Light weight backpacking

I'm not sure when it happened. I'm sure over the course of last years Appalachian Trail thru hike I certainly enjoyed a light pack. I remember hiking from Tinker Cliffs to Daleville with 1/2 a days food, with a wonderfully empty my pack!

That pack looks small, but that's the 58L, I soon got a 44L and still had room in it.

Since getting back I've only been backpacking once - a fact which I plan on remedying - and on that trip to Massanutten I took the top flap off the Osprey Talon 44 and still had room.
Over the course of the last few months I've made a few low cost purchases to reduce weight. I refuse to pay $100's per ounce to lighten my pack by grams. I refuse to count grams. I don't have that kind of disposable income for one thing, and even if I did I would rather buy plane tickets with that money! That being said, you can later call me a gram weanie for the few ounces I am saving!

Black Diamond tarp shelter prior to hammock hanging. After it looks similar, but for the hammock under it!

I replaced my carabiners for a lighter pair. The other ones that came with my old hammock are heavy. They clunked and weighed the whole setup down. I don't have a postal scale, but I probably saved 8 oz or something to the new climbing 'beaners I purchased. I used part of a gift card I got for Christmas so the net cost of this purchase was $0!

My hair weighed too much and wasn't dual use so I cut it off

Next I purchased a Therm-a-Rest Alpine Down Blanket. It's basically a down blanket with a foot box completely eliminating the zipper, bottom of the 'sleeping bag'. My winter bag (the Grouse Mountain) doesn't have stuffing on the bottom to eliminate weight, this goes a step further and totally eliminate the zipper, hood, bottom of the bag. It is rated for 35 degrees but the reviews say more like 45 degree. I figure since drafts can happen and you aren't building the encapsulated layer of body heat it is more a spring/summer/fall bag. But it is only just over a pound - a full TWO pounds lighter, and much less bulkier than the Grouse Mountain. I used the remaining gift card and my dividends and bought the Alpine Down Blanket for $40 with an in-store pickup so I incur no shipping charges. Not a bad cost to reduce my bag by 2 pounds!

Going through the 'Lemon Squeezer' with my pack on - a testament to how small it got!

I weighed my gear as I was packing for this upcoming weekend hiking in southern Massanutten and my base weight is 11 pounds 12 ounces. Add 2 liters of water and a couple days of food and it'll still be under 20 lbs. That's impressive. And I don't feel like I am doing with out. I don't feel like I'm skimping or cutting corners. I have all the essentials, plus a pillow, first aid, camera, extra battery. I don't know when exactly it happened but I'm bordering on UL.

Descending Big K with day packs, not carrying all that jazz up a hill and back down!

For the trip coming up I could plan on going without a stove as well, try out the "cold" method. I would leave home the aluminum cup, MSR Pocket Rocket, fuel, and cooking utensil. This would save another pound and a half or two. I plan on having a campfire, over which I could easily roast some summer sausage. My biggest regret with this would not be having coffee in the morning or Sleepy Time Tea in the evening. For a weekend of roughing it I suppose I could forgo these small pleasures, but on any kind of thru the pleasure of something warm out-weighs (pun intended!) the extra weight.

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Chapter 1 - The South has a lot to teach

I have finished hiking the Appalachian Trail, as you know if you've been following this site. However, in the entire ~150 days I posted only a handful of pictures.

I want to publish a few posts reflecting on the trip, as well as showing the pictures and telling the story thru the pictures. Pictures are worth a thousand words, as the cliche expression goes, but it is true that a picture will jog the memory, even a blurry one (don't worry, I will let them jog away, but won't bore you with those!).

I began in Georgia, as that is where the Appalachian Trail begins (or ends). My brother and his girl-friend Jen drove me down and dropped me off. I stood at the Southern Terminus on a cool spring morning full of anticipation with maybe a little trepidation.

Left alone, I began hiking. My excitement level was through the roof! I came to the first shelter and found a pile of junk people had lugged only this far before ditching. Someone had written a sign: 'Free to a Good Home'

In my excitement I hiked 16 miles! Much further than I should have. I would pay for my exuberance for weeks afterwards. I developed a fairly painful tendon in my right knee from over-use, going downhill became quite painful. All the way through the Smokies I would still get pings of pain.
The first couple nights I camped in stealth sites, not at shelters. I was a bit in shock after my initial happiness wore off. I started to comprehend the monumental task still before me, I began to feel the loneliness and the want of the company of home. The first few nights I slept well, though away from other people. I had big plans to stay out of towns, not stay at shelters, and be strong and resilient and alone. I wasn't against meeting people, I just wanted to prove to myself, at least this early in the game, that I could do it and not fall into a group as many were around me.
I viewed the sights by myself, and had only me to enjoy the breadth of the land below me from the top of Blood Mountain.

the Privy was the cliff?

The same day that I was at the top of Blood Mountain was also the same day I became extremely low. I made my way down the mountain to Mountain Crossings in Neels Gap. I picked up a drop box of food that contained 7 days worth of food. I made a huge error. The 7 days worth of food could've ended up being enough food to feed 2 people for 14 days! I had over-packed so much! I didn't realize it until that evening. I carried a nearly 50 pound pack over several mountains, I did 16 miles that day, over half with the massive heavy pack. Exhausted, at another campsite alone, having a couple other hikers pass me like I was standing still, with a dinner that I had no appetite for that could have fed four people. I was lonely, had no cell phone signal to say "hi" to Cara. I was very frustrated. After burying a few dinners (I know, not LNT!) and leaving some bars at Hogpen Gap for hikers that may actually be hungry, I began making mental lists of items in my pack I no longer wanted to carry. Three days in and I was already dreaming of a light pack. Even in the nice weather I was having I was struggling up and down the Georgia mountains! I was not is shape for this, and though I did eventually got in better shape, I always dreamed of a lighter pack!

Blue Mountain Shelter was the night I decided to stay near a shelter, and glad that I did. I talked with people, I made friends in common misery, I found other hikers much more ill prepared than I, and I heard about some Trail Magic  happening at Tray Gap the next day. Being around other hikers was a balm. I still, thankfully, had enough sense to stay out of the shelters. I did eventually stay in shelters during this trip, but only a handful of times, and most of those times I regretted it!

First stay at a shelter area

The following day I made it to 'B' Team - a support team for a group of section hikers called the 'A' Team. Armed with a pancake breakfast I was well armed to continue a long day ending over a very steep mountain (Kelly Knob) at the end of the day.

I ponder whether I have 'Swag'

Of those times that I spent in shelters, one was right after I did a few monumental things in one day. I made mile 100 at Albert Mountain! I hiked in a hail, rain, and lightening storm! I hiked an 19 mile day! I also talked to my folks and setup a time for them to come and meet me on the Trail, after 8 or 9 days without a real resupply, day off, bed, or shower, I was in desperate need of any one, or preferably, all of those! Another hiker said, "Wow! We've been to every town in Georgia!" to which I said, "There's towns in Georgia?" I didn't stop at any.

Raining hard whilst I'm dry in a shelter

View from Albert Mt fire tower... post thunder storm!

I met Hotshot, with whom I jumped and was passed by later on at Siler Bald Shelter. He and I would hike together at the end of the Smokeys and beyond. I would also see him again in Monson, ME after not seeing him for months! Also from this time was a hiker by the name of Teddy Bear - I would see him coming south bound at the end of August! The community and familiar faces that cropped up at unexpected times was heart-warming and one of the best parts of the Trail.
After Albert Mt I was feeling like a big man, getting my Trail legs and ready for a big day. I decided to hike to the NOC and do a 23 mile day, by far my longest day. I made good time, by late in the day I was standing on the brink of a long steep down hill into the rafting resort. I was exhausted but I figured all down hill wouldn't be bad. The Trail followed a ridge, going up steeply, before losing the altitude, only to gain it back. I was so frustrated! The Trail finally descended down into the valley, I went as fast as I could, imagining burgers and a bed waiting for me. As I crossed the road I noticed that the 'Open' sign on the restaurant was extinguished - aghast I hurried over and dropped my pack. They had closed 5 minutes earlier!! But, being hiker friendly, they still served me a burger! I inquired about lodging and was told they had no vacancy (FUTURE THRU-Hikers TIP: come to find out later this was untrue - if you ever find yourself at the NOC and need a room, go to the dorms and look for an empty bed knock on doors, I spoke with several hikers that slept in rooms that had 3 empty beds!). Mark, my server, offered me a spare bedroom at his place, he has a hot-tub and beer on tap! I accepted his most gracious offer and was rewarded after a very difficult arduous and trying day!
My parents came and met me at Stecoah Gap a day after; we got a motel room and took me to a buffet. They sent some items home for me and we got some needed items from stores far from the Trail. The next day they hiked with me to the part of the Trail known as Jacob's Ladder before turning back. I was very happy to see familiar faces and to be able to include them in the journey. They were both very supportive of this trip. My dad would follow me daily using my SPOT GPS to track me, if I skipped a day or forgot to turn it on I would get a text message soon after, "People want to know where you are, Jon".

I made it to Fontana Dam and stayed at the Lodge there. I was finding that, (FUTURE THRU-Hikers TIP:) if the opportunity presents it self and you are in a position to afford it, stay in comfort, there are plenty of days to sleep in the woods! The next day Jimmy (aka Flip) left his car in Hot Springs, NC and got a shuttle to Fontana to hike the Smokeys with me. It was quite a nice change to have a hiking partner! The Smokeys were high, tough mountains. We faced blowing flurries, hail the size of golf balls, and winds that knocked over a dozen trees on to the Trail. At the time I figured the Trail was going to be this spectacular most of the time, I took for granted what the Smokeys were, the difficult terrain and high mountains wouldn't be seen again for over a thousand miles! Flip came prepared with gourmet foods and it was a great motivator to be hiking with a friend. Looking back, that time on the Trail was one of the best sections of the trip. We also had great views from Clingmans Dome... just hours after Hotshot, who had no views at all.

During this time I was suffering from my second ailment of the trip: shin splints. Going down hill was torture and really slowed us down. We still made a solid 17 mile day in the Smokeys, and by the last day I had finally pushed through the painful swelling and got relief. After we hiked triumphantly from the National Park we got a shuttle from Standing Bear Hostel back to Hot Springs and we drove to Asheville for some R&R.
Back on the Trail alone, I ran into Hotshot almost immediately and we hiked together for the next few days.

Between the edge of the Smokey's and Hot Springs I had changed batteries (might I add expensive) on the Steripen, and it stopped working. I had spoken with several other people who had similar experiences. I went in the outfitters in Hot Springs and they said they had stopped carrying Steripen for awhile because every one they sold was returned! Wow, not good P.R. I bought Aquamire chlorine drops and used them for the rest of the Trail with ease. Every outfitter everywhere carries Aquamire (except REI for some reason!!), and the drops lasted nearly a month and were cheap and light weight, they didn't have a strong after taste either.

Hot Shot on Max Patch

While on the border of NC and TN I stayed in my first hostel: Hemlock Hollow. The place was run by a retired couple, very nice once you got to know them. I got the impression that often times hikers had acted like they deserved special treatment and they were wary to open up, but once they found they could trust you they became a lot more pleasant. I did a my first (and only until Pennsylvania) slack pack. Slack packing is leaving your pack and doing a day hike back to where you started. The draw back of slack packing is that it burns through cash - 2 nights at the same place, plus shuttle rides two days in a row. I did enjoy doing 19 miles without a pack on though!

On the road back to Hemlock Hollow

 I had gotten away from Hotshot at Hemlock Hollow, he had to go home for the day to take care of some business, and I was looking forward to hiking alone again. I was trying to push myself to get to Damascus to meet my friend Dan, who wanted to come hike with me. The Trail was good, spring was blooming all around me, really showing its gorgeous face. The sights were pretty, I was going over those awesome southern balds, my Trail legs were getting stronger, and I thought I was adjusting well. Little did I know my body was still in shock from the adjustment of hiking every day. My weight was plummeting and my energy levels would soon be following...

Part 2

Advise to Thru hikers in the Making

In hindsight I should have taken a more laid back approach to tackling the Appalachian Trail. Most of my planning and research was nearly useless. Of course all the planning kept my mind occupied leading up to the trip so it wasn't completely wasted.

I wasted money on food drops.
I had thoughts, some of them good, on ways to save money buying bulk and adding variety by planning ahead. However, I had no idea what food items I would get sick of a week in (almonds), a month in (Clif Bars), or items I would always eat everyday and continue to enjoy (Clif Mojo, Quaker Oatmeal Cookies). I ran into nutritional issues early on and lost 20 lbs in the first 40 days, and I wasn't over-wright. I wasn't eating all the bars I had on hand, breakfast wasn't big enough, everything was processed.
I added to my diet by getting the food drops and then going to a grocery store and buying all the things to fill in the gaps - which was most everything! So I wasn't saving time by having a food drop and going to a market in the same town.
I now have about 200 extra bars here at the house that I didn't need, not including the ones Cara has eaten while I've been gone, given away, or got lost in the mail (yeah that happens)! I hiked faster and shipped myself less by HALF from what I planned for - I was 2 boxes ahead by the time I reached the end of the Smokey's.
Never hike with more than 4 or 5 days of food, that is the 'break-even' limit, any more and it will slow you down or make you carry less food than you should be consuming. I had big plans to carry 7+ days of food and it was a huge mistake, the AT is almost always 2 days between places to get food, doing 4 or 5 days is just to relieve the pressure of going into a town that often.

Staying in the woods for more than a week isn't fun.
Between the lack of showers, prepared food, and just the same routine of setting up and breaking down camp more than 5 days became wearing. So really my hike consisted of many long-weekend hiking trips, between 3 and 6 days on the Trail before (preferably) getting a hotel room. Save enough money for this! I'm glad I didn't have to worry or spend time in hostels. Hostels are, for the most part, horrendous and a waste of time and money; full of the party crowd, fleas, sickness, snoring hikers, mice, unwashed sheets over dirty mattresses, and mooching disrespectful hikers. So basically all the drawbacks of sleeping in a shelter - except you're paying for it though you usually have access to a shower. There are exceptions, of the ones I stayed at I would recommend Hemlock Hollow in TN, and Woods Hole in VA. I would never go to Uncle Johnny's, Standing Bear, or Kincora seeing and hearing the state of those three made me very wary of any hostel going forward.
There is great pleasure to be had to having a private room, or as the case was in Damascus, an entire private house!
I did share a room at the Allenberry in Boiling Springs, PA with Daffy Duck and the Sterling Inn in Caratunk, ME with Dirty Girl. I made the right call both times, I was a good judge of character in both those situations and it did really help with the cost of the room.

I sent most of my gear home
Things like the Osprey Exos 58 breaking couldn't be helped, I would've gotten the same pack again had it been in stock, it wasn't so I switched to the Osprey Talon 44. The MSR Hubbahubba tent leaked a bit and was on the heavy side, so I changed first to a tarp tent (1lb), then eventually added a hammock (1lb) under that tarp. Of course I switched out my sleeping bag for a lighter one in warmer weather, and clothing too. Mostly I just sent stuff home! If I wasn't using something, or I could make due without it, or even better I could dual use something (my hiking poles in the tarp tent) I would unload it quickly! I got my base-weight 7 to 10 pounds lighter than when I started when I thought I HAD to have everything in my pack! At the end it was 16 or 17 lbs.
The gear list all hikers should have:
- Backpack
- Shelter
- Sleeping bag/ground pad
- cooking set (unless you go cold)
- Water purification
And that's it. Everything else should be food, first aid, comfort items, and what you're wearing.

Setting dates is a mistake
To tell someone that you will meet them at this place at this time is a burden you shouldn't bear! I did this the first time to meet Flip at Fontana Dam ten days after I started, that was a doable goal, however I shouldn't have pushed myself at the beginning like that. I shouldn't have assumed that I wouldn't have had to slow down or take days off that early in the trip because of overused feet and knees. I made it there by that deadline, but I paid the consequences by spending most of those nights in the woods, with sore knees and shin splints, and the days pushing to get there.
My next deadline was to meet WoodTeeth in Damascus. I did not make that date, I had to skip ahead a few miles and made myself sick pushing to get there. I did some good sized days and felt great, then I hit a wall and I still had days of big miles to do. If you are planning on 15 mile days and start doing 20s you need to eat equivalently more! It took me a long time to finally figure that one out. That was the last time I made a deadline for myself in that direction, the rest of the time I made it the opposite way, so I had to slow down to meet with Surplus in July.
You might get sick. You might wake up one day and want to do little miles. You might want to be able to stop and have a long lunch and a swim in a creek. Setting plausibly realistic goals can ruin portions of your hike! Just take it easy and let your friends come to you, they are in cars, and the AT crosses roads everyday.

Have enough money
There were quite a few hikers that couldn't stay in town at all unless it was a donation-hostel so they could not donate and stay for free. If you only have enough for food on the hike then wait another year and save double that. The immediate gratification of hiking will make the trip painful. Also being a constant moocher gives the rest of us hikers a bad name. There is a difference between accepting a ride or accepting Trail Magic or raiding a Hiker Box because it's there and relying on using other people because you are unprepared. You know what you're getting into, you know how much money you should have before starting. Don't expect people to do things for you just because you're hiking a Trail, you're not that special.

Take a Blue Blaze
Sometimes the planners of the AT got it wrong. Sometimes the best views are off the official Trail. This is more a matter of opinion, but I was in no way a purist. The picture below is the North Mountain Trail in Northern PA, it was a mile of awesome views, rock scrambles (like I thought PA was going to be), blue-berry laden bushes, and a sense of un-used trail giving me a sense of adventure. I asked hikers what the AT was like on the portion paralleling this, and it was flat, easy, and had very little rocks (like most of PA - don't believe the lies!!)
I had great side adventures on blue blazes, sometimes making better time, sometimes getting lost and turned around, seeing sights I never would've seen and giving me memories unique to any other AT hikers, 'cause they didn't see what I did!

I probably heard all of this advise before I began the hike. As is in evidence, I ignored it and thought I knew better. So heed this, or don't, you will figure out what works best for you. Enjoying the journey is the only thing the trip is about; a point I occasionally lost sight of, as all of us do, I think, even in life!

Big K

Is it really over? I really don't live in the woods anymore? I'm really going home?!
I have so many thoughts and feelings it will take awhile for me to sort all of them.
I left Monsoon on Tuesday and began the 100 Mile Wilderness. The day began wet, rain had been falling over night but the clouds appeared to be breaking up rapidly though. Five of us hikers got a shuttle to the nearby trail head. There was a lot of excitement everyone felt the end coming, felt the end of the Trail looming closer. Funny how spilt the mentality was, everyone was ready to be done, but half the hikers wanted to speed up and half wanted to slow down.
I was dropped off with: Tex, Craisin, Rebound, and Ranger. We stuck together for a bit, I passed them, later all but Tex passed me later. I was feeling real good, especially after the Trail dried out and the sun came out. The trail was a bit rooty and slippery, but I faired well and only had one minor fall on wet rock. Falling is always scary, it happens so fast and you have no idea if you are about to be in a world of hurt!
I did 19 miles the first day and made it to a windy cold campsite, Cloud Lake Leanto. I woke up early with plans to go as far as I could go! I came down out of the Barren Chairback range to a road crossing. I didn't know what my pace was going to be so I had a food drop hidden in a bucket here, I picked up the four additional days worth of food and headed up Gulf Hagas Mountain. Over the four peaks I headed, up the nice trail and well made steps. The Maine AT Club does a very good job on some portions, the amount of stone steps is incredible! On top of White Cap Mountain, as the sun was setting, I got my first good look at Katahdin. Still so far away, but so close. I stood staring feeling mixed emotions, relief that I was coming to the this hike, but with sixty miles left I also felt a large stirring of determination to get there! After 24 miles I got to Logan Brook Leanto and setup camp for one of the last times... I was very aware of the trip winding down, I would sometimes just pause and look around, trying to capture these memories, to imprint these last days. The days had been pleasant, the miles easy, I was feeling good and really enjoying myself, maybe because I knew I would be home shortly?
The following day the Trail left the mountains and crossed rolling hills and winded around lakes for the next 50 miles. I did 27 miles and camped next to a river. I skipped over going to the famous White House Landing, not needing a night in a hostel!
There were several good views of Big K, but mostly I was hiking through beautiful Maine flat land, over roots and rocks with sections of pine carpet floor. Another 25 mile day got me within 3 to the end of the wilderness! I shared Hurd Brook with an older guy, we sat and chatted for a long time, he was doing a long section hike with the intention of summitting the same day. The next morning the three miles to Abol Bridge went very quickly, in time for coffee! I had gotten a text to my parents letting them know I would be at Abol around lunch, not having cell signal I decided to wait to see if they were in the area. Also a good time to eat burgers and ice cream! I sat and chatted with the hikers there and a Trail Angel, the view of Katahdin from Abol bridge is spectacular! Can't wait to be able to upload pictures! After awhile Craisin, Ranger, and Rebound showed up just as I was about to leave. I was glad that I was going to be summitting with them - good guys! Into a wonderful warm periwinkle-blue skyed day I strode; the last nine miles followed a river into Baxter State Park, waterfalls and rapids making watery music. What a perfect day! I got in to The Birches, a long distance hikers campsite, late in the afternoon. I set up my tent and hammock one last time. I cooked dinner one last time, treated water, and readied myself for the next morning. A bit after dark another Trail Angel showed up in camp: with a cake! Thanks Jonathan! I set my alarm and woke easily and full of excitement at 4:45. I packed up and ate and headed down to the ranger cabin. Dropping off my full pack and taking a day pack I truly became a day hiker, my backpacking days of this trip were over! I got to the trail head and saw that a group of ten started the trail before me, I was imagining a mobbed summit - but I've been hiking for nearly give months, I can beat them up the mountain. The first couple miles of the trail to the top were great, following Katahdin Creek. The trail began to get steeper, and I soon passed the group of ten. Right at tree line Craisin caught up and we walked the rest of the way up... actually a lot of it was climbing! Up boulders and rock faces, along a incredible rock ridgeline to the tablelands. The wind blew chilly and I had to put a few more layers on. The last 2 miles was spread out before me, the summit still hidden. At last the top came into view! The celebration began in earnest! The sign I never really believed I'd see, I was now standing on it! Ranger and Rebound showed up quickly and we all congratulated each other, they spewed champagne all over. I got a bit of signal and got to talk to Cara for a few minutes! After pictures and lots of smiles we headed off the mountain. And that was it -the end of the trip, the summer of hiking over! An amazing trip, filled with pain and exhaustion, frustration and hunger. It was great at times and the most challenging task I ever committed to. There were good views, awesome weather, and fun people. At times I never thought I would ever get to the end, at times I wanted to quit more than anything. Next - going back and doing the Whites! So I am done hiking this Trail for now, but I'm not complete with this Trail. Am I happy that I have trail left undone, a reason to come back and do small sections? YES! I am very happy that I'm going home now, and I never want to be gone from home for that long again!

Hiking the Appalachian Trail is Selfish

Musings
Most times when I go camping I have gone with others. Either as a group or with one or two others. I definitely enjoy the smaller the group. I plan accordingly, the larger the group the less miles the more waiting around pointlessly (from my POV, to them not pointless!). I am really looking forward to hiking solo. I want to wake when I want to wake, start hiking early and go until I want to stop. I think I will get more miles and push myself further and at a more appropriate speed.
Despite this I am so looking forward for friends to come and visit and hike with me. Jimmy is meeting me and hiking with me for 8 days through the Smokies. Dan is meeting me during the second week of May to hike for a couple weeks through Greyson Highlands in Southern Virginia. At that point I will be within range for Cara to come visit and hike on some weekends (most I hope!!). Even further along, Anthony will hopefully join me along the Blue Ridge or in Shenandoah for a few days. Then I expect Jim to come out for a weekend or two in Northern VA, MD, and Southern PA.
I will often have people come see me - with plenty of alone time in between. This way I can throttle my hike. Hike early and long while I'm alone and have a much more relaxed pace when I get visited.

One really slow guy would try and get in front of everyone after every break and then not move over to let you pass

Back to the group mentality - I hear a lot of people becoming part of a group when on the Trail and beginning to hike with people. I have no intention of this. I like interacting with groups, and I hope to see the same people night after night at the shelter area, and even passing or being passed by the same characters. But I won't come to depend on others. I feel like this limits me and compromises my ability to make my own decisions and Hike My Own Hike. When part of a group, I put the group first, meaning the slowest and most in pain. That is my nature. If I'm committed to the group, then everyone is important within that group. This is good for many situations, but that is not the point of this trip. I am hiking the Appalachian Trail for myself. I've already come to the conclusion the the AT is a very selfish endeavor. It is the ultimate 'doing for oneself' and ignoring the exact wishes of loved ones. I have a T-shirt that says it all: 'It's All About ME' (ME is inside the state of Maine and the postal abbreviation of the state). I have been selfish before, but in a defeating way. I have, for several years now, turned that around and been positive, but I also had this underlying want to do something completely for myself in a good way. And I love Cara so much for being able to support me in this. I can't wait to support her in whatever selfishness 'for her only' thing comes upon her during her life! All that being said, I don't want to be apart of a group that limits me, or makes me do for someone other than myself. (I will help a hiker in need if I come upon one. I will give food, moral support, or even carry their pack... to the nearest road!)

When my friends come out and visit I will be catering to them, because I want to share this adventure with them. I want to share my love of nature and the outdoors. And I will NEED the support and promise of seeing people I care about out there. I will be looking for other people to build relationships with while out there as well. I will be open to making life-long friends. I want to care, and already do, about people that are out there already, even if they don't know it. I'm rooting for these people I may never meet to win thru!

Small groups with good people are VERY fun!

Group dynamics are an odd thing as well. I often sit back and observe, and participate, but I normally try to be on the outskirts of a group with interaction with one or two people. Even while leading I do this. When groups divide and sides are taken I try to stay aloof, I do not want the drama. Some people crave drama as they crave the air they breathe! These people will create drama where there should be none. This class of people aren't bad people, they don't even know or realize that they do this intentionally and seemingly maliciously. I have seen it time and time again. Especially in the backpacking Meetup group. I figure even socially awkward people want to be part of groups, but for whatever reason, push people away. They go to these Meetups, and clash with other people that might be hard to be around, just like them. The Appalachian Trail is a very much solitary adventure. I perceive that those hikers able to hike and sleep alone do better and have a better chance of winning. I have read and seen some people on the Facebook AT page already get off because they can't be alone. One, D~, went with several people and the group split up the first day of the Trail - obviously the dynamic was discordant. D~ immediately attached herself to another guy that turned out to be nice and pack her pack and forget to put her cookset in it. Of course this was his fault so she said some mean things about him and ditched him. And immediately attached herself, post-haste, to yet another person. She gets lost going pee in the middle of the night and, according to her, would've wandered to her doom had it not been for her new friend. Soon after she quits the Trail. Promising to herself, and to anyone who will listen, that she will be back next year with a friend that will stick with her. I would like to see a study done on those that hike, an 'entrance poll' and a 'exit poll' of some kind, that asks some questions to get to the center of a hiker psychological profile. I feel the self-reliant are much much more likely to climb the other end, and the needy drop quicker than a ripe apple on a windy autumn day! This of course excludes injury, family, or monetary issues that can face any hiker on the Trail.

One guys' blog has him gushing. "I love it" "I hiked further than I thought" "This is awesome" That is the mentality to have, and the reason to be out there. Because the Appalachian Trail is such a selfish endeavor you shouldn't bother to be out there if you aren't loving most of it! Be selfish, don't be out there for anyone but yourself. On a hard day, use the disappointment others will feel in you to stay out there; ultimately that shouldn't be the deciding factor of staying out there, just a reason to follow the "Rules of Quitting"

Rules of Quitting:

1. Never quit on a gray day
2. Never quit on a rainy day
3. Never quit on a very hot day
4. Never quit until you have that same decisive feeling for seven days in a row
5. Never quit in town!
6. Take a couple zeroes, eat lots of calories
7. Hike a few 5-mile days and see if that makes a difference
8. Your over-active brain is not always your friend on the trail
9. Never quit because people are passing you
10. Never judge any one else's decision to quit or hike on

- Borrowed from a former Thru Hiker

I will miss this

Time grows short until I quit talking about it and start doing it!!

And this

Up Up and Away!

Deal!
Cara and I went to REI attic sale and I found an MSR Hubba Hubba 2P tent for $50! The tent is damage free. After first thinking to have Cara bring it with her when she comes and visits, I made the call to replace my one person Mountain Hardware Sprite 1 for the MSR. I made this decision despite the tent being probably a bit less than a pound heavier. The fabric, itself, is the same or lighter, however the poles account for a bit more weight. What prompted my decision was the ability for the tent to be free-standing, and the ability to take down  or setup the tent rain-fly first. Even in torrential downpour I will be able to keep the inside of the tent relatively dry. And being free-standing I can carry less stakes, and set it up on platforms, or hard surfaces. I also like the idea of having a $330 tent for $50 - to prove to myself that the Trail can be hiked economically with "second-hand" gear. I returned the Sprite and foot-print and got Cara a Osprey pack that we fitted for her. The Aura 50 is a great pack, and it fits her very well. I can't speak more highly of Osprey.

My new home

To try and justify the extra pound I went through my pack item by item and weighed the pros and cons and rid myself of over a pound of things I probably won't need, including: 2 smaller sections of rope, 4 tent stakes, half of the chamois towel, long under pants, a mesh bag, 2 caribeaners, my Reactor sleeping bag liner, and the small funnel part of the Steripen pre-filter (I have wide mouth water bottles, so it's extraneous). I am at the bare minimum of what I am willing to take, everything else will be used or should be kept for emergencies. My sleeping bag is rated for 15 degrees, I have a down vest and extra pant and long sleeve shirt, if I'm chilled I can put on all my layers, and some other tricks I know to keep warm - I am beginning 'late' and won't run into weather colder than 15 at night, I will be surprised if I see that temperature. If I regret this, the next town will get my money for additional gear, it's in the budget.

I weighed my pack with all my gear and 3 days of food, it comes in at 33 pounds, add water to that to 36 pounds. A bit on the weighty side, but it will get better when I am firmly in summer time and I can switch out some gear. The first mail drop at Mountain Crossings with 8 days of food is going to be a tough slow climb up the next few mountains. I will definitely be eating the heavy meals right out of the gate - maybe 3 dinners on the first day and Clif bars for dinner later in the week!


Up in the Air! 

Cara flew a plan this weekend. We went to Potomac Airfield with a Google Offers coupon and, as she has always wanted to pilot a plane she sat up front. I sat in the back enjoyed the view. On the distant horizon I could see the mountains I will soon be on! Oh how those Appalachians call to me!
Cara did very well, and enjoyed herself, she flew around in circles within sight of the US 301 bridge over the Potomac river. The day was clear and sunny and perfectly calm, we really couldn't have asked for a better day to be up there. After we landed we went and hung out with a couple friends, Anthony and Liz, in Alexandria since we were so close.

Pilot Cara

We are keeping busy between now and when I leave for the Trail. Our time grows short and the ache of missing her is already there even though I'm with her. It's great that she has been so understanding of my special form of insanity! I will be looking forward to the day that the Trail leads me close enough that she can come and visit me easily - somewhere around where 64 hits 81 north to NY is not too far a distance for a weekend visit.

Sign of the Times

Cara and I went with Kaya on a 7.5 mile hike around a lake. Apparently the only hiking trail of any length here in St Mary's County! It was a fun trail, lake on our left at most times, and bogs at our feet. Much of the trail had puddles and crossed many streams. At the start of the trail, I found this:

The Sign of the Times!!

The trail around the lake was also blazed white. So I could feel like I was on the Appalachian Trail already. The spring Peepers were out in force, deafening in one spot. We knew the frogs were in the pond in front of us, but could not see a single one, the noise emenating from the grasses and water. Further along on the trail there were frogs eggs in a puddle in the trail, I'm rooting for those little guys to make it back up into the trees! We didn't see anyone for the first 5 miles, so I suggested we break a cardinal rule and allow the dog off leash just to see how she would react. She freakin' LOVED it. The sheer joy she had to run circles around us, jump in every puddle, and sniff out every bit of excrement in the area made her one happy pooch. She listened very well and came when called. Seeing the happiness on her face makes me understand a bit better why people so often let their dogs off lead. I don't agree with it if there is even a chance encounter with other people. When she comes and visits on the AT she will be kept on the leash, but on the back few miles of a lake with no one else around late-afternoon on a Thursday, it was fine and fun.

We Found Winter

Last week end Cara and I drove up to Ridgway Pennsylvania to go to the Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous. We got to the dog-friendly Comfort Inn the night before and went to sleep fairly early. The next morning we went to the next town over to see my brother. Over night snow had fallen and was still falling, from 70 degree weather the day before in Maryland to below freezing temps in 'Up-State' PA - what a shock!! The event coordinators shafted my brother and the couple other carvers where he was placed. He was on the out-skirts of town over a bridge, down by the river, in his old Dodge van. The only commonality these carvers shared was that they were sleeping in their vehicles. All the other carvers got preferential treatment. Cara and I walked the town after catching up with my big bro. There were many people wandering around the town despite the cold harsh conditions. Had he been over there he would have sold out his stock. I was surprised, though, seeing many of the other carvers that seemed amateur, not too surprised, that he still made fairly good bank, despite being in BFE. There were some amazing carving there also. One carver had carved a horse so life likfe, the muscles rippled, the mane seemed to be stirred by the wind. The piece transcended carving to sculpture. The event ran the gambit, from sculptors to people that just picked up a chainsaw.

Over the river, not quite thru the woods. And more signs!

It was good to see Kevin and support him, I hope he appreciated it. It's a tough business he's in, and he really does do some lovely pieces.

We left Sunday as it was warming back up. Winter really has skipped Maryland. We have flowers coming up and blooming, and the tree out front will be blooming probably tomorrow! Spring is here, and I can't wait to walk north with it!

Preparation Updates

I have all my gear squared away, I have checked and triple checked my drop boxes. I have all the money I need saved. I have time off from work and a job waiting when I get back. Fortunately all my planning for the trip is done, now it's just waiting. I am taking four certification exams for work between now and when I leave, give my company one last boost as to why to want to keep me around! Plus it'll keep me occupied for the next month to study and pass all these tests!

Gear pictures for your enjoyment:

Compressed clothing bag

The tent 

Slack pack bag/bear bag and food bag

El Packa

Ground pad

Toiletries 

Flashlight

Steripen - needs a better case so the button isn't randomly pressed

Pocket Rocket

'Mess-kit' add salt shaker to this