"A friend may be Nature's most magnificent creation."- Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I prepare to return to the trail in just under a month to finish the southern 600 miles, I thought a good way to get back in the mindset of hiking would be to finally (!) write up my adventures. Sorry to any and all who did not get their promised blog updates while I was on the trail. Zero days were too precious to spend typing.

From the beginning. (Luckily I did keep a pretty steady trail journal!)

Week 1:

Day 1 Crampton Shelter, North from Harper's Ferry 11 miles.

I'm officially hiking the A.T!!! Started this morning not knowing which way to access the trail from the Teahorse Hostel where I stayed last night. Johnny Walker took a look over my pack and had a few suggestions, but nothing drastic- I'm weighing in at 34lbs with 5 days of food and 2L of water.
At the hostel I met Burning Leaf, Pigeontoe, Shaggy and Mama Skillet. Mama Skillet and Shaggy walked with me to the trail in the morning. Mama Skillet took a picture of my first step on the trail. Shaggy and I walked together all day-he is a section hiker from MA in his 4th year of hiking. He kept the perfect pace for me as he had done 20 miles yesterday and was looking to go a little slower today.
At the shelter I met Wonka- a girl soloing from GA, Tumbleweed (another first day female flipflopper!) and Nick a recent college grad. All of my gear worked well today except my spork, which broke in half when I mixed my concrete-thick mac and cheese.
Beautiful weather- cloudless sky, light breeze. High 30's in the morning warming to 70's. Tomorrow chance of rain. Plan to go 7 miles to Dahlgren campsite- they have warm showers- a treat if I get soaked.
P.S. Found a handle of Kentucky Bourbon in the shelter hiker box- passed it around in celebration of our first day completed!

Day 2 Pine Knob Shelter 13 miles.

Walked in the rain drizzle for about 5 hours today. Luckily not too heavy- the hardest part was taking off and putting on my rain jacket constantly. The hills warmed me up a good bit, but it was still chilly, about 55. I did discover that my rain jacket has zippers up the sides so that made it easier. Stopped for lunch at Dahlgren backpack camp, but continued on afterwards 6 miles because it was only noon. Tomorrow the plan is to chill for a late start and do 8 miles to the next shelter, but based on the terrain profile in the guidebook we may go further. Hiked all day with Tumbleweed, which was great. We plan to stay together until Waynesboro at least. Toes a little sore. Saw the Washington monument. The shelter is full of guys- thru hikers Captain America, Shaggy, Pops, Wet Beard and Obi Trail Kenobi. Weather cleared for dinner prep and campfire. Lots of good advice, jokes and laughs around the dinner table.

Day 3 Ensign Cowall Shelter 8 miles.

Received my trail name last night! "Ranger". Almost ended up as "Fresh Fish" thanks to Obi Trail Kenobi, but I nipped that in the bud. Took a shorter day which I believe was a good plan. 13 yesterday didn't feel too bad this morning, but the choice between an 8 mile and 13 mile day today was the deciding factor. Hiked with TW again- good pace! Got to the shelter about 4 pm and found out that pizza could be delivered to the road crossing so we ordered two large pies with pepperoni and sausage and ham. Was also provided with new spork- titanium! Perfect close to a rainy, grey day! Met three other flipfloppers and a south bounder in the course of the day. BC was the only other flipflopper at the shelter besides TW and me. So many laughs. Good food. Another campfire and hot chocolate with instant coffee, ginger and cinnamon. Town tomorrow, a day earlier than planned! Just joined by Slug and Hawkeye. Hawkeye is regularly doing 30 mile days. Recommended Superfeet insoles for the PA rocks.

Day 4 10 miles in Waynesboro, PA

Hiked into Waynesboro, PA. Had planned to make it in time to pick up a maildrop and bounce back out to a nearby campsite. Crossed the Mason-Dixon line today. The terrain was a 500 foot climb and descent on large rocks- very hard on the feet! By the time we got to town I was not in a good mood and a lot of pain. The bike shorts I was wearing under my hiking skirt were riding up and my legs were chaffing badly along with aching feet and arches on the verge of being pulled. Thought I would have to walk two extra miles to Walmart since there was no luck in getting picked up hitching. But as we walked down the street a lady doing yard work offered us first water, then a ride to and from Walmart, then family dinner, cell phone charging, showers and laundry. We missed the post office hours, so she offered us a stay in her heated and electrified garden shed (10x better than the backcountry shelters!). She was SO generous!! Tumbleweed, BC and I plus another hiker named Megamind ended up staying up till midnight. We named our trail angel Mama Speedbump (because of her driving style and the fact that she was a speed bump in our trail). In the morning Mama Speedbump drove us to the Post Office and McDonald's for breakfast. Couldn't ask for better trail magic!

Day 5 Tumbling Run Shelter 10 miles.

BC and TW headed on to the campsite 1 1/2 miles North, but my feet were hurting and I mailed my shelter ahead to cut weight. It's a bit lonely- much different atmosphere than the previous nights, but kinda nice to take a quiet evening. I got insoles at Walmart for my feet which helps a bit, but I'm also going to slow the mileage down after tomorrow. Because I'm ahead of schedule my mail drop wasn't really needed- I should have bounced it ahead, but I wasn't thinking. Now I'm carrying 7 days of food with another mail drop in 3 days (with a coat in the box that I need) Rain expected tomorrow, so if I don't go as far as planned I won't be bothered.

Day 6 12 miles.

Hiked all day in the rain, not too much fun. If it was a bit warmer, I wouldn't have minded getting wet, but it was low 50's and breezy. Stopped for lunch quickly to give my feet a rest, but started getting chilled so I moved on quickly. Now at Quarry Gap Shelter for the evening and in dry clothes. Looking forward to my sleeping bag!! I had a really tasty dinner- 4 cheese rice-a-roni pasta side and 2 cups of hot chocolate and tea. KNowing I'd have a shelter roof made all the difference finishing mileage today- the terrain was pretty level, but the rocks are kicking in and my feet are feeling it. Caught up with Tumbleweed, so I'm not an orphan tonite! Last night was weird with only day hikers and (I think) a homeless person talking about issues I didn't wan to hear. I ended up going to bed about 8 pm and slept until 7:30 which felt so good! Planning 13 miles tomorrow with level ground then picking up mail at least @ Pine Grove State Park. I may stay overnight if my feet are painful.

Day 7

Another rainy day. Drizzle for majority or the day, but much less windy than yesterday. The trail was pretty level, but my knees and arches still ached by lunch time. Broke out the ipod for motivation. Luckily the shelter was not full even though it's only a 4 person. Not as nice as the shelter last night at Quarry Gap which had a covered cooking area, but it's just our trio (BC joined last night as well) and almost bed time, so we have spread out and are cooking in the shelter. Yoda, a section hiker from the local area hiked in a 12 pack of beer which we shared with some others who were camping. Directly in front of the shelter there is a group of weekenders tenting so we people watched while eating dinner and drinking beer. So far they have a hammock slung with a trap draped over for rain cover and have dragged some large, damp logs from the woods and are chopping them with machetes for a fire.
Raining quite a bit currently, so I'm heading to bed. Tomorrow we hit Pine Grove SP and I'll decide whether or not to stay. Met a thru hiker named Sunshine and her buddy Matt. They will nearo at Pine Grove, so I may be able to fall in with them if I leave TW and BC. I'd like not to be orphaned. Knowing there are friends nearby (even if they are ahead) has been so helpful with keeping spirits up in this rainy weather.

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. 

Week 1 on the A.T.

Hello from Ranger!
I was given my trail name on day 3, by a Thru-hiker named Obi Trail Kenobi. It was a close call for getting one I could live with, with the options being Fresh Fish ( because I was new to the trail) or Workin on It (because that's what I reponded when asked what my trail name was).

It's been a great experience so far! I have hiked for 8 days now, and reached 79 miles! Much better average mileage than I was expecting. I met some friends along the way as well. Tumbleweed is from Maine and also a female Flip-Flopper, and B.C. is a recent college grad flipping as well. I've had some great laughs with them in the past week.

We all were given the best trail magic possible during our first foray into town. Walking down the road trying our thumbs at getting a ride to Walmart to resupply, we passed by a woman doing yard work. She offered us a cold drink, then a ride and pickup, then proceeded to surpass any expectations by allowing us to take showers, do laundry, sleep in her heated garden shed (much nicer than the trail shelters!) and stuffing us full of steak dinner. A truly amazing lady! We named her Mama Speedbump.


I'm now taking advantage of the Wi-Fi at the Ironmaster's Mansion Hostel (truly a mansion, built in the 1820's) and am about to enjoy a waffle breakfast. Although it's still early in the trip, I decided to treat myself to a nearo day ( nearly no miles walked) and stay overnight to dry out clothes, clean up and pick up mail.

I'm going to be cruising by myself for a bit, seeing if I can catch up to familiar faces, but I also want to enjoy the views while the terrain is still relatively flat, since I know it will not last long!

Happy Trails!!

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. !!!
AT Hike Charity Donation Link

Seeking Less, Gaining More

"In every walk with nature one recieves far more than he seeks"- John Muir

It's official! I am hiking the Appalachian Trail this summer!

What's that?

Glad you asked! It's one of the oldest long distance hiking trails in the world, stretching from Georgia to Maine, 2189 miles. That is equal to taking 5 million steps over the course of 5-6 months.

I will be hiking the trail in one season, which means that upon completion I will gain the boasting rights of being a thru-hiker. It's a crazy idea right?

I know. It is an idea that I was first introduce to about 5 years ago. I never thought I would be one to tackle this sort of challenge. I am not in the best shape and before about 3 years ago had virtually no outdoor skills.

Since getting into the outdoor field as a career path, I have slowly been building my outdoor repertoire, and testing and growing my self-confidence. Two years ago I got the idea in my head to start saving towards one day stepping foot on the trail. At the time I didn't know when that would be, or how long I would hike. MUCH research, saving, planning and exercising later, that crazy idea has become a dream and in just 30 days will be a reality!!!

I will be leaving from Harper's Ferry, WV May 15th to start my Northbound journey to Maine. After reaching the terminus of the north at Mt. Katadhin, I will come back to WV and then start hiking Southbound to Springer Mountain to complete the trail.

I am incredibly excited to be so close to such an adventure. It is a scary, daunting, exhilarating opportunity. I know I will be learning much about myself, nature and outdoor living along the way.

While my goal this summer is to hike the entire Appalachian Trail, I also am trying to raise money for two separate charities. I understand that there will be moments when I will be tired, hungry, wet, dirty and I'm sure smelly. When the initial infatuation of the trail starts to wane, I do not want my passion for finishing to disappear. I have many reasons for doing the trail (details in a coming post), but I know that working towards these charities will be an additional source of motivation.

I have chosen to raise money for Feed My Starving Children and The Shoe That Grows. Both charities provide much needed items to impoverished people. I hope to raise $1000 (or more!) which would provide 2,000 meals and 33 pairs of shoes. Please check out the link below for more information.

https://www.crowdrise.com/atcharityhike2016/fundraiser/debbrzozowski

First Snow 2016

"January brings the snow, makes our feet and fingers glow." - Sara Coleridge

After a relatively warm winter, even for "the South", here in Kentucky, we received our first snowfall three weeks ago. Along with most of the nation we got snowed in with the Blizzard of 2016. Over 10 inches of snow fell, closing most areas nearby me for 2-3 days. 

Then, as soon as it came, it was gone. In the course of one week, we had three snow days and 60 degree weather. Well, my winter in Florida last year has made me appreciate the finer things in life- like not freezing for 5 months straight! By end of the week, I was so happy to have the opportunity to enjoy warmer temperatures again. 

To take full advantage of the weather, I went outside to enjoy some hiking with a friend at Red River Gorge National Geologic Area. Famous for its views and rock climbing, it also has superb hiking. 

This trip was my second visit to the area. The plan was to hike to the Double Arch Trail, but although the snow had all melted at home, there was still plenty of it in the Gorge, resulting in the trailhead access roads being closed.

Luckily, Natural Bridge State Park was open for business only two miles down the road. (Pick up a map at the lodge) We hiked the Original Trail up to the Natural Bridge. The total loop was only about 1.5 miles, but took over 3 hours because the trail was mostly packed snow and ice. (I was wishing I had brought my YakTrax)

Benefits of less than ideal conditions: the Bridge and the lookout point to ourselves! We made the most of the view by testing out my selfie stick and having some hot chocolate. 

Afterwards we checked out the overlook at Lover's Leap and began our descent via Balanced Rock trail. The other descent options were Needle's Eye or Devil's Gulch, both incredibly steep. 

(Use caution if you choose to hike either route!)

On the way home, we took a detour and drove the scenic loop, checking out the one lane Nada Tunnel.

Our winter adventure was a success! Fingers crossed to an early spring and more adventures soon! 

Presidential Traverse

"For a little while we are able to see as a child sees, a world of marvels. For a few moments we discover that nothing can be taken for granted... and our journey here on earth, able to see and touch and hear in the midst of tangible and mysterious things-in-themselves, is the most strange and daring of all adventures." - Edward Abbey 

I survived! (Barely) My foray into the Presidential Range of the White Mountains in New Hampshire was without doubt more difficult than I expected. I’m glad that I planned beforehand but I still have much to learn about backpacking.

My first day was the best of the trip, as one can guess. Fresh legs and beautiful weather contribute greatly to a feeling of peace and adventure. I got a late start because of road construction delays, but still managed to get everything situated and hike 7 miles to Mt. Eisenhower Trail as planned. Along the way I climbed three mountains on the AMC list and stopped at the beautiful Mizpah Spring hut.

The initial view I had from the top of Mt. Jackson literally took my breath away. I had forgotten the feeling of being totally inconsequential when compared to the vastness of the wilderness you are staring out across. I just had to laugh a little bit at the thought of it.  Absolute gorgeousness preserved solely for the enjoyment of that moment; space that hopefully will exist and inspire awe in generations to come.

As I hiked on, the weather turned foggy and gave a surreal effect to the last 2 hours of hiking- knowing that hundreds of feet had walked before me, but not seeing a single person. My campsite for the night was a not-so-stealthy stealth site about 0.1 miles down the Mt. Eisenhower trail. I slept well in my Eno Hammock despite temperatures falling into the mid 30’s during the night. Luckily I had been informed prior to heading out about a phenomenon called Cold Butt Syndrome (CBS) and had prepared by bringing a cheap foam pad for insulation.

The next morning I woke bright and early and headed back to the main ridge trail to continue toward Mt. Washington. I had planned 12 miles on my itinerary, according to the information I had gathered through hiking forums, guidebooks and by looking at the topography on the map.

After summiting Mt. Washington- home of crowds and stupidity- it looked as though the trail would be a relatively quick hike, following the ridge and descending slowly. Assuming this was the case I took a lunch break at the summit of Washington and lingered letting my legs take a break as well as refreshing my water supply and ditching some unneeded food.

Unfortunately I was wrong about the North side of the mountain being easy and was instead faced with about 3 hours of rock hopping through a continuous boulder field.

I would not have made it to Valley Way tent site as planned if not for the help of a thru hiker named Heartwood. It is amazing what good conversation can do for a flagging spirit. Meeting her gave me enough energy to go on and I reached Valley Way about thirty minutes after sunset. The 0.6 miles from Madison Spring Hut seemed impossibly long and there were moments when I wondered if I had passed it in the dark. I can’t describe the relief I felt when I saw headlamps in the distance and realized I had finally found the site. I set up my camp as quickly as possible and fell into bed immediately.

I slept in the next morning and descended the 3.8 miles to the Appalachia parking area uneventfully. From there I received a ride back to highland center by a very kind hiker and her daughter, who turned out to be from the same town in New York that I’m from.

This trip had been on my bucket list for while, and I’m glad I completed it successfully. It was challenging and pushed my limits to near breaking at points, but once I had finished I had the desire to return to those moments on the mountains.

Final count- 3 days, 23 miles and 8 mountains.