AT Hikers

Your Hiking Identity

2009-03-13T07:10:00.000-04:00

Planning Your AT Adventure

2009-03-04T21:40:00.000-05:00

Marking the Trail

2009-02-09T11:27:00.000-05:00

Bear Bags

2009-02-08T07:44:00.000-05:00

The HAT Light

2009-02-03T14:51:00.000-05:00

A little more about hammocks

2009-01-26T15:06:00.001-05:00

Basic Speer Hammock video

2009-01-23T17:50:00.001-05:00

Starting A Hiking Group

2008-12-15T08:52:00.002-05:00

A question that keeps coming up from listeners to ATHiking…the podcast and from hikers that want to start group hikes is “how do you go about starting and organizing hikers in your area?”

I can tell you it’s not a task that’s realized overnight. It takes some time to plant the seeds, water and cultivate the crops, as they say. The best part for me has been the opportunity of hiking with others that enjoy the sport. Ultimately, everybody enjoys the fellowship and common link to hiking.

This blog entry will be the first in a series describing how our group got its start and how the group continues to grow. Hopefully this information will help you plant your seeds.

If you have the desire to start a hiking group then the first thing to do is start a list. Jot down a list of friends or acquaintances that might be interested in an overnight hike. The people on the list can come from your workplace, from your church or from your children’s scouting group. Just think about anyone you know that might be interested in going on an overnight, close to home hike. Don’t be disappointed if the response is weak. Quality far outweighs quantity.

Gather your core group and talk about what it might take to realize your first organized hike. I can tell you that the need for or lack of equipment is always near the top of the ‘con’ list. Sharing equipment can further bond the members of the group and that’s a good thing. You don’t need 6 stoves to make this work.

Where to go ranks high on the ‘pro’ list also. Choose a destination that’s not far from home but still feels like an adventure. Avoid the temptation to travel to a campground, set up and then sit for 48 hours. It’s OK to set up a base camp, but you need to venture out from base for at least a half-day hike. The goal of this exercise is to get folks interested and wanting more. There’s nothing worse that heading out on your first 20 mile hike ill prepared. Your group will fall apart if you move too fast.

You are the one who will ramrod the first trip and future trips. Once the first trip is history you should start planning the next trip. I notify our group, six months in advance of the next trip date. You’ll find that everybody is busy and they will appreciate the advance notice. The success of your first trip will automatically bring new hikers to the list. Your core group will tell others and the list expands.

Stay tuned for our next installment: Planning Details

ATHiking...the podcast

2008-12-13T16:52:00.006-05:00

Our podcast is nearing the one year anniversary. It seems like yesterday when I got a wild hair up my nose and said, "I think a podcast dedicated to section hiking the AT would be well received". Little did I know that the response would be as good as it has been.

Producing this little podcast is a monthly exercise that has become very satisfying. I thoroughly enjoy the mechanics of it. You know, the computer stuff and equipment that it takes to put the episode to bed each month. I also enjoy hearing from listeners. The comments I get are very favorable to the program and that makes it all worth while.

The year is fast coming to an end and with it I promise to do a better job at adding content to this blog as well as sharpen the podcast to a fine cutting edge program. Actually, I'd like to see it make money. You know, sponsors, advertisements and all that stuff. On second thought, I like it just the way it is... manageable and down to earth.

If you're a listener, then many thanks. If not... www.athiking.libsyn.com or check us out on iTunes for a test drive!

More coming,

Toothless

How to hike on $4 per gallon gas?

2008-06-08T08:06:00.011-04:00

I'm not a happy hiker. The current cost of fuel is $4 per gallon and may be rising even higher. That's not good news. I'm concerned at how the cost of fuel might affect our hiking.

Our group has had many hikes where we share the cost of the rental vehicle and fuel. This has been and will continue to be a excellent way to have a great hike at a reasonable cost. That's the good news.

We're getting a bit further away from Raleigh each trip (spring & fall) and it makes great economic sense to share the ride as a group. The normal pattern has been to make 2 spring trips and 2 fall trips. It might make better sense to combine the 2 spring trips into 1 longer one. The same would apply for the fall trip. The cost for a longer trip will be less than 2 separate trips.

My biggest fear is that we exclude someone from hiking with our group because we spend 1 week on the trail 2 times a year. A solution might be to offer a 20-30 mile trip closer to home for those that can't take a week.

If the price of gas drops to $1.79 per gallon then disregard all of the above!

Just Makes Good Sense

2008-06-02T06:15:00.005-04:00

You might think that trail safety isn't a major concern. Why would it be? You're going hiking with a group of seasoned hikers who know where they are at all times or do they? This group can also provide help in the event you need medical assistance...maybe?

Anytime you step into unfamiliar woods for a hike then you need to be prepared for the worse without regard to how prepared others that hike with you might be. Preparation starts months in advance of a trip. Here's some pre-trip activites that may save your life or others:

Learn how to read a topographic map. The AT, in most parts, is well marked but it doesn't take but a few steps to be 'off trail' and lost or disoriented. Getting lost in the woods can be frightening at best. A topo map of the area being hiked can serve as a way for you to orient yourself back to the trail.
Learn how to use a compass. A compass can help you determine your direction of travel as well as help plot a new direction of travel while allowing you to get back to your start point with relative ease.
Put together a first aid kit. You can purchase one already assembled or you can gather the items from scratch. Your kit should include necessary items for cuts, scratches, headache, diarrhea, pain relief, sprains and the like. Once you have it organized, stow it in your pack in an easy and assessable location. Always put it in the same spot. If you are injured and have to communicate it's whereabouts to someone helping you, it just makes it easy to find.

Your preparation ahead of a trip can make a difference for you when in the woods. Remember, safety first!

Shelters- staying dry

2008-06-01T06:24:00.008-04:00

Shelters run the gamut from full blown tents to a plastic tarp. Whatever your choice, make sure it offers the protection you want and from what and is manageable on the trail.

Let's take a look at your options:

No shelter- sleeping under the stars. Not bad, lightweight and no obstruction to star gazing. The downside comes after midnight when moisture tends to settle on the grass, leaves, star gazing hiker and all of his equipment. This can be a problem.
Tarps- they come in a variety of materials. Silnylon, plastic, Tyvek and canvas. The lightest are going to be the silnylon in an 8' x 10' size. Tyvek and plastic run second on the weight list. Canvas is heavy... forget about it! Tarps pack well and take up minimal pack space. They can be pitched in a number of different ways.
Hammocks- they are usually made of silnylon and offer easy setup and protection from the elements. Just find two trees and you're in business. Level is easy to attain. A rain fly is an easy addition for the hammock. Comfort is in the eye of the beholder but hammocks do offer a great deal of support and comfort.
Tents- the tent has been a mainstay on the trail since the beginning. The evolution of the tent has manufacturers making very lightweight models. Some offer more interior room than others so you'll have to scope out the different models and align them with your needs. Stay away from dragging the old canvas 'Coleman' on your hiking trip. You'll only do it once!
AT Shelters- these three sides wooden shelters accommodate 8-10 friendly hikers. They are spaced about 10 miles apart on the AT. You can hike the entire trail without any packed shelter and probably survive the ordeal with lots of interesting stories. You do take a chance that the shelter is 'FULL' so be prepared for alternative accommodations.

Again, in making a selection for your shelter, seek the help and consul of a good outfitter or other hiking buddies. Whatever your choice, make sure you feel comfortable with its design and how it suits your needs.

Clothing- your hiking skin

2008-05-31T06:15:00.011-04:00

Most of us remember when we first started hiking. We didn't want to go out and buy all the essentials until we were sure that we would like hiking and that's perfectly fine. We thought that our cotton shorts, tee shirts, socks and high top sneakers would do the trick.

Cotton is notorious for weight, water retention and skin friction. Conversely, there's also nothing more comfortable than cotton. (What did he say?) The fact of the matter is that cotton doesn't belong on the trail. The best trail clothing is made from fabrics that wick moisture from the body as you sweat, not retain it like cotton.

Wicking type hiking clothing is available for shorts, tee shirts and underwear from your area outfitter. You'll appreciate the value of this clothing after a good rain while in the woods. It will take less time to 'dry out'. The speed of 'dry out' time can be critical to the onset of hypothermia. The quicker your clothing dries, the quicker your body temperature stabilizes and the safer you remain.

Many hikers have chosen the wicking long pants that allow for each leg to be removed by zippers. The evening may be cool at camp and long pants will take the chill off while hiking during the day becomes warm and conversion to shorts make the trek more comfortable. Columbia among others markets good hiking pant/shorts.

Look for socks that wick moisture as well as offer air to your feet. Your feet need to breathe and a pair of good hiking socks will accommodate. Remember, the less moisture, the less chance of blistering.

The selection of hiking shoes can be daunting. High tops, low tops, Gortex, mess, knobby soles, etc. are just a few of the choices available. Whatever you choose, pick hiking shoes that are functional and comfortable. If you have weak ankles then aim for high tops. If high tops are too restrictive then shoot for low or mid tops. Whatever your choice... BREAK then in before your first long hike. If you don't, then bring plenty of mole skin (you're going to need it).

Here's a quick list of the basics for a 4 days trip:

Hiking shoes
2 pairs of socks
2 tee shirts
1 pair of convertible pants
2 pairs of underwear
Lightweight rain jacket/pants
Lightweight outer shell for warmth
Lightweight long johns (cooler months)

Remember, your choice of clothing is exactly that... your choice. But if you ask any seasoned hiker, they'll tell you, clothing is a critical part of an enjoyable hike.

Food, glorious food

2008-05-29T06:11:00.004-04:00

Another of the obvious basic elements of a good hike is proper nutrition before, during and after your trail time. The kinds of food you eat play an important role in helping you be successful as a hiker.

It is important that you have a good understanding of the food groups. You know, what we heard about in elementary school but never learned. Check out http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/index.html for a more detailed look at the food groups.

Obviously, pre-trip nutrition makes a big difference on the success of your hike. But let's talk about nutrition during your trip. There are plenty of options for packable food products and here are several to choose from:

Commercial dehydrated/freeze dried meals- just add water. These are relatively light weight and easy to use although somewhat pricey. Some are good while others have a poor rating. You'll have to experiment to find the ones you like
Canned this or packaged that- you can develop a menu that includes common products from the grocery store. These might include pastas in a bag that need cooking on the trail. Canned or foil packed meats are also available. These items are more economical but may require extra cooking gear and extra clean-up after a meal. Take a field trip to your favorite grocery store, pad and pencil in hand, and walk the aisles making notes of potential trail foods
Prepare at home, pre-trip, the ingredients that will be easily hydrated on the trail and produce a tasty meal with little clean-up. Check out Sarah Svien's website www.freezerbagcooking.com She has some great recipes that only require boiling water while on the trail
Breakfast & lunch- these meals can be simple. Instant grits or oatmeal, pre-cooked bacon or protein bars and hot chocolate as a beverage can serve as your morning meal. They are quick and easy. Lunch might include some hard cheese and tortillas with your favorite gourmet mustard. You might consider little packages of crackers with a spread. Dried fruit also makes a mid-day meal
Use a sherpa or pack llama- weight won't be an issue for you but the expense might ruin your trip
Trash- be prepared to either pack out all your spent containers and packaging

Experiment with different trail foods before you venture into the wild. There's nothing worse, except wet underwear, than not having good nutritious food available on the trail.

Water- essential to hiking

2008-05-26T17:37:00.012-04:00

Water is an essential part of your hike. It is one of the heaviest items in your pack because it weighs 8 lbs. per gallon. Lack of proper hydration can be a serious matter on the trail and may lead to dehydration.

Dehydration is the loss of water and salts essential for normal body function. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This condition can result from illness; a hot, dry climate; prolonged exposure to sun or high temperatures; not drinking enough water; and overuse of diuretics or other medications that increase urination. Dehydration can upset the delicate fluid-salt balance needed to maintain healthy cells and tissues.

Water accounts for about 60% of a man's body weight. It represents about 50% of a woman's weight. Young and middle-aged adults who drink when they're thirsty do not generally have to do anything more to maintain their body's fluid balance. Children need more water because they expend more energy, but most children who drink when they are thirsty get as much water as their systems require.

Age and dehydration

Adults over the age of 60 who drink only when they are thirsty probably get only about 90% of the fluid they need. Developing a habit of drinking only in response to the body's thirst signals raises an older person's risk of becoming dehydrated. Seniors who have relocated to areas where the weather is warmer or dryer than the climate they are accustomed to are even likelier to become dehydrated unless they make it a practice to drink even when they are not thirsty.

Types of dehydration

Mild dehydration is the loss of no more than 5% of the body's fluid. Loss of 5–10% is considered moderate dehydration. Severe dehydration (loss of 10–15% of body fluids) is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.

Complications of dehydration

When the body's fluid supply is severely depleted, hypovolemic shock is likely to occur. This condition, which is also called physical collapse, is characterized by pale, cool, clammy skin; rapid heartbeat; and shallow breathing.

Blood pressure sometimes drops so low it can not be measured, and skin at the knees and elbows may become blotchy. Anxiety, restlessness, and thirst increase. After the patient's temperature reaches 107°F (41.7°C) damage to the brain and other vital organs occurs quickly.

It is very important, while attempting to stay hydrated and that you maintain a pure water source. There are several options for treating 'trail water' so it will be safe to drink. You can pump your water from a natural source while filtering out potential hazards. Tablets are available that kill bacteria while treating creek water. Some units omit ultraviolet (UV-C) light rays that safely sterilize clear water by destroying viruses, bacteria and protozoa including Giardia and Cryptosporidium. You may choose to boil your water to remove foreign bodies.

Failing to properly purify your drinking water can lead to some pretty nasty intestinal complications. One of the more common ailments is Giardia: A genus of protozoa that infect the gastrointestinal tract of some animals, including humans. Giardia have a large sucking disk which permits them to adhere to the intestinal lining. The species that infects humans (and causes diarreah) is Giardia lamblia. Doesn't sound like much fun.

Pardon the pun, but the issue of water boils down to drinking plenty of it while on the trail AND keeping it safe to drink.

Your Foundation- the PACK

2008-05-25T06:23:00.005-04:00

Your choice of backpack will undoubtedly be a major factor in the level of enjoyment you derive from hiking. Choosing the right pack will offer up years of enjoyment in the sport.

Your pack should put most of the load on your hips where it can be efficiently carried. Packs that strain the shoulders are discouraged. A good pack fitter will help advise you but it comes down to how it feels to you while carrying weight. That can be accomplished at the outfitter of your choice.

Our recommendation is for a multiday pack in the 2,400-4,200 cu. in. of gear capacity. They are good for a few days to longer of hiking time (depending upon how good you are at packing and what you carry).

Take your pick: Minimalist- low weight, Ultralight-for those willing to do without some conveniences to reduce pack weight, Lightweight-offer a balance of useful features and low weight, and Deluxe-all the bells and whistles plus the weight.

Visit a quality outfitter in your town but do your homework first by researching, talking to other hikers, etc. It would be a mistake to expect the outfitter to 'read your mind' about pack selection. They can offer some suggestions but I'd head for the door if they keep pushing a brand with little regard to your ultimate needs. A good outfitter will have dead weight so you can 'store test' the pack for comfort. Also make sure of the store's return policy in the event the pack you've chosen isn't THE pack!

A sample of trail life

2008-05-24T11:12:00.002-04:00

Pre-trip Preparation

2008-05-24T07:14:00.018-04:00

Preparing for a hike on the Appalachian Trail can be a daunting experience, if you let it. There are a number of things that you need to think about before ever stepping on the trail for the first time.

You'll need to address the following to ensure that you have a safe and fun trip:

Physical conditioning- A hike on the AT is not like walking around the neighborhood unless you live in rough terrain and tend to carry 30 lbs on your back each time you walk the dog.

Check with your primary care physician to make sure that strenuous activity will NOT be a problem
Step up on the scale, look down, does the number correspond to your height and sex? If not, then you've got some work to do to trim down. This may be the opportunity to get into shape that has been eluding you for years!
Walk around your neighborhood and then walk some more. When you get back home, walk some more... you get the point, a good program of 2 miles of walking a day (not at work) will dramatically improve your chances for success on your first hike
Once you've gotten into the habit of walking, start doing it with a backpack and 10 lbs of dead weight in it (fill some 2 liter soda bottles with water for your ballast). Be aware of how it feels, rides on your back, etc. Don't be concerned that you look like you're running away from home, just practice while increasing your dead weight until you can carry 30 lbs with little stress

Equipment- What to take and what to leave behind, that is the question???

There are some necessary items that must accompany you on an AT hike. You absolutely must have a pack, water, food, clothing and some form of shelter. Let's look at each element:

a. Pack- you've got to have some vessel to carry all your 'stuff' in. Before you spend a bunch on one, try and borrow one from a friend. Once you're hooked on backpacking, then you can buy your own.
b. Water- plan on carrying enough water to amply sustain you while on the trail from one water source to the next. Lack of water, or dehydration, is serious and can ruin your trip. You might consider carrying a 2 liter bottle at the least.
c. Food- high energy, low weight foods are best. Plan your meals for their energy source and pack ability.
d. Clothing- you need clothing, this is not a naturalist hike ;>) Choose clothing that wicks moisture. Cotton will NOT do that! Cotton will retain moisture and increase your chances of hypothermia (your core temperature drops and chills and shakes rapidly set in). Hypothermia can kill and it doesn't take much to ruin your day.

e. Shelter- this is a debatable item. The AT has shelters (3 sides, open on one side) about every 10 miles. You don't need to carry a tent BUT we don't recommend that practice. It is advisable to carry a tent, tarp or hammock on these trips. There may be times when a shelter is full and you're left out in the elements or you can't make it to a shelter before dark. Which ever shelter you ultimately choose, make it a lightweight one. Again, borrowing one from a friend is a good first step.

Three other important items to always take along are a topo map of the area to be hiked, a compass (know how to use it) and a good first aid kit.

We hope to see you...on the trail

May 16-18, 2008 AT Trip Big Success

2008-05-20T22:44:00.006-04:00

We had 13 hikers on this trip from VA 42 to VA 311 near Catawba, VA. The sheer size of our group created some difficulty for standard shuttle services so we decided to split the group into a northbound team (pictured left) and a southbound team (pictured above).

The northbound team started their hike at VA 42. The southbound team then proceeded by van to VA 311 and headed south on the trail.

Each team experienced some great weather, good fellowship and some absolutely beautiful scenery. This section of the AT passes through some very rocky terrain (see below) with long range views on both sides of the trail.

The nobos were threatened by a rattlesnake about 2' off the main trail. Fortunately no one was injured and all is well. The sobos didn't experience that sort of excitement but enjoyed the trip just as much.

Friday was a bit partly cloudy until later in the afternoon when brisk winds prevailed with a cool evening while Saturday was beautiful with plenty of sun. Sunday started out cloudy and turned to slow spotty rain by mid-morning.

We all made it off the mountain by 1:30pm and headed for the Rendevous Motel in Pearisburg, VA for showers... thanks Brenda! We enjoyed an all you can eat meal at Anna's Restaurant in Narrows, VA before heading home.

Preparation for May 2008 trip

2008-05-11T12:42:00.005-04:00

Last minute details are coming together nicely for our planned May hiking trip on the next section of the AT heading north. This section is from VA 42 to Catawba, VA for a distance of 30 miles.

So far we have 14 hikers signed up. We will be splitting the group into 2 teams. One team will head north from VA 42 and the other team will hike from Catawba, VA south. The teams will exchange van keys midway. We're having to hike the section this way because of problems getting a shuttle service with the size of our group. Two of our hikers are new this trip but will most likely do just fine.

This portion of the AT will probably include more rocks and rock formations similar to the April trip.

April 2008 Hike in VA

2008-01-03T02:00:00.005-05:00

The 40 mile stretch from Pearisburg, VA to VA 42 was great. We had 12 hikers on this trip. The weather proved to be perfect except for a slight sprinkling of rain in the evening only lasting a few minutes.

The terrain was very rocky. There were some very interesting rock formations along the way also. Take a look at the photos included. Notice the rectangular, large rock formation. These appeared at a number of locations along the way. They appeared to be 'natural' formations.

We had a bold creek crossing to contend with as well. The bridge apparently was out since the hurricanes of several years ago. It made the trip that much more interesting.

Preparations are being made for the May 2008 trip. We'll report in when we get back.

Check out: www.athiking.libsyn.com for our podcast on AT hiking.

Fall 2006 AT Hike

2006-10-15T20:13:00.001-04:00

The group hit the AT from October 5-8, 2006 covering a 40 mile section in Virginia from USFS 222 northbound to VA 608.

The leaves were starting to change and the weather offered up some percipitation in the evenings. Rain drops continued to fall from the leaves during the day.

Nine hikers successfully went the distance this trip. No injuries, couple of wrong turns, but all in all a very positive hike.

Images from the entire hike can be seen at http://picasaweb.google.com/kdzotter

Plans are in the making for 2007 with hikes in April and May. The group will pickup where they left off in Virginia and continue to head northward. A trip is also planned for a southbound from Standing Indian Campground in western North Carolina to Hiawassi, GA.

2005-10-16T21:45:00.001-04:00

Those of you that didn't gather the steam to go on this past weekends AT trip missed a memorable hike.

If you like to be wet for several days on end than this was the trip for you. We meet our shuttle driver (old Dave from Mt. Rogers Outfitters) at 9:30am Friday morning. Skies were overcast and looked threatening. Dave shuttled us to Partnership Shelter, Headquarters and we hit the trail heading south with light rain. The light rain continued ALL day and ALL evening until Saturday morning about 7am. Humidity was 200%. Were we wet? Does a bear live in the woods?