Lessons Learned

12 November 2018 Monday

This is one step closer to through hiking the AT.  I learned a lot about gear, backpacking and my personal strengths and weaknesses.  Things to change moving forward.

Test new gear on a short weekend trip or backyard.  Most of my new gear worked well, some did not.  I have some changes to existing gear and some new gear to get or make.

Hiking in the cold rain requires diligence to avoid hypothermia.

Don't start with big miles.  Start shorter (6-8 miles) and work up to longer days (15+ miles). It takes my body 5 days to get used to the rigors of backpacking with a 42 pound pack.

It's about the journey, not the destination.

It's not a race.

There is no time table.

It's not a competition.

Have fun 😃

So long for now AT

10 November 2018 Saturday

Awoke in the wee hours of dawn waiting for sunrise another day.  I was all warm and snug in the comfort of my sleeping bag anticipating the light of a new day.  Pick up today is 1pm so i can just enjoy my last few hours before a 6 mile hike.

As first light appeared I started to heat water for a cup of coffee.  I enjoyed that from the warmth of my bed.  I could see the suns rays striking gently against the autumn leaves with the sound of birds chirping and the spring splashing in front of the shelter.  This certainty made getting water for coffee and the days hike.

As i enjoyed my cup of Joe I couldn't believe my eyes.  It couldn't be, could it?  Tiny white flakes falling majestically from the sky.  Flurries continued to fly as I lay there warm and snug, sipping coffee and eating breakfast.  Breakfast today and everyday on the trail was a homemade oatmeal, nut, raisin bar.  This was the perfect start to each morning.  Usually I ate while hiking, but today I enjoyed breakfast in bed at this 5 start resort.

I packed up my gear for the last day while flurries danced in the wind.  One final thing to do after packing.  Put my dry clothes in the top of my pack and put on the cold wet clothes without haste.  It only takes a few minutes. To get warm.  Since my gloves were soaked I wore socks to keep my hands warm.

I headed of to the beaver dam as the cold wind stung my face.  It was only about a mile and I was hiking by the dam.  Quite an impressive sight.  To be standing right next to this incredible structure.  I was in awe as I stood in the water taking pictures of this impressive structure.

Sunrise the last day on the trail

Flurries

Beaver dam.  Up close and personal

Wading through the water below the dam

Shot of most of the beaver dam

Sunrise another day

9 November 2018 Friday (day late due to no service)

No sunrise No problem

Awoke early this moring, it was still dark.  I checked the weather to see when the rain would arrive.   Looked like noon.  I decidded to get up a first light  pack and see if i could make the next shelter 10 to 11 miles away.

So it starts to get light, but no sunrise.  Not today, here.  I am sure the sun rise could be seen elsewhere. The great thing is, the sun is still up there keeping earth warm.  Just because you don't see something doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

I was thankful for a dry morning, packed quickly.  I wanted to beat the rain.  Nevertheless, I put on my rain jacket, rain kilt in my pocket, and rain cover on the pack. 

I was about half way when I ran into Dorothy and Toto near Yellow spring.  Seriously you can't make this up.  She was SoBo headed to Georgia.   I won't even touch yellow spring.  She informed me there is a beaver pond just past the shelter.  I guess I'll be knee deep in the beaver pond. 

Shortly after that it started to rain.  It was on and off drizzle at first.  Then the skies opened up.  It is funny how we like to keep our feet dry.  I was rock hopping and bushwacking to keep my feet dry.  Kept thinking I could beat the rain.  Now my feet are soaked and I trudge right through the water.  Some water was ankle deep. 

As time ran into hours the rain pentrated the rain gear and  I was getting damp.  I was in need of dry clothes and warmth before hypothermia grabbed hold.  As long as i kept moving I'd be okay.   I was losing feelings in my fingers.  The soaking wet gloves weren't cutting it. 

I finally reached the shelter, and none to soon.  No one was there but it wouldn't have mattered.  I stripped down and hun my clothes on a line that was already there.  I put on dry clothes and my down puffy.  I set up my hammock, underquilt, and sleeping bag.   The crawled in to get warm.  It probably took 30 minutes.  I had hummus and pita for lunch, in bed.  I also ate the other Rxbar left the the trail angel a day or 2 ago.  That got me warm enough to get going.

I got up and got my stove out for a hot beverage.   I like to add a little jello to hot water.  It is a nice warm pick me up.  I got my things ready for bed,  night would be here soon.  I heated water for dinner.  Tonight was a gourmet meal.  Mashed potatoes, stuffing, chicken, gravey and mixed vegetables.  For desert warm chocolate pudding.  I feel like a million bucks.

Hung my food and grabage to keep it away from rodents.  All my garbage for the week fits in a quart ziploc bag.  It is also great having a lighter pack.  I am done to the bare minimum of food.  Tomorrow i come off the trail at Swarta Gap.

I tried to sen Sharon a message to bring warm dry clothes and food.  For some reason I have a hankering for a PB & J.  No cell service here so no text.  Also no blog post.  I'll post this when i get service.  I am fueled, in a warm bed, and dry.  I am thankful for another wonderful day and to be in out of the pouring rain.  This trip helps remind me to be thankful for the small things in life.  Running water, hit or cold, warm house, but most of all great family and friends.

Trail crossing a stream

The trail.  No worries feet are soaked.

Can you spot the spring out my front door 

They finally arrived

8 November 2018 Thursday

Awoke to another sunrise from my hammock.  I never get tired of see these.  To bad I don't take time at home.  Get too busy.  I do get to see them on morning runs, but not every day.

Packed my gear and headed out for a nice day of backpacking.  That is when i noticed my new arrival.  They finally came.  I got my backpacker legs.  I was able to hike from shortly after sunrise to just before sunset.  I had minor soreness.  It is a great feeling.   I forgot it takes about 5 days to get used to the pack and hiking with 40 pounds on your back.

I saw some wild life today other than squirrels.  I saw a doe, but she ran off before i could get a picture.  I also found a herd of high schoolers at one of the views.  It was scary so I left quickly.

Today since I by passed the shelter at 7 miles I needed to find another water source.  I added 8 miles so Friday i only need to do 10 miles.  My water source to day was a spring bubbling up right next to the trail.  I filtered the water and took 3 liters.  I need some for dinner and tomorrows hike.  Hoping the rain holds off until afternoon. 

Heating water for dinner 

Through thr rocks

Over the rocks

View from Peter's mountain 

Another beautiful view

Just finished setting up camp as the sun sets

Same old routine

7 November 2018 Wednesday

Awoke to a beautiful sunrise this morning.  Earth surfer and his dog Cabra (spanish word fro goat) hung out while I packed.  We both agreed dry on the AT has a different meaning than dry at home.  In the woods nothing really gets dry, more like damp.

So to have this experience.  Go get a pair of socks and make them wet.  Rung them out and hang them out overnight.  Then in the morning put them on.  How's that feel?  It only takes a few minutes hiking until you get used to it.  The thought in the back of my mind is, dry socks at the end of the day.

Today i traveled through Duncanon and stopped at the infamous Doyle.  Look it up.  Then up Peters mountain. 800 foot climb followed by a rock scramble.  I spoke to other thru hikers and they said the rocks in PA are the worst.

Took my time getting to Clark's ferry shelter, 9 miles.  This is the first night alone in a shelter.  I'm scared mommy.  Not really.  It is very peaceful ad night closes in.  Listening to the crickets, birds and an owl.

I had a little trail magic tonight.  I was in the shelter when i heard a loud bang, like metal.  Later when i put my food in the metal bear box I found 2 Rxbars.  I ate one and it was yummy.  I'll save the other for another day.  My food is close on the daily rations.  I have been getting hungrier each day.

It is now becoming routine.  Get up with the sun.  Hydrate and fill water containers, 2 liters.  Then hike to the next shelter.  Find water.  Prepare for the evening.  In bed at dark to journal, read, and pray.  The end of another fine day.

God Bless

Sunrise from my bedroom 

The susquehanna river from the west side

A few steps to get down the mountain to Duncanon 

The infamous Doyle

Susquehanna river from the east side.

Another rainy day

6 November 2018 Tuesday

The rain had stopped overnight and the temp was a little warmer.  As morning approached and first light was appearing, the rain started.  No more time to he a wuss.  I was up with the other 2 thru hikers and we all talked and packed.  They left in steady rain.  I waited until it slowed, then headed out.  A short 7 mile hike today.

I started down the mountain my feet staying relatively dry.  Down lower the trail was a creek.  My feet were wet so I sludged on thru ankle deep water.

It continued to get warmer or at least i was getting warmer.  It was either a shirt wet from rain or sweat.  I choose rain.  At least i was a little cooler.

I've tried to keep these posts positive but real.  So keep that mind when i tell you this.  I now remember why PA is known for its rocky trails.  It's like they found every rock out here and used it to build a trail.  Pictures cannot do it justice.  It has to he experienced.  Okay, I feel better now.

The hike wasn't bad i just went slower across the rocks.  I must be getting my trail legs.  I did not fall today, but a few close calls.  My only pain is the pack i have.  It is the first time out for a week.  Bad decission.  The hip strap is worthless and the buckle is cracked.  I hope it holds.  I did some Macgyvering with duct tape.  I have a backup place with string.  After that vines and tree sap ha ha ha.

The hike over all went well.  Before i knew it i arrived at the shelter.  I hiked down to the shelter.  Note that means hiking up in the morning.  Anyway, i arrive at the shelter to find another thru hiker Sobo.  Earth surfer is his name and his dog Corbra.  Really nice guy and dog.  We talked hours about gear and life on the trail.   That makes thru hiker number 4.  Apparently there a more thru hikers still out here.  Learn something new every day.

The weather is supposedto be nice the next 2 days. Not sure about Friday and Saturday, but that's a long way off.  A lot could change untill then. 

 Living in the moment.

Scenic view

A few rocks.  Proof the earth isn't billions of years old.  If it were, these rocks would be pebles or dirt.

To hike or not to hike...

5 November 2018 Monday

Zero day today.  In the 40s with heavy rain.  It was nice and warm in my sleeping bag.  Not a fan of hypothermia, so i decided to stay put.  I am here for fun, not misery.  No alone time.  Still plenty of hikers out which is a big surprise.

There is.one other section hiker that is  getting off the trail in Duncannon.  This is home to the infamous Doyle.  Hiker house, bar, and resturant.  I understand it is an experience.  Brian came last night, but like me decided not to hike today.

There was another hiker that stayed last night.  He is a SoBo ( south bounder) hiker.  He finishes today at Boiling Springs.  He was up and out around 8am.  He flip flopped.  That is he hiked GA to Boiling Springs, then traveled to Khatadin Mt and finished SoBo.

Two more Sobo stopped here today.  Bear Magnet (trail name) stopped for lunch and decided to to stay.  He will finish at Harpers Ferry November 10, roughly 112 miles to go.  The next SoBo stopped in shortly after lunch.  His name is Larry (real name).  He does not have a brother Daryl and another brother Larry.

I have been asked many questions about my, which I could spend hours talking about.  I don't want to bore people to tears.  One of the questions was, "what do you think about?"  So here goes.

Right  left   repeat
Rock, root, puddle  repeat
Watch the wet leaves on the rock
Am i on the trail
Where's the white blaze
How deep is that water.
Squirrel, no really a squirrel
Praying
Walking Meditation breath in out
Where do i get water next
Backpacking gear
This really hurts
Did i bring enough food
Don't use you head lamp on red when writing with an orange pen.

Tomorrow i will hike ran or shine.  Word is it should be upper 50s to low 60s.  I've don't that.  But that is tomorrow all we really have is now.  Moment by moment my friends.

View from my bedroom

Privy in center of pic

Home sweet home for the day.  That's my blue under quilt on my hammock  and portable water carrier.  Spring was 150 yards down hill.