Grizz, Savage and Romani were among the people I knew. Good end to a long, hot day.

Day 35:
Hot again, but not as bad as yesterday. 12 miles again to the shelter. The heat definitely saps energy, but I made okay time. Got out of camp about 7:30 and even with a nearly two hour siesta for into camp about 5:30. 12 miles on the docket tomorrow to get to Aunt Susie's. Climbing Bear Mountain tomorrow and popping by the Trailside Museum where HV Corps has an intern or two. Listening to the Bloody Jack series on audiobook which is actually really engaging. I was able to borrow it via the Overdrive program through the library. Now about 8:30 and heading to bed. The shelter has views of the NY Skyline, but since tomorrow is the solstice it will still be a while before dark. I'll grab a picture at some point during the night.

Day 37: Climbed Bear Mountain which was the first real mountain that we had to both climb and descend. The trail was actually pretty nice- well maintained trail, but a lot of steps. I'm sure overall it was easier on the knees. The trail went right through the Trailside Zoo, so I took a break there and checked out the exhibits during lunch. After, it was a good bit of roadwalking to cross the bridge and about 6 miles to Sue. Good to see everyone and catch up. I'm really tempted to take a second zero tomorrow as there is a good chance of rain, but I don't want to impose or get too comfy. I may try for my first 20 mile day- fresh legs and just happens to be the distance to the next shelter.

Day 38 (34th of actual hiking):
I resisted the lure of a second zero! The weather was originally supposed to be rainy, but ended up all south of us, so it turned out to be no rain but a nice break from the humid weather. I got on the trail at 8 and plugged away- 20 miles!!! Got to the shelter by 6 and ordered pizza since it's close to a road crossing. My feet are definitely tired, but the terrain was pretty kind. I also passed the 400 mile mark today at Clarence Fanehstock State Park. Found a 24oz PBR sitting on the trail and carried it out as a treat. Good day overall. About 8 now and time for bed.

 Later- Ended up being visited by a skunk looking for pizza crusts. Thought it was a hiker coming in late and making noise and almost yelled at it... :P

The Kindness of Strangers

Day 22: Bert's Steakhouse Garage "Hostel" 7ish miles.

Shorter day today. The terrain wasn't bad, but I ran into two thunderstorms. One I managed to wait out, in a shelter, but the other soaked me. The George Outerbridge Shelter where I was going to stay was infested with caterpillars (dropping on my head!) and the logbook mentioned issues with porcupines. After last night's poor sleep and knowing there is a sizable climb tomorrow I decided to splurge and stay in town. Since the Jailhouse Hostel was shut down last year, the woman who runs this restaurant lets people stay in her garage for $10. She was nice enough to pick us up at the trail head too, saving a 1.5 mile walk into town along a busy road. I'm texting with TW now to get the scoop on tomorrow's terrain since she was up there today. More T-storms in the forecast with overall 80% chance of rain... Hopefully won't slow me down too much!
The hiker box here is awesome! Fresh fruit, Oreo's and PBR. I think I may carry out a PBR to celebrate making it to the shelter tomorrow. We'll see with all the water I have to lug- no water sources for the first 10 miles. Guidebook says what there is is contaminated because of previous smelting/mining operations, so not safe to drink even when filtered.

Day 24: Kirkridge Shelter, 17 miles.

Surprisingly energetic feeling tonight. It was a longer day than originally planned because of bad weather yesterday (cut the day short by about 3.5 miles). The sun was shining though and somehow I stayed a lot more positive throughout the day. I even considered continuing to Delaware Water Gap which was another 7 miles, but it would have put me in town about 11pm, and probably wouldn't have been too good on the feet either.

Yesterday by comparison, I was on the verge of tears and decided to stay at the Stempa Hostel (much nicer garage than in town!) A hot shower and a half-pound burger did wonders as well as sleeping soundly through the night. Got down into the 40's, so good to be inside! I was there with Recon (a female, Polish speaking, tall pastry chef) and Juice- both good people. With the short distance to DWG tomorrow I'll be in town by morning and I'll make it a zero day.

P.S. Joined the Triple Crown club- using a flush toliet, cathole and privy in one day. Oatmeal.

The "Trail" :P

Day 25: DWG 7 miles.

Pretty easy trek into town today. Met the ridgerunner for the Northern PA shelters leaving this morning from Kirkridge. Got to the Church of the Mountain Hiker Hostel- pretty nice place. The shower was clean and they provided towels. Perfect after a chilly morning. Met up with Pops at Kirkridge and sharing a laundry load now at a creepy motel down the road since the hostel doesn't have a washer. Had the hotdog special at the Village Bakery ($2.95 for a hotdog and slice of apple pie) Currently enjoying beautiful weather and wafting scents at the picnic table outside. When laundry is done we're going to the pizza place for lunch. I also bought a whole loaf of garlic herb bread and have been snacking on it.

Day 26: ZERO DAY!!!!!

Lots of food eating today! Went to Hot Dog Johnny's in Buttzville, NJ- a place we always visited as kids after a day of hiking. Different prices, but same fare and atmosphere! It was lovely. One of the hikers staying at the hostel is a section hiker and was willing to drive, so it was really easy to get there, even though it was 20 minutes away. Went to the local outfitters and got better insoles and some Dirty Girl gaiters. Got to Walmart and resupplied as well as getting a tennis ball to roll out my foot. Stopped by the Village Bakery again- they had a special BBQ stand and we got lots of free samples. I also got some meat to put on my leftover bread. Met B-hiker, Romani, Pine Cone Sitter, Subman and Subs at the Hostel.

Day 28: Brink Rd. Shelter 14.5 miles.

Last night I stayed at a stealth site alone. I was pushing towards the Mohican Outdoor Center which was about 10 miles from the hostel. I didn't want to be alone, but I passed the backpacker campsite at 5 miles and didn't realize it until I was a few miles past. I was low on water, but asked some day hikers and they had an unopened bottle, sot that allowed me to stop early. Since the MOC charges even to camp, by stealthing I got a nice view and saved some money. I had some trouble hanging a bear bag, but it worked and I had no issues with any animals. My feet were really bothering me yesterday, but felt a bit better today. Mom and Dad have been really encouraging and supportive- even when I call them up complaining. I was worried I would be cold in the hammock w/ 49 as the forecast and a stiff breeze, but I slept amazingly well (I was wearing all my layers..) I even had dreams for the first time since being on trail.
Took lots of breaks today to take it easier on my feet- I think the frustration and pain yesterday was mostly due to the roadwalking to get out of town as well as 10 miles of rocky terrain. I went to church in the morning and didn't get started until after 1pm. The terrain was a bit easier today. I met up with Kinder, the same section hiker that drove to Hot Dog Johnny's about 2 miles from the shelter which was a pick me up.
It's a very nice shelter tonight with a balcony style porch, but a real low water source. The guidebook said it was close to the road, which typically means the shelter attracts locals and is not well maintained, but the road is a forest access road, so there is not traffic at all! Plan to do 15 miles tomorrow. I'll be passing the 300 mile mark. GPS and Rugby started their hike in CT today- hopefully with plugging along I'll be seeing them soon!

Day 29: Mishpacong Shelter, 12.5 miles.

Writing now as I wait for dinner to finish cooking. Trying my hand at my first Knorr pasta side. I had hoped to pack out a sandwhich or sub from the AT Deli in Branchville, but discovered they have close their doors. Pretty much the whole town was for rent or closed, but I did find myself a diet coke (overpriced!) Discovered this morning that my phone was down to 18% with no reserve charge- must have gotten unplugged in the hostel. Was able to charge it at the pub in town, but didn't want to pause too long. Met up with Romani and hiked together for 3 miles. Purposely filled my water bottles at Gren Anderson Shelter in case I didn't make it to Rutherford because the spring here is over half a mile away. I'm the only one staying in the shelter, so I'm being "that person" and put my hammock up in the shelter. Hopefully being inside will help me keep a little warmer, but give some more comfort than the wooden floor. Smooshed zebra cakes and hot chocolate for dessert!

Drawing by kids of the Church of the Mountain

Hike more, worry less

"Hike more, worry less."

Day 16: 501 Shelter, 17 miles. 

Did another 17 miles today- impressed myself! The first 13 weren't bad, but the last 4 were very rocky and winding. Made it though! I turned on some tunes to help. I'm actually 4 miles ahead of TW and BC currently because they zeroed in Licksdale, but they will probably pass me tomorrow since I won't be going 16 to the next shelter. My feet really hurt when I came in, but now feel a bit better- I had to take Vitamin I for the first time. The shelter is fully enclosed with octagonal skylight and 8 bunk beds. It's owned by the local trail club and has an onsite caretaker. Pretty cushy. We ordered in food from a local pizza shop- I got a 12" sub and a huge order of fries and devoured it. I think I burned some calories today, haha. I took a cold water shower real quick, so feeling a little cleaner after a sweaty day and my clothes are rinsed and hanging on the line outside. To bed soon. 

Day 17: Hertline Campsite 6 miles. 

Took off today with the intention to go about 15 miles to Eagle's Nest shelter, but I came upon this campsite by a stream about 1:30 and decided to eat lunch and soak my feet. That turned into an hour break and I called Mom for the first time since Dunncannon. While I was talking Tumbleweed and BC showed up!! (also Pops) They decided to stay here as well, so now we are having a campfire and reunion! Probably doing 10 miles to Eagle's Nest tomorrow then into town for mail. 

Day 19: Windsor Furnace Shelter 

Camped a second night at a random campsite the night of 6/2 then continued 4 miles into town. The steep descent we had been hearing about wasn't too bad in grade, but the terrain was all eroded dirt and loose rocks which made it hard to get good footing- slipped out a few times, but no falls! Tumbleweed's cousin Jiffy had joined her for the past 4 days. She really liked to talk- had an interesting conversation about Peace Corps since she just got back from service. 

The plan was to spend the full day in town today as my first zero day, but we got into by 11 am yesterday, and after spending the night I had all my errands done and decided to hike out 5.5 miles to the shelter outside town.  

The folks in Port Clinton were really nice, and there was a free pavilion at the edge of town to stay in, but the people there were smoking and making a lot of noise. The Barbershop had cookies, coffee and charging for phones, the Port Clinton hotel had showers and laundry for purchase even if you weren't staying. I got an easy ride to Walmart from Shuttle Steve and visited the world's largest Cabela's. My pack is FULL of food and I sent a box ahead to myself for Delaware Water Gap in about a week. 

TW and BC stayed the night as well as Linley. We had dinner and some drinks at the Hotel then went to the Firehouse Pub for $1.25 lagers and to play pool. Today there was a hiker feed BBQ at the pavilion with chicken, desserts and other picnic fare. Less than half a mile from the shelter there was a group of Chinese folks supporting their friend Old Fox who also had trail magic in the form of noodles and beef, almond cookies and Guiness beer. Trail magic with chopsticks!! Happiest people ever. I didn't have to make dinner after, so I still have all my food plus chicken breast I packed out. 

Met Festus and son Skidmark (section hikers), Wonderland, PB and Jester at shelter. Also reunion with Pops! 

Day 20 Eckville Shelter 10 miles

Pulled into the shelter today about 1 pm, but decided to stay put rather than continue 7 miles to the next. Partly because of my feet, but mostly because it had drizzled all morning and thunderstorms were due. About 4:30 now and they are here! The sky is very dark and the wind has really kicked up! Also good to have staked out a spot. Not as big or nice as the 501 shelter, although it does have a flush toilet and enclose shower. I passed the 200 mile mark today!!!! I'm at 209 officially, so less than 2000 to go! Quiet group tonight so far. People are napping or reading. Took a short snooze, but don't want to ruin my sleep tonight. Maybe it's the rainy day. 

Day 21 Bake Oven Knob Shelter 17 miles

Long day today from Eckville. Luckily I got an early start because someone was out the door at 5:30 and everyone started stirring. I was out by 7:30, but the first 7 miles to Allentown Shelter were tough! I almost considered spending the night because it was a nice shelter, but continued on. The remaining 10 were not bad, but the last 4 were a bit rocky. We had the Knife's Edge which was not as bad as I expected, but still required hands and the mighty butt slide. The last mile to the shelter itself seemed to go on forever- very steep and rocky! I'm thinking of treating myself to a stay in Palmerton. 

Morning after: Visited by a large porcupine who came to chew on the shelter about a foot from everyone's heads. Skidmark scared it off by bopping it on the head with a trekking pole.