Preperation

What better way to prep for the AT than by actually hiking it. The recent spurt of warm weather gave me a perfect opportunity to test my body, gear, and mind on a short two-day hike. Pennsylvania's section of the trail is very rocky... lucky us!

Chef following the white trail blazes across the rocky mountain top.

We parked the jeep at Lehigh Furnace Gap and hiked 6.5 miles south to the New Tripoli Campsite. We stayed there for the night and hiked back to the car in the morning.

This tiny adventure was only a peek of what we are going to get into. Sore bodies, aching feet, blisters, sweating in places you didn't realize were there. But with the pain and suffering comes something you can't find anywhere else. A deep connection to nature, and I literally can't get enough of it. The vistas and views along the way are indescribable (even in PA). The songs of the different species of birds keeps my mind entertained and the occasional butterfly that flutters about in front as I walk keeps me pushing forward.

We made it to camp well before dark and had ample time for camp chores (bear bag, tent, dinner, water) and relaxation. Another hiker, Spaceman, joined us not long after we arrived. It was nice to have company and practice trail social skills. This was not something I had intended to do on this hike. Spaceman was also training for his AT thru hike, although he did seem on the fence about his decision. Carrying all your gear and food for six days takes a toll on your body and on your mind. 

In conversation, he mentioned that this was "no nature walk". As I thought more about this, I disagree with the statement. This is exactly that, a nature walk. It not only includes the birds, butterflies, and trees but the bugs, bears, and torrential down pours. Nature is not always pretty. There are aspects of nature you just have to deal with on the trail. 

Getting water from streams, ponds, and lakes are one of these aspects. When I was refilling my water bottles at the campsite I noticed a tiny creature in the small spring... Right where I was refilling. 

case building caddisfly larvae

It was a larvae of a case building caddisfly. While many of you are squirming in disgust, a smile came to my face as I watched it crawl against the current with its little ornate mobile home. I took comfort that this 'bug' was in my water source. I knew that this particular type of insect is sensitive to its environment and will only be found in the cleanest of water. 

After a restless night, we packed up our things and headed back to the jeep. There are a few gear changes I want to make. One being a sleeping bag for Chef (yes they make sleeping bags for dogs). I also realized that 7-8 miles a day is a good start for me and I will increase my milage along my trek. A serious 5 day trial hike is well needed before April. I may even stay in a shelter along the way. :)

Bake Oven Knob Shelter is one of the many 3-sided shelters along the way for hikers to take refuge.

Winter of 2014-15 was unbearably cold. Cold enough to keep me indoors and consequently catch a bad case of cabin fever. That's when I had the idea of hiking the Appalachian Trail, the whole thing. I prayed and researched and read and prayed. The idea kept growing and this indescribable feeling kept getting stronger and stronger. The mountains are calling me.

I'm going to start off by answering a few questions I commonly get...

Who am I going with?

God will be with me the whole way and Chef will accompany me for the majority of the hike (pets are not allowed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Baxter State Park). Yes, it is dangerous, but so is getting into your car every morning. I am starting around the same time as hundreds of other hikers, so I will be in good thru hiker company. 

Am I carrying a gun?

No. It's too heavy and isn't practical. 

What am I going to eat?

Anything that doesn't need to be refrigerated, cooked in a microwave or oven, and is worth its weight in calories. Here's a short list to give you an idea...

     -dried fruits     -rice

     -pop tarts         -couscous

     -oatmeal          -non-refrigerated cheese

     -jerky               - tuna

     -peanut butter  -granola

     -candy             -cookies

How will I resupply?

I will be stopping into a town about every 5 days to resupply, recharge, and check-in with the worried parents at home ; )

What will I carry?

My pack will weigh somewhere around 40lbs...I hope. This includes my gear, food, and water. I will write a post about my gear list later. Chef has his own pack and gear list too!

I know there are many other questions, some I don't even know the answer to yet. I will do my best to answer those questions, keep you informed, and share my experiences with you as I go on my journey. I do want to thank all of my family and friends that have supported me in my decision. The encouragement and prayers don't go unnoticed. Of course mom and dad get special recognition; it wouldn't be possible without their help, love, and support. 

Until April, I will be preparing. Physically and mentally.