One hundred and nineteen days until Maine. One day shy of 4 months isn’t as far away as it seems. We are working on getting some more backpacking miles under our belt before time slips away. The best way to build endurance is by getting out there and doing it. Lugging the pack up challenging inclines prepares the mind and body. It can be challenging when you have a full-time job, but it’s worth more than a workout in our basement gym. There were times this weekend that I questioned my life choices. <laughter>
We decided at the last minute that we would take on the approach trail to the AT. It’s not too far of a trek to get there and it’s a strenuous hike. Most thru-hikers start at the arch in Amicalola Falls State Park where the approach trail to the AT is located. This trail takes you to the base of Amicalola Falls and up 600 steps. It is BRUTAL with a pack on. Though coming back down with a pack proved to be just as challenging.
It’s 9 miles to the summit of Springer Mountain, mile ZERO of the Appalachian Trail. With over 3,000 ft of elevation gain, the hike up to the summit is no joke. It is a very strenuous trek up to the summit. As we started off, we met several folks intending to thru-hike all the way to Maine. We had several people inquire whether we were hiking all the way to Maine. The first few folks who asked us, I replied, “We have jobs and can’t take that much time off.” As we huffed it further up the steep inclines, I replied, “I am a section hiker. I am not thru-hiker material.” Ha ha
On the way home, I learned that Marty might actually want to thru-hike the AT once we retire. As of this writing, I still do not think I am thru-hiker material. I can do 10-14 days out in the wilderness, but the days of longer stents “in the field” are over. I think. Marty gave me my trail name, too. Snappy Turtle. I thought it would be Snacks. But since you can’t give yourself your own trail name……when someone gives it to you, there it is. Snappy Turtle. It fits.
I often exclaim, “Snappy Turtle” instead of “Snap” like others. I don’t know why…but it is better than cussing. Ha ha. AND…I do tell folks I am a slow hiker. I often feel as if I am slow as a turtle. I am always sure to add, “You’ve got to hike your own hike and while I may be slow, at least I am out here doing it!” Snappy Turtle fits me.
The interesting part about the people one meets on the trail is that everyone has their own story. We met two guys from Michigan at the shelter where we pitched our tent. They seemed ill prepared, but told us they were hiking all the way to Maine. They had their springer spaniel with them — off leash. When I inquired about how the pup did sleeping in the wild (the owner did not have a tent set up and cowboy camped in the shelter), he told me, “Oh this is the first time he’s ever camped, so we will see.” I did not have the heart to tell them there’s a reason they don’t allow dogs off leash…….bears.
The highs were in the 60s this weekend near the state park. It rained overnight and we had a few showers on Sunday morning, but it was great weather. We didn’t get soaked. Rain is not a problem as long as you are prepared. We’ve hiked in freezing rain and we’ve hiked when it’s warm and raining. As long as you are prepared for it, it’s just part of the adventure.
When I told them we would be hiking the 100 mile wilderness section of the trail in July, the owner said, “Where’s that?” I replied, “It’s the last section of the Appalachian Trail.” Neither of the men knew dogs were not allowed in Baxter State Park. I sure hope the pup makes it. Once they get to the Smokies, dogs are not allowed on trail. Too many of them get eaten by bears. It’s the sad reality of the trail.
It will be fun to see if any of the people we met heading to Katahdin makes it to Katahdin I wish them each the best and hope they make it!
We ended up backpacking a total of 20 miles this weekend. Our meals were all meals we freeze-dried ourselves. We loved it all. We have a pretty good idea what we want to make for the Maine trip! Ghost gobbled up his Farmer’s Dog that we freeze-dried, too. It’s the best solution to keep his tummy troubles at bay!
Marty won’t have a weekend off for two weeks and we are already working on our next trip to get more miles under our belt. We try to workout daily, but nothing replaces getting out there with your pack on and hitting the trail, using you gear and living life to the fullest. Pictures never do the mountains or falls justice. You really need to get out there to see it for yourself.
My Little Red Bike 