Hiker Midnight is a popular term on long-distance hiking trails such as the Appalachian Trail. The general idea is that hikers are tired from the day and want to have a restful night before breaking camp in the morning. The ask is that other hikers tone down the noise and commotion at 9 PM, even … Continue reading Leave No Trace: Be Considerate of Other Visitors
I put my boots on the Appalachian Trail knowing that the trail would be hard. I wanted the trail to be hard. I went in with the right mindset, knowing I would succeed with mind over body. I am proud of what I accomplished. I will use my experience as a stepping stone to further … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: The end is the new beginning (day 7)
We hiked down a long descent yesterday afternoon before arriving at our shelter for the night. It seemed to go on and on and I wondered if it would ever end. I have concluded that I much more prefer ascends to descends. Gravity wants to pull me down the mountain and I need to work … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: The Trail is a Magical Place (day 6)
I had a dream overnight where I was wondering the halls at my old junior high. I was fuming for some unknown reason. Being upset was a regular feeling during my teenage years. I opened a door to a classroom and when I walked in, my current co-workers were sitting around watching soccer on the … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: Missing Life Back Home (day 5)
Our hiking group today went from four active hikers to two. After waking early and making us coffee, Joslyn drove us all to Washington State Monument. From there, I continued north with my friend while the other two shuttled back to Dahlgren campsite to spend two days, shuttling in and out to local tourists spots. … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: Sleepy Day (day 4)
I awoke in the morning to see a text from my friend saying that she needed a day off the trail to rest and start antibiotics. We were welcome to stay with Karen and her family. Hitch hiking was one thing but I felt more vulnerable being in someone's house. I will walk into the … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: Above and Beyond Trail Angel (day 3)
The heat and humidity today was higher than yesterday. Our original plan was to wake early and hike early but with the late arrival to camp last night, we decided to sleep in. Keeping morale high was a priority and no one is at their best when sleep deprived. The "green tunnel" became more sparse … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: Humidity and Hospital (day 2)
We started off with a walk through Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. The town is rich with civil war history and I felt like I was in a museum instead of a real place where people live, work, and play.Upon leaving Harper's Ferry, we followed a nature trail out of town and saw countless cyclists out … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: Harper’s Ferry and Bear Poles (day one)
The plans for my Appalachian Trail section hike are coming together nicely. My group met last week and we talked about gear, weather, food, and mapped out our nightly stops. Our hotel for the night before our hike begins has also been booked. In addition to logistics and gear, we also discussed fears and phobias … Continue reading Ssssscary Phobiasssss and Fearsssss
I took my family out for lunch to Pine Point Rapids in the Whiteshell area of Manitoba today. My task today aside from quality family time was to have a training hike with a fully loaded pack in preparation for Appalachian Trail. Let's start right at the beginning, even before arriving at the trail head. … Continue reading The training moves to outside now
Wild Woman Wisdom 