I was walking along an obvious and plainly marked section of the Appalachian Trail in Southwestern Virginia and not paying much attention. I made the mistake of letting my dog take the lead...
After an hour scrambling up to an exposed ridgetop, the trail just ended. I knew this could not be right and looked about for where I had missed something. I tried to think back to the last time I had seen one of the famous trail markers the AT is known for. The last one I remembered seeing was in the valley I had just climbed out of. I tried to think back but could remember no obvious trail crossing or divergence but somehow I knew I had gotten off trail. There are an abundance of wild ponies in this area and it is possible this trail could have been created by one of them. I trekked back down the trail hoping to find the AT up high rather than having to hike all the way back to the bottom. After an hour with no luck, I knew something was wrong. I ended up at a sheer dropoff with the trail going straight over the edge. I had followed a water runoff course.
I turned around again, not knowing how I ended up here since I couldn't possibly have come from here. Though it was still early in the day, dark clouds quickly descended around me, obscuring anything more than 10 feet away. A light mist began to fall, dampening my clothes, and a strong wind began to pick up around me, regularly gusting more than 40 mph. I was on an exposed ridge with no vegetation higher than my knees and only a few boulders. I tried to shelter behind a few of the larger ones but the wind seemed to come from all directions. I could only remember one landmark on my way up the trail: a boulder split in two with barely enough room for a man to squeeze between the sides. I knew that if I could find that, I could find my way back. The situation was turning dire, but I knew I had to remain calm. The wind was trying to push me back so I had to lean into it to stand still and think. The answer came to me quickly...footprints. It took only a few seconds to find them and I followed them back to where the water path turned from the one I had been on, then I was able to take that one down the mountain and back to the AT where the blazes were a welcome sight. I vowed not to lose them again.
Trail conditions can turn bad quickly. The weather prediction had been for a warm day in the 60's, full of sunny skies with a low of 45 at night. The actual weather during the day was soggy and never rose out of the 40's. Nightime lows were in the 30's and the blasting wind kept the windchill in the teens and 20's. Lesson learned: always be prepared.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Hiking Princess
This was Felicity's third hike, and her love for the trail only increases. She learned what leaves and roots are ("tree" is common knowledge to her now). Roxy flushed two whitetail deer and Flissy was able to scream "Eeeeeee" as they darted past not 20 yards away, long bright tails straight as flagpoles. She was highly impressed with the lily pads and stopped every few feet near the pond and on the bridge to point them out to me. I also learned a new trail hazard today...dirty diapers on the trail. My skill had not diminshed however, and the diaper was easily changed with no mess and Flissy's digging through the pack eventually produced two ziploc bags to double-wrap the hazardous material in. We walked about the three miles (Flissy riding for about half) and she fell asleep soon after on the way home. The first two pictures are from an impromptu picnic on the trail and the last is from one of the many bridges we crossed over a pond.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Joy of a Child
My 18 month old daughter went on her first hike recently. My wife, the dog, and I tried to hold on for the ride. It was such a joy to see her discovering her first trail. The trees, the rocks, the mountain stream. Countless "ooooh"s and "ohhhhh"s filled the air as we made our way over the single mile that would comprise my daughter's first experience in a world that I so love. I can still remember my first hike, though it has been a while. I was 11 or 12 years old and my uncle took me hiking in the Smokies, probably around a mile as well. I do not recall many of the details (this was long before I started keeping a trail log, for at that young age I could not comprehend the seed that was being planted in me), but I do recall the joy I felt at having accomplished a "out and back again."
I can only hope my daughter will feel the same. Though she was so young, she walked nearly three quarters of the trip herself. I hope it will be the first of many family hikes in the future.
I can only hope my daughter will feel the same. Though she was so young, she walked nearly three quarters of the trip herself. I hope it will be the first of many family hikes in the future.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The 10 Trails
10 Trails
There are ten different trails near my house but there is something familiar and related amongst them all; they are all the same trail. Hiking opportunities can often be limited so what does one do when they live in a place with few trail options? Here is a tip I learned over time on a favorite trail of mine that is less than 15 miles from my house. To keep a trail from becoming boring or “old hat,” try mixing up the scenery a little. No, you can’t play God, but you can do the next best thing and use what He has created in creative ways to get more enjoyment out of each and every trail experience.
The first four ways to mix it up on a trail should be obvious. Four seasons equal four different trail experiences. Early springtime brings new growth and green buds, but it might still be cool enough in the morning or afternoons to keep things from becoming a sweaty mess. Summer does bring heat in many areas, but it is also a great time to view wildlife and to see plants and flowers in full bloom. Fall brings a wide array of colors in many places not available at any time of year and one can usually find just the right temperature to stay comfortable at with any type of clothing desired, i.e. getting cool enough in the evenings to wear a jacket, but still warm enough during the height of day for a shirt or possibly shorts. Winter is another world. For those of us who enjoy the cold or miles of scenic vistas with no greenery in the way, this is the time to go.
Now that the obvious is out of the way, let’s look at more subtle ways to make a habitually hiked trail more exiting. My favorite: hiking at night. Put on the old headlamp, grab some extra batteries and hit the trailhead. Many animals are only active at night and the sounds heard are amplified tenfold. If you enjoy solitude, this is the time to go. Another great way to find solitude is to hike in the rain. While I wouldn’t recommend this in winter, it can certainly be pleasant in a warm spring or summer. Falling rain can keep bugs away and the water has music all its own as it falls through the trees. Rain’s sister weather is the snow and talk about changing a trail experience. Snow can so change a trail that the first time hiking a familiar trail in the snow causes many to wonder if they got on the wrong trail somewhere. Animal tracks are easily visible as are many animals as they stand out more against a white background. The going is usually more difficult but infinitely rewarding.
What else could there possibly be to amplify and renew a trail’s experience? There are two on this trail that I’ve experienced that did change up the hiking experience and the first was hiking in the midst of a drought. Creek beds were dried up and the greenery is not nearly as thick in summer. This is also a great way to get away from bugs (mosquitoes love standing water, so if there isn’t any…). I’m not saying that droughts are good, but one should learn to find an opportunity in every situation. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I have hiked this trail after weeks of rain when it was completely flooded and most of the trail was underwater, causing me to hike in the water or find ways around. It can be fun and challenging coming to a stretch of trail that is completely submerged as far as the eye can see. Once again, the excitement is in the challenge.
Finally, and perhaps the best way to change up a trail experience is to hike it with friends or even a pet. They can provide fresh perspectives or see things that you may have never noticed. Animals can sense smells and sounds that may completely pass you by and though it may be a wild goose chase following them; sometimes that is fun in itself (though getting lost doing so is not).
There are various other ways to mix it up, but those are some basics. I’ve hiked at night in the rain and before dawn in the snow. I’ve hiked that trail with winds blowing in excess of 60 miles an hour. Some people enjoy running a trail or taking it really slow and stopping for a picnic. There are a countless number of ways to change up a trail experience. Whichever way you choose is great as long as it gets you out there.
There are ten different trails near my house but there is something familiar and related amongst them all; they are all the same trail. Hiking opportunities can often be limited so what does one do when they live in a place with few trail options? Here is a tip I learned over time on a favorite trail of mine that is less than 15 miles from my house. To keep a trail from becoming boring or “old hat,” try mixing up the scenery a little. No, you can’t play God, but you can do the next best thing and use what He has created in creative ways to get more enjoyment out of each and every trail experience.
The first four ways to mix it up on a trail should be obvious. Four seasons equal four different trail experiences. Early springtime brings new growth and green buds, but it might still be cool enough in the morning or afternoons to keep things from becoming a sweaty mess. Summer does bring heat in many areas, but it is also a great time to view wildlife and to see plants and flowers in full bloom. Fall brings a wide array of colors in many places not available at any time of year and one can usually find just the right temperature to stay comfortable at with any type of clothing desired, i.e. getting cool enough in the evenings to wear a jacket, but still warm enough during the height of day for a shirt or possibly shorts. Winter is another world. For those of us who enjoy the cold or miles of scenic vistas with no greenery in the way, this is the time to go.
Now that the obvious is out of the way, let’s look at more subtle ways to make a habitually hiked trail more exiting. My favorite: hiking at night. Put on the old headlamp, grab some extra batteries and hit the trailhead. Many animals are only active at night and the sounds heard are amplified tenfold. If you enjoy solitude, this is the time to go. Another great way to find solitude is to hike in the rain. While I wouldn’t recommend this in winter, it can certainly be pleasant in a warm spring or summer. Falling rain can keep bugs away and the water has music all its own as it falls through the trees. Rain’s sister weather is the snow and talk about changing a trail experience. Snow can so change a trail that the first time hiking a familiar trail in the snow causes many to wonder if they got on the wrong trail somewhere. Animal tracks are easily visible as are many animals as they stand out more against a white background. The going is usually more difficult but infinitely rewarding.
What else could there possibly be to amplify and renew a trail’s experience? There are two on this trail that I’ve experienced that did change up the hiking experience and the first was hiking in the midst of a drought. Creek beds were dried up and the greenery is not nearly as thick in summer. This is also a great way to get away from bugs (mosquitoes love standing water, so if there isn’t any…). I’m not saying that droughts are good, but one should learn to find an opportunity in every situation. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I have hiked this trail after weeks of rain when it was completely flooded and most of the trail was underwater, causing me to hike in the water or find ways around. It can be fun and challenging coming to a stretch of trail that is completely submerged as far as the eye can see. Once again, the excitement is in the challenge.
Finally, and perhaps the best way to change up a trail experience is to hike it with friends or even a pet. They can provide fresh perspectives or see things that you may have never noticed. Animals can sense smells and sounds that may completely pass you by and though it may be a wild goose chase following them; sometimes that is fun in itself (though getting lost doing so is not).
There are various other ways to mix it up, but those are some basics. I’ve hiked at night in the rain and before dawn in the snow. I’ve hiked that trail with winds blowing in excess of 60 miles an hour. Some people enjoy running a trail or taking it really slow and stopping for a picnic. There are a countless number of ways to change up a trail experience. Whichever way you choose is great as long as it gets you out there.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Trail Dangers
Though not very big, we do sometimes get scorpions in South Carolina, and this little guy refused to move off the trail on my latest hike...
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
An Overgrown Path
I spent some time yesterday evening hiking on an overgrown trail on a mountain near my house, and though I often hike at night, I can understand why some people fear to do so, though I wonder if the reasons for those fears do not exist more in the mind than in reality...
An Overgrown Path
Have you ever beheld a wood at twilight,
Perhaps peered down an overgrown path at dusk,
And wondered what adventures might befall you,
Would you but take a step,
Down that Ancient walkway?
As the light dims you may perceive the encroaching growth of the forest primeval, an impenetrable wall of green closing in tightly on every side, arms of twig and branch reaching for you, attempting to ensnare you here forever as the Wild sets in.
You might sense the heavy and thick foreboding of old man Time as he creeps back in to take hold, unleashing the beasts of old; unspeakable creatures of horror and darkness, nameless in their magnificence and terrible to behold.
Yes, you realize too late that this was their domain, you remember the stories, the legends you heard when you were younger, stories of strange things that haunt the forest at night. For they come to hunt, to trap the things of light and day.
You notice now that even were it the height of day, only ambient light could penetrate that canopy far overhead. And neither candle nor lamp could pierce the thick jungle on either side of this trail.
You know now the stuff from which nightmares are made, and you run. You run back from whence you came, back to the safety of man and civilization. Away, away from the towering behemoths stalking silently after you, their heads brushing the uppermost boughs as they approach, ever faster, in your wake. You hear their breathing, feel the stomps of their heavy feet upon the ground and you run, run for your life.
You know it, you sense a large hand closing down upon you from behind, from above, the light is fading, but shall you give in?
Nay, nay, there is the light ahead and tired legs carry you quickly into the setting sun, into the safety of the known world. As you catch your breath, you look back. Wondrous thing to behold, it is only an overgrown path that greets your sight. Shall you ever again, I wonder, attempt that path at night?
An Overgrown Path
Have you ever beheld a wood at twilight,
Perhaps peered down an overgrown path at dusk,
And wondered what adventures might befall you,
Would you but take a step,
Down that Ancient walkway?
As the light dims you may perceive the encroaching growth of the forest primeval, an impenetrable wall of green closing in tightly on every side, arms of twig and branch reaching for you, attempting to ensnare you here forever as the Wild sets in.
You might sense the heavy and thick foreboding of old man Time as he creeps back in to take hold, unleashing the beasts of old; unspeakable creatures of horror and darkness, nameless in their magnificence and terrible to behold.
Yes, you realize too late that this was their domain, you remember the stories, the legends you heard when you were younger, stories of strange things that haunt the forest at night. For they come to hunt, to trap the things of light and day.
You notice now that even were it the height of day, only ambient light could penetrate that canopy far overhead. And neither candle nor lamp could pierce the thick jungle on either side of this trail.
You know now the stuff from which nightmares are made, and you run. You run back from whence you came, back to the safety of man and civilization. Away, away from the towering behemoths stalking silently after you, their heads brushing the uppermost boughs as they approach, ever faster, in your wake. You hear their breathing, feel the stomps of their heavy feet upon the ground and you run, run for your life.
You know it, you sense a large hand closing down upon you from behind, from above, the light is fading, but shall you give in?
Nay, nay, there is the light ahead and tired legs carry you quickly into the setting sun, into the safety of the known world. As you catch your breath, you look back. Wondrous thing to behold, it is only an overgrown path that greets your sight. Shall you ever again, I wonder, attempt that path at night?
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Georgia AT and Roxy, The Hiking Dog
Whew, just finished 20 miles at the start of the AT from Springer Mtn in Georgia. 17 the first day, 3 the second. It was a beautiful land, a true blessing from God. Starting at Springer, Roxy, The Hiking Dog, and I worked our way down over several stream crossings and eventually came to the Three Forks, where three streams meet 4 miles from the start. There was a nice campground here and a parking lot nearby. Working our way back out of the valley, we could see several waterfalls in the distance and eventually crested a hill from which the walking became level for perhaps a mile. This was approximately 7 miles from Springer. We stopped and ate lunch at Hawk Mountain Shelter before descending into and ascending out of Hightower Gap and doing the same at Camp Gap. Roxy started to get tired before the descent into Horse Gap (10 miles from Springer), so we decided to turn around at the rim and head back, aiming for our lunchtime shelter.
I wasn't planning on the sleeping in the shelters as having endured the mice of such places over several hikes in the last few years turned me off to that idea. Not that mice might not be wonderful creatures, just not to me; and I really didn't look forward to a night of having 80 lb Roxy crawling all over me to get at the mice either as she loves to chase little critters in the woods. I can just hear the other shelter-goers now: "hey did you guys here a mous--OOF! I think your dog just stepped on my foot--OOF, make that my face..."
So we planned on sleeping in a tent anyway. Well I planned on it; it was up to Roxy if she wanted to or not. We got back to the shelter and since she seemed to gain some energy, decided to push on towards one of the cascades we saw earlier. We made camp about 5:00, 17 hiking miles from our starting point. After making camp and eating dinner, good ol' Roxy decides she wants to swim in the creek, so I guess she decided against sleeping in the tent. After watching and laughing at her for about 45 min, I'm too tired to stand so I tie her up and conk out for a couple of hours until she wakes me up, wanting of all things, to be taken for a walk. Good owner that I am, I oblige and she is happy and even completely dry 15 mintues later so she got to sleep in the tent after all, Lucky Dog. With only 3 miles to hike the next day, we took our time and enjoyed some of what we missed earlier, taking pictures, some of which are posted here.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Georgia Appalachian Trail
next hiking trip on the AT in Georgia with man's best friend, Roxy, The Hiking Dog (details coming soon...)
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Appalachian Trail Shelter Music
This was a musical act I enjoyed recently in one of the AT shelters in Shenandoah National Park. Musical theater was scheduled to begin promptly at ten. The opening number was a duet of owls and consisted of a call and repeat rhythm which lasted for perhaps thirty minutes. Intermission lasted for twenty minutes, during which time audience goers were invited to get refreshments, relieve themselves, or just snuggle more tightly into their sleeping bags.
The Second Act opened with a chorus of three, with intermittent duet numbers performed by the headliners. This lasted until I fell asleep. It was with regret that I could not stay awake for the following act, consisting of musical numbers performed by the Brethren of Micea, a mouse quartet that tried and succeeded on several occasions to rouse my slumber, but only long enough to bang my walking stick on the bunk above where they insisted on rehearsing until midnight. Afterwards, no amount of singing or scampering could disturb me.
The Second Act opened with a chorus of three, with intermittent duet numbers performed by the headliners. This lasted until I fell asleep. It was with regret that I could not stay awake for the following act, consisting of musical numbers performed by the Brethren of Micea, a mouse quartet that tried and succeeded on several occasions to rouse my slumber, but only long enough to bang my walking stick on the bunk above where they insisted on rehearsing until midnight. Afterwards, no amount of singing or scampering could disturb me.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tips for Lightweight Hiking
No Stove (be a man, eat PB&J, lots more calories than ramen anyway)
No pots or pans (God gave you hands)
No fuel canisters (no stove, duh)
No windbreak for stove (see above)
No coffee cup (big yawn and get moving)
No spare batteries if only going for 2 days (plan on staying up all night?)
Copies of pages out of guidebook only, no book (index anyone?)
One headlamp and no flashlight (hands are for eatin)
1 candle max per night out (look at the stars if you’re desperate)
Nylon twine instead of rope (unless you’re hauling your car out the mud)
No compass on established trails (Risky bit that one)
Shoes on your feet should be the only ones with you (flip flops are for public showers)
NO PILLOW (wadded up extra clothes are great)
Lightweight foam pad for under sleeping bag (rocks are good for your back)
2 water bottles max, 1 preferred (use yer filter)
Water Filter (yes, iodine is lighter but it sucks)
Tent (might rain, if not, sleep on ground tarp only)
Sleeping bag (optional in summer)
20 degree sleeping bag in summer?! (You hiking the Arctic circle?)
Backpack (you could carry everything in a pillowcase, but…)
No waterproofing gear if no rain (ask Einstein about this one)
1 extra shirt (for fun)
1 pair extra socks and boxers per night (Cuz jock itch ain’t fun)
Small, lightweight knife only (kill a bear in hand to hand combat if you must)
Toilet Paper (throw that stupid little shovel as far as you can)
Cut your toothbrush in half (either that or use a stick)
Travel size on any toiletries (unless you’re moving in)
No soap, hand sanitizer only (stay inside if you don’t want to get dirty)
Small lightweight handtowel or use your extra shirt (take a shower when you get home)
No kindling or firestarter (lightning kills trees for that, use them if you must)
No pots or pans (God gave you hands)
No fuel canisters (no stove, duh)
No windbreak for stove (see above)
No coffee cup (big yawn and get moving)
No spare batteries if only going for 2 days (plan on staying up all night?)
Copies of pages out of guidebook only, no book (index anyone?)
One headlamp and no flashlight (hands are for eatin)
1 candle max per night out (look at the stars if you’re desperate)
Nylon twine instead of rope (unless you’re hauling your car out the mud)
No compass on established trails (Risky bit that one)
Shoes on your feet should be the only ones with you (flip flops are for public showers)
NO PILLOW (wadded up extra clothes are great)
Lightweight foam pad for under sleeping bag (rocks are good for your back)
2 water bottles max, 1 preferred (use yer filter)
Water Filter (yes, iodine is lighter but it sucks)
Tent (might rain, if not, sleep on ground tarp only)
Sleeping bag (optional in summer)
20 degree sleeping bag in summer?! (You hiking the Arctic circle?)
Backpack (you could carry everything in a pillowcase, but…)
No waterproofing gear if no rain (ask Einstein about this one)
1 extra shirt (for fun)
1 pair extra socks and boxers per night (Cuz jock itch ain’t fun)
Small, lightweight knife only (kill a bear in hand to hand combat if you must)
Toilet Paper (throw that stupid little shovel as far as you can)
Cut your toothbrush in half (either that or use a stick)
Travel size on any toiletries (unless you’re moving in)
No soap, hand sanitizer only (stay inside if you don’t want to get dirty)
Small lightweight handtowel or use your extra shirt (take a shower when you get home)
No kindling or firestarter (lightning kills trees for that, use them if you must)
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