What I'll be wearing on Saturday

Orange Buff; "honor" visor (Dad's); ATC poly tee shirt; nylon Bass Pro shorts; REI wool hiker socks; Outdoor Research Bug Out Gaiters (EMS Rewards used to purchase); La Sportiva Wildcat shoes. Only thing not shown is my green nylon web belt.

Flat Dad shopped for hiking clothes

Flat Dad thought about new clothes, but recalled what Henry David Thoreau stated in "Walden"

"I say beware of all enterprises that require new clothes, and not rather a new wearer of clothes."

Pre-Hike Number Six and Observations

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Yesterday was a great day for hiking. I carried 25.8 pounds on my back and hiked my 8 miles and felt really good. I was even able to do a short bit of running ... uses different muscles ... on the gravel road.

I met a couple of people while hiking yesterday and gave them my Blog info. I hope they have time to check on my progress occasionally.

I had nearly everything in my pack that I'll have on my first leg of my hike. I have culled everything extraneous from my gear and have what I consider are my bare essentials ... I do have some gear that is heavier than other hikers might carry ... I carry an MSR Miniworks Water Filter because I trust it, others use the Sawyer Squeeze Filter or Aqua Mira drops. I carry Five Fingers Trek Sports because stream crossings in Crocs or Flip Flops can be dicey. I use a bivy and poncho tarp because I don't like bugs and I do plan to use shelters if it rains or WHEN it rains, if at all possible. Bivies and Shelters work well to keep the mice and buggies at bay. I've had the bivy in mild rain but never in a torrential downpour ... if the poncho doesn't provide enough cover, I may order a BearPaw Wilderness Designs tarp. 10x6.5 in brown for stealth camping. It weighs 12 ounces while my Poncho Tarp weighs 9.5. I carry a rain jacket for warmth as much as for rain. I like the poncho in the pouring rain in the summer.

After reading a few Trail Journals, I am considering sending myself my stove and cook pot when I get to Maine. It can get cold and I might want a way to heat water and even to cook some meals. It's a thought I'll have to consider. I'm definitely using my EMS Rewards to purchase a 9.3 ounce Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Plus sleeping bag liner. This with my lightweight thermals is about the same weight as my mid-weight thermals and I believe will keep me warmer in my sleeping bag. I will also be using the 4.7 ounce silk liner with this liner. Layering being the key to warmth.

Sometimes I think it's not in my best interest to read Trail Journals when they accurately describe the White Mountains and Mahoosuc Notch  and such [see this  VIDEO]  ... I can look at the map profiles and shudder ... and reading about the days and days and days of rain and cold and wind ... and 18 inches of snow in August or September in Maine ... and who had to get off the Trail due to this injury or that illness ... and biting flies ...and Lyme Disease ... Oh, it was 'fun' to see the 'real' Maine Climbs ... rebars and ladders and all. But worrisome that I won't be able to carry heavy enough winter gear should it get freezing cold or should we have an early winter ...

Making it all the way is my goal ... but just hiking 'today' has to become my focus. In the past, I've lost my focus by concentrating on the goal. But THIS time, I'm setting my goal to be focusing on 'today's' hike ... and letting the miles pass while doing so.

If I had any sense, I think I'd start in GA and hike half way to MD [and my Mom's] or hike SoBo from MD to GA ... I feel 'comfortable' in the Southern half of the Appalachian Mountain Range ... but the Northern half creates the same 'fear' as when I went to Italy in the early summer of 2001 ... totally uncharted territory ... But I hope and expect the experience to parallel that of Italy ... once I got there, I had a great time ... even if the 'tour guide from hell' did leave me in Florence to fend for myself and leave a group of us in Rome ... I and we all found our way back to the hotels ... and I got to wander Florence on my own ... which was super cool.

I'm not planning to rush through this Half-a-Thru-Hike ... my 'schedule' is mostly in the 8 to 12 mile a day range ... one or two 'nearly 20 mile days' ... with the Caveat that if I don't want to hike that far, I have the Bivy and I can 'cowboy camp' anywhere on the Trail ... except where there are posted signs saying I can't ... and even THEN, if I'm dead tired, I will not repeat what I did in 2009 and push too far and create a situation where I talk myself off the Trail.

When all else fails, Take a Nap when tired. HAD I DONE THAT in 2009, I might have completed that 500 mile hike.

Today I'm resting my knees and legs ... and finding that they're recuperating a lot faster today than they after my last Pre-Hike hike just a couple days ago. I've got a few maps to study and the Maine Guide book to read [I'm leaving it here, putting my notes online and accessible to my iPhone] today.

ONE decision I've made ... I'm buying an external battery charger for my iPhone and leaving my camera at home. That way I can email my photos to myself to 'save' them and download them when I get back to Maryland.

But FIRST, I have to hike.

Pack On Pre-Hike Hike Number Three

Today was a busy day for me and my youngest Granddaughter. We went to REI in Nashville, TN. I purchased the Pack Cover, the Day Pack, and Sil Net to seal the seams of my Granite Gear fanny pack. I didn't like the size of the Cubes and ended up buying an Outdoor Research Dry Sack to replace the bear bag I am currently using. I got the 15 liter size because I might have to put my sweaty clothes in with the food should I end up in Black Bear Territory in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine.

I also picked up a Backpacker Magazine to read. The copy with the Gear Reviews in it.

I purchased a new pair of REI merino wool mini crew light hiking socks and two Nalgene 2 ounce polyethylene bottles.

We went out to Sonic for lunch and then when I got home, I packed up my pack with 20.6 pounds and and hiked three miles rather than three and a half. Temperature was 70* and I took one break. I hiked as fast as I could and was wearing some summer shoes and now have a couple of 'hot spots' on four toes.

Tomorrow, I pack up and hike over at Stones River National Battlefield.

My knee with the steroid shot is feeling fine. My foot with the steroid shot didn't bother me as much as usual, but then I was developing blisters and not concentrating on other aches and pains.

I am beginning to be more confident in my gear choices and other than making up my Protein Drinks for my Mail Drops, I am "good to go."

Ah, AFTER I spray my clothes and shoes with Permethrin, of course.

Pack on Pre-Hike Hike Number Two

On Thursday, I took another pre-hike hike ... in the misty rain. Temperature was again 48* and my pack now weighed 22.4 pounds. I left the house a minute to one and I returned an hour and thirty five minutes later. I cut my time by 10 minutes, although that was not the goal. The goal was to strengthen my legs for my AT Hike.

Friday, I had a doctor's appointment for a shot of steroid [dexamethasone with lidocaine]. As it turned out, the arthritis was so 'thick' [for want of a better term] in the inside of my left knee that the Physician's Assistant had to place the injection from the outside ... yes it hurt when she pushed through to the meniscus. 

However, I also learned that there is a new technique for rebuilding the meniscus that I will be referred to after I return from my hike.

I went shopping for my backpacking meals after I saw the doctor and came up with an array of foods which I spent the rest of the afternoon and after supper sorting and boxing. My boxes weigh from just over ten pounds [Monson, ME to Abol Bridge Campground through the 100 Mile Wilderness] to 4.6 for my mail drop in Port Clinton, PA. I'm quite satisfied with these weights. I have solid food plus a 'whey-soy-milk' drink for supper time which will help in restoring and rebuilding my muscles. I've done a lot of reading on the subject and I believe that this will help me stay healthy on the Trail.

I've had some problems falling asleep and last night I was awake all night. But I also spent the time thinking about my gear ... and realized where I can drop a few ounces and pick up an ounce. I don't need to take my gloves, for instance, but I will send them to me when I get to Sherburne Pass, VT.

Also, I will be 'bear bagging' the PVC Method" and I will try to get my son to make me a small piece of PVC for this style bear bagging.

Today, Saturday, I'm headed to REI in Nashville, TN, with my granddaughter. I have til tomorrow to use my 20% off coupon and I have just over $16 in a dividend. I'm going to purchase a Pack Cover and some Seam Grip and potentially a day pack and a pack it cube which one Thru Hiker suggests is a great Bear Bag ... it's translucent, so you can see what you're looking for without having to dump the entire bag out. I'm going to look at it to see if it's worthy of a purchase.

Well, here it is, nearly time to get up. After we get back from REI, I'll be doing my Third Pre-Hike Hike with a Full Pack.

Sunday, is the day I'm going to put Permethrin on my clothes and shoes and Tyvek ground cloth.

Pack On Pre-Hike Hike Number One

Yesterday, I planned to hike with a full pack, but it took longer to get organized than I thought it would. But today, I loaded my pack and weighed it ... 20.6 pounds and then I added 2 pounds of water.

I bought a Granite Gear Air Swift "fanny pack" in Jasmine Green to wear in front. The color goes well with the REI Flash 45 which has lime green webbing.

I started my hike at 12:44 PM. The temperature was 48 degrees and the sky was cloudy but became overcast as I walked back to the house. It took me an hour and forty-five minutes to walk three and a half miles. I took a short break for water and another break to talk to a lady walking her dog.

I'm a little stiff, but the walk went well. My right foot started bothering me but I noticed that if I used my pole, the pain decreased.  I wore an old pair of shoes and I have a slight blister on the little toe of my left foot.

On Thursday, I'll take another pack-on hike with less food in the pack to simulate a hike after I've eaten a few meals and lightened my load.

First Shake Down Hike with Pack

Today I went on a "Shake Down" Hike. I filled my pack with most of the items I'd be taking with me for a three night hike. I had a liter of water and food in the pack. The only items missing were my medications and vitamins. I had about 18 pounds total. I'd like to reduce that to 16 pounds, so I'll be looking at each item I'm taking and trying to determine if I can reduce the weight.

We hiked nearly three miles at Panther Creek State Park. Then we drove over to Gatlinburg and hiked the Gatlinburg Trail from the Sugarlands Parking lot into town, a two mile trail, plus an additional mile in the city.

We went shopping at NOC Outfitter in Gatlinburg and then ended up at BassPro in Kodak/Sevierville.

My pack worked great.

I found a pair of La Sportiva Mountain Running "Wildcat" hiking shoes at NOC. Then I found a Black Diamond Spot headlamp on sale.

Now to 'lighten' the rest of my load. With a trip to REI tomorrow and more hiking.

Getting Ready for a Pre-Hike

Preparations to hike have included trips to Bluff Mountain Outfitters, REI and BassPro.

I bought Sea to Summit silnylon waterproof stuff sacks, a long sleeve shirt, a short sleeve shirt and a pair of 'toe socks' ... and tried on shoes. My wide feet and high arches make shoe buying difficult.

I'm afraid I'll end up going to my podiatrist to get fitted for the first pair of shoes that actually fit. Hopefully I can find the additional pairs I'm sure to need online.

I'll be doing some 'pre-hike' hikes this week with a full pack. Hope the weather holds out.

After the hike, I'll report on how everything went.

Boots, Shoes, Sandals, Five Fingers and Socks

Boots for a hike on the Appalachian Trail are no longer considered the norm. A few hikers still wear them. Most of them carry thirty-five or more pounds on their backs and need the support of a full leather or leather and fabric boot that covers the ankle.

Hiking shoes and Trail runners are the usual footwear for hikers today. Most hikers are 'lightweight' [under 35 pounds] or 'ultralightweight' [under 20 pounds] including food and water. Both of these style hikers can wear low hiking shoes or trail runners. One advantage is that should a hiker make a missed step, it's easy to catch one's balance with a shoe that pivots at the ankle than with one that forces the leg to follow through with the missed step. Most Trail runners don't have very thick cushioning. Many hikers use Superfeet to add stiffness to Hiking shoes and Trail runners.

Another choice today, especially in the summer time, is sandals. Some have thick vibram soles and good arch support.

And finally, there are Vibram's Five Fingers. Some have a 'thick' hiking tread. I'm taking my KSO's as camp and water shoes.

Sock choices are off the charts. Most Thru Hikers find a brand or style and stick with them for years. Finding the 'right' sock can take years and many attempts, however. I like the REI Merino Wool Mini Crew Light Hiking Socks but I also have tried the Injinji toe socks. The Injinji make good liner socks and work well with Sandals. REI makes a good silk liner sock, too.

Shopping at REI

REI is not sending out its dividends until the middle of March. But I'm in Baltimore and REI is close by now ... so I went to 'try on' some packs. 

Whale [Southern for "Well"] ... I ended up getting an REI Flash 45 Pack ... it only comes in 'Men's size' ... MEDIUM. And I bought the Therm-a-Rest Z-Rest Lite SOL sleeping pad [R value 2.6], a  Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner, six MSR Mini Ground Hog Stakes and a 96 fluid ounce Nalgene Wide Mouth Cantene.  

Remeasured my back after the "medium" pack fit so well ... I'm not 15" after all. I'm 17" which was a surprise because I've 'always' been told I was 15". Been measured at Mountain Crossings and told I was 15". [Not to disparage Mountain Crossings Outfitter at all, but just to suggest that you "measure twice, buy once."]   [I suddenly thought I was in that Prego commercial where the actress says "I wonder what other questionable choices I made."]  I tried on other packs, but the only one that 'felt' right with 25 pounds in it was the REI Flash Men's Pack. It weighs in at 2 pounds. I will be able to cut off some of the excess webbing and bring the weight down a few ounces. The padding doesn't press hard against my spine or push against the muscles on either side of my spine. It's configured in a way that doesn't cause my back to spasm. All the 'flat' packs with the HDPE sheet cause excruciating pain. And the mesh backpads equal pain. 

So now all I need is my shoes, which will be the hardest to find with my needing an obscenely wide forefoot [3 3/4"], square toe-box and high volume shoe. Tried on a men's size 7 and it squeezed my forefoot. 

I still need a sleeping bag. Gonna get the  GoLite Women's Z10 unless someone has a suggestion. The other options I like are the REI Women's Flash or Women's Joule. Flash sleeping bag is probably not going to be warm enough and I'm not planning on buying two sleeping bags. 

OH, I did get a $20 gift coupon for spending "$100 or more." Going to use it and my Dividend and the 20% off coupon which will come with the Dividend on a Thule car top carrier for the kayaks.

HTO and EMS but no REI

I got my massage on Saturday and then drove to the Annapolis, MD, Hudson Trail Outfitters before going to Eastern Mountain Sports on the other side of the street [actually the other side of the Interstate but only .6 miles away].  I met two great salespeople at  HTO. I looked at shoes and packs.  I bought two more pair of Injinji, this time the coolmax and some stormproof matches.  I may go back next weekend as they have regular sales and send the sale info via email.  At EMS, I located a 'return' EMS Thunderhead Rain Jacket in black and my size for $15.  One of the salespeople located the reason for the return ... yellowing where pack straps would have caused the original owner to perspire.  For another $2, I bought a bottle of Granger one-step wash and waterproofing.  So for less than $20, I got a $99 rain jacket that weighs 11 oz. 

What I did NOT do was make it to REI.  But that's okay.  I keep waiting for their 20% off coupon to show up online or else with my dividend.  

Today, I pulled a klutzy move and tripped over my feet, falling into a protruding end of a barrel shaped side chair.  I immediately put ice on it, but I am sore internally.  I hit flesh and don't think I broke any bones.  This will take some time to heal and set back my plans to exercise. 

My hiking partner and I have finally come to the conclusion that we will start our hike at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.  Date is not yet set in stone.  She will be completing her 2000 mile hike and I will be preparing for next year's hike.  After we hike to Mt. Katahdin, Maine, the plan is to hike from the Smoky Mountains to Springer Mountain in Georgia.

Then next year, I have the option of hiking the part I don't hike this year or, perhaps, Thru Hiking.  The choice will be mine.

Two important things: Getting physically fit and purchasing the rest of my lightweight gear.