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. 

Going the Long Way

"You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going." -George Lucas

Day 8: 4 miles Pine Grove Furnace State Park 

Stopped in Pine Grove Furnace State Park for lunch. Arrived about 11:30 and popped into the hostel to pickup my maildrop- only one of the packages was there, this one I mailed myself from Waynesboro. The mail wasn't due until 2 or 3pm, so I sat with TW and BC at the General Store and had some no-trail food. The General Store is home of the ice cream half-gallon challenge to commemorate the halfway point of the A.T. I didn't try it, but did get a good sized burger and fries. Delicious! Sunshine and Matt showed up around 1pm. Sunshine's foot was really bothering her. They had lunch while she iced it. I decided to stay at the Ironmaster's Mansion hostel for the night. With mail kinda late and greasy food, 7 miles to the next shelter is "meh". Yay for Nearo's!! 

Day 9: 7 miles James Fry Shelter

Another short day of mileage. Stayed at the hostel. Built in the 1820's. The Innkeeper and his wife were friendly. Did laundry, unpacked maildrops, showered. Quiet evening. Only girl, so I got the 18 bed dorm room to myself. Yesterday afternoon checked out the A.T. Museum- pretty cool exhibits. The curator showed me the progress in the children's area, looks like it will be a lot of fun once finished! Very tempted to buy a halfway patch- maybe if they have them for sale in Boiling Springs at the ATC office. Ended up calling in an order for larger shoes to L.L. Bean. Chose boots for hopefully some protection against the PA rocks. 

Hostel closed at 9 am this morning- realized at 9:30 that I had left my ipod behind charging. Knocked on the door and called the phone number, but no luck- hopefully can arrange to have it mailed. Sucks cause there is an 18 mile day coming after tomorrow (no camping allowed in the Cumberland Valley). Should be flat terrain though. Caught up with Matt about noon- at the shelter now together. Sunshine left the trail to get her foot checked out. We arrived about 2 pm. Now lounging in my hammock and reading. Dinner and another quiet night. 

Day 10: 8.5 miles Alec Kennedy Shelter

Didn't wake up until 8:30 today and didn't get on the trail until almost 12. We did 8 miles today, which started out deceptively easy. Absolutely flat ground paralleling railroad tracks for nearly 3 miles, but then some slight elevation. Not bad. The difficult section came after lunch with two rock mazes, scrambling in between, over, around and under boulders the size of fridges and small cars. A fun switch from walking straight, but tiring. Good practice for Mahoosuc Notch, I guess. After the rock mazes, the elevation got a bit crazy with a steep climb and then an immediate descent. My arch had been feeling much better to that point bit started getting sore quickly. I've been trying to stretch it out in the A.M. and P.M. and practicing not favoring my steps, but stepping fully. I think I had switched my gait because of a blisters on my toes. Planning to get out of camp by 7:30 tomorrow, visit the ATC office in Boiling Springs as I walk through town, get a Diet Coke and hike all day to the Darlington Shelter. Megamind rolled into the shelter about 7 last night along with TopKnot, Mambo and Woods. Ended up having a campfire and some good convo. 

Day 11: 18 miles Darlington Shelter

Loooooong day!!! I think it will be quite a while before I attempt a 20 mile day. The terrain was very flat, which was nice, but also made it hard to tell how far you'd gone. One hour I went 4 miles, the last few of the day I was struggling to do 2 mph. New blisters on all my toes and one on the bottom of my foot. I think because it was so flat the same friction point was getting rubbed all day. I pulled into the shelter about 8 pm, so just about a 12 hr day. I hiked an Italian sub and diet dr. pepper out of town and celebrated while I soaked my feet in the stream during lunch break. 

Day 12: 11 miles Duncannon, PA

Today was hard to get up and going. I was very grumpy by 4 miles in and wasn't sure if I would make it to town. I just kept plugging along though and reached the shelter 4 miles out of town at 2 pm. I had a nice long lunch break, called Mom for encouragement and updated my foot care with some Compeeds blister patches a thru hiker gave me during the morning. Just after lunch I met up with Screaming Steven and together we limped into town. (some crazy rock steps descending into the valley!) Now we have split a double room at a sketchy place called the Doyle Hotel, I have eaten a calzone bigger than my head and we did laundry. Tomorrow new boots arrive!

Day 13: 4 miles out of town

Town day was short, but it was okay because the Doyle was creepy AF! The shower was scummy, and I didn't even want to use the toilet. Got breakfast at Goodies Diner across the street then caught the Memorial Day parade from the balcony of the Hotel and headed out of town. Picked up my new boots and mailed ahead my trail runners. Almost 2 miles down Main Street and crossing the Susquehanna River. Lots of pavement, but not too bad- just hot.

Day 14: 6 miles Peter's Mountain Shelter

Short day today. Stopped at the shelter during the heat of the day to rest feet, with the intention of moving on another 5 miles. 3 hours later, I'm still here. People started coming in, and no one seemed to have much energy to move on. It is the largest shelter I've seen yet- perfect place if it was a rainy day. 16 people recommended, but you could probably fit 25 easily. I picked up my new boots in Duncannon- they worked well yesterday, but today are rubbing new places sore. I'm trying out wearing them without the insoles and laced loosely until Port Clinton in 70 miles.
The shelter is filling up- about 8 thru hikers just rolled in. S.S. is still with me, but I'm hoping to lose him. I wasn't too impressed on first meeting him, but we happened to walk into town at the same time. Normally, I would welcome the company, but he is constantly commenting about my pack weight, mileage average, amount of food I'm carrying, etc... He's been helpful at times, but I don't want to hike for weeks with him and he's already talking about NH. It's not the kind of company I need, especially when I'm in pain. Next shelter is 17.9 miles away- we'll see if I make it that far.

Day 15: 17.9 miles!!!! Rausch Gap Shelter

Arrived at the shelter about 30 minutes before the rain rolled in. I surprised myself with hiking so far so soon after the Boiling Springs debacle, but felt it was way easier than last time. Also, it took about 10 hours instead of 12. Left Steve behind about 2 miles in and didn't make an effort to meet up again throughout the day. The shelter is VERY nice- built in 2012, spacious with a nice overhang, stone foundation, cooking prep table, fire pit and a spring literally right out the door. I'm here with Pops and another flipflopper Linley, thru hikers Nova and River (from Canada) and Big Fudge. River plays the guitar, so there is live entertainment this rainy evening. Got some Memorial Day trail magic at the PA 325 road crossing from trail legend Bag O Tricks. He emptied out his coolers- sandwiches, popcorn, cold gatorade, and carrot cake. He also sent us off with a self written poem about catholes. :P

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. 

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!