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

Better Late Than Never!

So, I have now been out on the Appalachian Trail for almost 2 months. Time flies when you're having fun right? I will be reaching the 600 mile mark within the next day of hiking, which means I am officially over 1/4 of the way through the trail. 

While each day holds surprises and opportunities for learning, I feel like I have adapted to life outdoors well. 

Here goes! 15 things I have learned on the A.T.

1. Appreciate the little things. 

Running water, electricity outlets, etc.. these are luxuries on the trail. 

2. Every step counts. 

Whether it is a day when you feel like you are flying down the trail, barely touching the ground, or a struggle fest, every step is an accomplishment. Look how they have added up already! 

3. Other hikers are amazing! 

The friends I have made on the trail are all unique and wonderful people. Even though I was the newbie, they were incredibly welcoming and willing to help me as I found my feet the first few weeks. Thank you! 

4. Peanut Butter is a miracle food. 

Enough said. 

5. That noise is not a bear... 

... but it may be a skunk or a porcupine. 

6. If you cannot find the next blaze, look up. 

Most likely, it is on top of the rock ledge you are standing beneath. 

7. Early to bed, early to rise.

It is not uncommon to go to bed before the sun is down. Hiker midnight is 9pm. Maybe by the end of this trip I will be healthy, wealthy and wise? 

8. It is okay to take candy from strangers. 

Trail magic has changed the entire attitude of my day multiple times! Always unexpected, always appreciated. A cold soda, a candy bar or other food, all provided by strangers (better known as Trail Angels). 

9.Not everyday is sunshine and summits. 

There have been days (and will probably be more) when I have been sore, tired and not in the mood to hike. It is a challenging journey, but working for the miles makes them that much more rewarding. 

10. Pizza motivates. 

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

11. Embrace the stink. 

Hiking hygiene is not usually pretty picture. It is not pleasant to wear the same smelly, likely still damp clothes day after day. But the stink means you worked hard! So, "You stink!" is actually  a great compliment... 

12. Hiking is not simple. 

Although hiking simplifies a lot of aspects, resupplying food, maintaining gear and getting to camp each night can be stressful. 

13. It's okay to butt slide. 

One of the first things I learned on trail is risk management. There are many things in the woods that make me uncomfortable. Steep descents are one, and I learned there is no shame in sitting on the trail and scooting if it gets me to Katadhin unbroken. 

14. My body is amazing. 

 When I started, the idea of 10 miles of hiking was daunting. Now that is an easy day. I am continually amazed at the abilities of my body as it becomes stronger and takes me to new places. 

15. I can do this! 

I started the trip doubting whether I would be able to finish this goal, but every day I realize more and more that is it possible. My confidence has grown immensely, and will only continue to do so as I learn and practice new skills. 

Gear Test Run

"The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark." - John Muir

Last "weekend" I went to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park for a test run of some of my new items of gear. On the agenda to test during the trip: footwear, rain gear, hammock tarp (and remembering how to hang my hammock) my new Sawyer water filter and my legs. 

Leaving from work on Wednesday, I planned a two night jaunt into Friday, leaving time for the trip back home. After a three hour drive, I arrived with just enough time to set up camp in the Wilderness Road campground and settle in for bed. 

The next day I stopped in at the visitor center to get some information on the trails. I was looking to hike 6-8 miles to a back-country site for my second night out. Unfortunately, because of limitations only allowing camping in established back-country campsites,  I learned that my options were a 3 mile trail or a 10 mile trail. 

I grudgingly decided on the 3 mile trail, feeling a bit better when I learned it was the steepest in the park.

Because it was so steep, the ranger recommended a four hour hike time. I left myself five hours in order to have plenty of time before dark to check out the nearby historical Hensley Settlement, set up camp and cook dinner.

I completed the trail in 2 hours. (Legs work. Check!)
I even stopped to get pictures of the beautiful flowers along the way.

Luckily, I had brought a book! After setting up camp, I spent a few relaxing hours reading.

Upon feeling thirsty, I went to test out my new water filter at the water source that was nearby.
 It was absolutely dry.
This unluckily meant that of the 2L of water I had brought, I had about 4 mouthfuls remaining, not enough to cook my dehydrated meal for dinner.

If I was Bear Grylls I would have probably rigged up a solution to obtain water in minutes, but instead I settled in for a dinner of trail mix, washing it down with a package of apple sauce.

Feeling a bit bored, I wandered down the trail to check out the settlement, and started a fire when I returned to camp. (Pretty pleased with my fire starting skills!)

I settled in for the night about 8pm, just in time to prevent getting rained on. My new hammock tarp worked like a charm. It's the ENO Housefly rain tarp and protected me against the rain and wind all through the night. In the morning both my gear and myself were dry!

Although I had left my cookpot out to hopefully catch some rainwater, I only succeeded in getting a half cup, so I decided to pack up and walk back to civilization for a drink. At this point I was going on 19 hours without water.

I hiked back down to the trailhead in a light drizzle, but made good time, heading straight to the local coffeeshop, The Pineapple Tea Room, where the lovely ladies outfitted me with both coffee and a tall glass (or 3) of water.

Although there are always things that cannot be planned for, I felt this trip was a good trial run. Much of my gear was a success, including rain gear and the use of trail runners on slick rocks, and I was able to enjoy the outdoors while seeing some beautiful late spring sights.

2 weeks to the A.T. !!!
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Wilderness is a Necessity

"Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity.”

-John Muir

I’m very excited to announce that I will be visiting New Hampshire and the White Mountains in just under a week! On the schedule is a 3-day backpacking trip across the Presidential Range. It will definitely be nice to take a few days, get smelly and challenge my leg muscles again.

In many ways I do view this as going home. New Hampshire has made me feel the most at home of all the places I have lived in the past few years. And, although I don’t consider myself nerve-shaken, and very seldom civilized, I do agree with Dear John that the wilderness is a necessity. There is nothing quite like planning a foray into an area that few have truly experienced. Part of the excitement of this trip is the unknowns. Last year I was oblivious to many of the challenges involved with backpacking, but no matter how well I plan, I expect I will still be learning over the course of this hike. I believe there is an unending stream of knowledge in nature, although many times we are too busy or too loud to notice it.

I am taking this trip solo; although not the original plan, I think it will add to the adventure. When I last left you I had just had my first backpacking experience, hiking 9 more mountains on the AMC 4,000 footer list over the course of three days. The final count at the end of Summer 2013 was 20 official 4,000 foot mountains, 3 unofficial. This trip across the Presidential Range will add 8 more official mountains and 1 unofficial. Below is the list:

Mt. Jackson- 4052’

Mt. Pierce- 4310’

Mt. Eisenhower- 4780’

Mt. Franklin- 5001’ (unofficial)

Mt. Monroe- 5372’

Mt. Washington- 6288’

Mt. Jefferson- 5716’

Mt. Adams- 5799’

Mt. Madison- 5367’

My route will take me over the range from the South to the North. Not many people do this direction, but I chose it because the elevation gain is slightly less intense. My trip will also be different in another way: I’m taking multiple days. I haven’t decided if it will be 2 or 3 days. Part of that decision depends on weather and how my legs feel the first day. Many people do the entire range in the course of one day, which is definitely a feat to be admired, but considering I’m not crazy and not nearly as in shape as last year this time, I am planning conservatively, leaving plenty of time for rests and enjoying the scenery.

Depending on the exact trails I take, the estimated distance is between 21 and 23 miles, not counting the distance needed to descend/ascend for camping each night.

I got some very good advice from a hiking forum called Views From the Top (VFTT.com) in regards to camping spots, one of the biggest issues I realized in planning. Much of the route is on the ridgeline, which is great for views if the weather is nice, but bad if the weather turns quickly, which it is known to do. Being on the ridge also means I have to descend to tree line (trees above 8ft) in order to camp per the Forest Service regulations. I will be taking along my new camping hammock to help with the issue of finding flat ground for a tent.

Drool worthy pictures to come after the trip!