Trail's End

Here we are back down at Rockfish Gap, where I-64 and US 250 cross the ridgeline.

A pile of rocks beside the trail. We added our 2 stones and continued south on the trail.  The footpath you see is the AT.  It is well maintained.  Hikers are abiding by the rules and the SNP is clean.  Rarely did we see any trash and if there was any it probably fell from someone's pack without them knowing it.  This is one of the few level chunks of ground on our route.

An overlook with an eastern view.    Because the AT runs fairly close the the ridge of the Shenandoahs, there are beautiful overlooks in to both the east and west.    It is rare, however, that the trail is on the crest of the ridge.

SPOT image

Below is a screen shot of the satellite SPOT system track of the hike.    Good system!   Click on image for larger view.

Saturday Afternoon.

It is Saturday afternoon and am back home in North Carolina.

It was a great trip and I thank Johnny for planning and organizing it.    Lots of great sights and experiences!!

We should have been finishing up at about this time today, but I had to quit early.   I did not properly prepare for the AT and could not make any more significant climbs with a 50 lb pack.  Age and inactivity.     Had to bail but it was an excellent adventure!

Despite not finishing our planned section, we did about 20 miles of some the most beautiful (and steep) trail in the Eastern US.

Will post some additional photos from my cameras.

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Late afternoon Friday we met some hikers coming up from the south who had heard weather report for the evening.  Calling for severe thunderstorms, high winds and possibly hale, with heavy rains all day Saturday.  Being older and hopefully somewhat wiser we decided that it would be best to call a halt to the trip and start again at another date.  I am so glad Stan decided to make this trip with me old friends are to be cherished.  I think the last photo I took from the car kind of sums it up.  The buck is in velvet and as you can see he is sticking his tongue at me in jest.  So keep sticking your tongue out and enjoy life to it's fullest. 

I am looking to more adventures. 
But for now I will just say
"GET OFF THE COUCH AND DO SOMETHING!"

We did not get a picture of the camp tonight.  Got set up and ate just before the rain started falling hard.  Thunder, lightening and heavy rain.  Both our tents stayed dry as could be.  Slept well considering.  We had to camp in a very small clearing and I am sure Stan got a load of my snoring.  Fortunately, it is not is bad as it was when I was drinking.  Today is 8 months of sobriety.  Thank my support system and the Good Lord.

Another view of the trail headed South.  As you can see we are in the clouds.  The trail is well worn.  I wondered as I walked along this path through some of God's great work how many other sets of feet had trod this ground to wear this 2000 plus mile path through the mountains.  While on this walk I was able to let my mind ponder many things.  The peace and tranquility is amazing.  Weather turning worse by the hour.

Taking a break after a pretty steep climb.  This is one of the rock fields along the way.  As you can see the clouds have rolled in.  Footing in this area is a little rocky (hahaha).  We really had to watch our step.  The long sleeved shirt is great as far as I am concerned.  It stayed wet and the breeze kept me cool.  Temps in the mid 70's.  With all the humidity I am consuming lots of water.  Water is heavy but if you plan to hike long distances I suggest you carry more than you think you will need.  Ok rest stop over, tighten up the straps and head South.

At one of the many overlooks.  As you can see clouds are starting to build.  Things will turn nasty in a few hours.  At this point (about 1030 a.m.) we have both worked up a pretty good sweat.  Temps are probably in mid 70's with a lot of hummugity.  We press on.

Wednesday evening about 7:00 P.M. Stan and I are at Pinefield Gap and ready to start our hike south.  However, a 2LT with a compass and map showed up and pointed us in the wrong direction.  Like Davie Crockett we were "severe misoriented for a spell".  However, we fired the point man and got back on track.  We made it to Pinefield Hut in plenty of time to get a tent cite and prepare dinner before dark.

Wednesday, final morning before hitting the trail.  How am I feeling?  Excited, apprehensive, questioning whether my 66 year old body is going to perform as I want it to.  Yes that is it in a nut shell.  Stan will do a leaders recon later today and we will RV at Rockfish Gap about 1900 this evening, drive up to Pinefield Gap and put in a short walk and camp.  Weather is supposed to be hot and rainy.  More to follow. 
I AM OFF THE COUCH AND DOING SOMETHING, JOIN ME!

Stan I agree with you about the versatility of the external frame but I have never found one that did not give my lower back a fit.  The back strap caused a hot spot and I found that to be it's unacceptable point for me.  My Osprey 56 liter is large enough for what I do and has plenty of attachment points for extra light weight stuff.  I can put so much light weight stuff in and on it to get it up to about a hunnert pounds.  Seriously, it meets my requirements, is comfortable, very adjustable and I have no hot spots nor do I have to walk stooped over.

I have been training will full up load and doing walks from 4 to 12 miles.  The past two days have been down days but when this evening's thunderstorm rolls through I plan on doing at least 4.

You are correct with your philosophy on training.  Don't over do it, do what you can without it hurting, stay hydrated, and stretch.

Something folks don't think about is their toenails and socks.  Keep your nails trimmed and your socks dry.  Every time I stop for a brake I change into a dry pair of socks, hang the wet ones on the back of my ruck and continue on.  It is smart to wash your socks, and crotch daily.  I also carry some corn starch for chaffing if it should arise.  Take care of your feet and they will take care of you.  Mole skin in the bag is a must and don't forget the scissors.

I'm done now.

GET OFF THE COUCH AND DO SOMETHING!!

Last week of training

Just finished a 4 mile ruck march with mild hills.   Feel ok.  Stronger than a couple of weeks ago.

My philosophy of training for old guys:   Train consistently without straining and with some rest.   Cannot train like a 40 year old.  No, "twice-a-days" anymore, like we used to do before missions.  I'm 64.   Have never had a major injury to my legs, just a couple of sprains.   So, I don't have to deal with scar tissue that many have.   My other philosopy is:  Failing to train is the same as planning to fail.    So, gotta do it, even if I have to lose sleep.

Plan this week is 4 mile ruck march every other day and 5 miles walking the other days.   One day off if legs start hurting more.   It will be the last training before the AT section walk.

ENTRY BY STAN AFTER HIKE:  OK, time to eat some crow here.    I did not train well.    Not long enough and not hard enough.  My heart, lungs, and legs were not ready.  To do the AT in the Shenandoah, you have to do multiple 7-800 foot climbs daily.    That's a 70 story building carrying 40-50 pounds.  On sketchy footing.    So, you either have to find a tall, steep hill to train on or practice in something like a football stadium and carry a heavy pack up those stairs.    Again and again!     I thought I could do it with a moderate amount of fitness training.   I was wrong.    So, if you are thinking of hiking the AT, prepare well and don't underestimate its difficulty.  

Internal versus External Frame Backpacks.   This has long been a debate.   I favor external frame, so that is what I'll carry.   I think Johnny uses an internal frame pack, will be interesting to learn why.  OK, why am I so "old school" and prefer an external frame.  After all, internal frame rucks are sleeker and sexier.   OK, why external frame for me?

1. Load carry. For me, it carries the load better, transfers the load to my hips, and allows me to stand up straighter.    Have owned internal frame packs and, for me, they are like carrying a large dead deer by holding onto its front quarters.  Must be packed almost perfectly.  If you look at someone carrying an internal frame pack, they are often hunched over.

2. Cooling.  The external frame keeps the pack off your back and allows better air flow.

3. Sleeping and Shelter carry.   An external frame usually allows the hiker to carry this stuff in a stuff sack strapped to the bottom of the frame. (or top, if you like.)

4. More versatile.   If you have to add something to the pack, it is fairly easy to use bungees, paracord, or straps to attach it to the very accessible external frame.    Stuff often happens and you have to adjust out in the bush.

5. Proven.   The external frame, sometimes called a Kelty (a good brand name) has been around for a very long time.    Many, many internal frame packs are sold.  Many of them sit in closets.  But,  if you look at people hiking the AT today, a very large number carry external frames.  They simply work.

See articles below for other opinions:
http://www.backpacker.com/gear/experts/ask-kristin/why-internal-frame-backpacks/
http://militarybackpackguide.com/internal-vs-external-frame-backpack/

Please add your comments/opinions below.

This is the gear I am taking minus food and stove.  The alcohol stove I made is not working like I want it to so am going back to Pocket rocket.

Tent test

Thanks for your post, Johnny.   My equipment is about the same.

Had bought a new one-man tent, the Eureka Midori 1, so needed to try it out.   Spent the night in it in the back yard.    Set up fairly quickly...maybe 5 minutes.   This was the second time I'd set it up.   It is self supporting, i.e., does not need stakes but you'd be crazy not to use them due to wind.    Has side entry, which is easier for a creaky old guy.     Night went well.   Only issue is that my new sleeping pad, an REI Air Rail 1.5, lost its air.    I either did not lock the valve correctly, or the thing is defective.

Temperature only dropped to about 65 so it was pleasant.   Nice listening to all the birds this morning.

Update added June 12:   The REI air mattress/sleeping pad is defective.   Will not hold air after testing in the house with a few books laid on it.   Will take it back to the local store.

List

Have been lax in posting the past few days.  Today I am taking a down day from training.  Yesterday I vacuum sealed main course meals of spaghetti, a Brunswick Stew,  Chicken and Beef Soup and one of Chicken stew.  I did a Chili meal earlier and ate it last weekend on one of my longer walks.  Currently I am up to a total of 121 miles.  I plan on doing an overnighter tomorrow into Saturday.

I have about gotten the gear combination fixed.  Stan (the computer geek) sent me instructions on posting photos but I will have to have my teenage daughter take care of that. 

I broke my initial packing list down as follows:

SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
Map, compass, guide book for the portion of the trail we are walking, whistle, flash light, first aid kit, epi pin, space blanket, telephone, and solar charger, SPOT gps, gun, corn starch, waterproof matches, and flint and steel (Just in case)

Shelter:
Tent, poncho liner, sleeping bag liner, mattress, pillow, 550 cord and extra tent pegs.

Kitchen:
Stove and fuel (Am not completely fixed on whether to take Pocket Rocket and gas or Alcohol stove and fuel), sink (yes it is fabric and folds up, can use for bathing also), dish soap, mess kit, water purification system, food.  I make my own granola.  I have dehydrated and vacuum sealed several meals.  This process works fairly well on the meals I have tried so far and is much cheaper than buying the pre packaged stuff.  Judy made a chicken and pasta dish that is going in the dehydrator today. I will also have some snack bars, apples (dehydrated of course) and MIO for the water. 

Personal hygiene Items;
Wash cloth and towel, soap, toilet paper and scoop, tooth brush and paste, comb, sun screen and bug spray, nail clippers

Clothing:
3 pr socks, 1 pr drawers, long sleeved and short sleeved shirt, pants, wet weather gear (Top only),  and my trusty home made sun hat.

Extra:
Camera, notebook and pen, plastic bags for trash

Mo' trainin'

Did 4 miles Hollywood in the middle of the day yesterday to become more used to the sun and heat.    Then, did 3 miles with rucksack on mild hills this morning.   So far, the old legs are not screaming too badly and seem to be toughening up some.    Takes a while at my tender age (64).

Am making a pile of hiking gear in the corner of the bedroom.    Will start working on collecting hiking food soon.   Must portion it into meals and snacks.    I used to eat a lot of gorp/trailmix, so I reckon I'll buy some at the supermarket.   They sell monster bags of the stuff.   Too rich for me to eat normally.    .

Monday training - Stan

Grandchildren are here so I had to do my hike early in the morning.  They think the rucksack is immense!  2 miles with a rucksack that's close to trail weight.     Went to a huge discount shoe store last week and bought some hiking socks to try.   (My non-regulation hiking socks from 10th Group are shot.)    Bought some WigWam socks that are merino wool on the outside with a wicking olefin blend on the inside.   Very thick.   Tried them this morning with my light hiking shoes.   Seem work work well.   More cushioning by far than my usual daily socks.

Photo of rucksack.   It's an old (35 years old..) large Army ALICE pack strapped onto a Camptrails frame.   The ALICE frame was always too short for my long back.   The frame also allowed me to strap my sleeping system under the main bag, a huge help in packing and unpacking, plus adding space.   And...it adds a good, functioning waist belt to place at least 50% of the weight on my hips and take it off my shoulders.

OK, just returned from my training hike.   All lathered up.  Had to put on the old flannel shirt because the A/C feels cold in the house.    2 miles with trail pack and 1 mile walking fast Hollywood (no pack).   Added the tent and sleeping pad to the rucksack today.

My training plan is to do a rucksack walk every other day and just walk Hollywood on alternate days.   I'm way behind Johnny in my trainup.   He's over 6 miles with rucksack.  Yogi Berra once said, "It is what it is..."

The neighbors, of course, now think I'm even crazier than they thought before.   They all loved my dog, but Stella is gone.   I guess they think I've substituted the rucksack for the Australian Shepherd.   Sure miss her while walking.   She always laughed at my bad jokes.

Situps, pushups, Hello Dollys!!!!   I did not sign up for that!   I thought I was just going to do a peaceful stroll through some mountains.  
 Have received my new, one-man tent.   Its a fairly low-cost model, a Eureka Midori 1.    Goes up quickly and seems well-constructed.   Will post photos later.  

 I have wanted to walk the AT for many years.  Now is the time.  I currently am in training (if you want to call it that) by walking with my rucksack doing some push ups, crunches, hello dolly's and flutter kicks.  You old SF guys will remember those exercises.  I have a SPOT that I will get on line so you folks can keep up with us.  Please feel to comment  Stan and I appreciate the words of encouragement we have received.  Please follow us through this little trek.  We plan to start at Rockfish Gap and head north spending 3 days and 2 nights in Shenandoah National Park.  We will terminate the first section of the hike at Pinefield Gap. 

552 on the Trail

What happens when 2 old Special Forces teammates decide to take a short trek together on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia?     We'll find out.

Without using last names (gotta always maintain some OPSEC) we'll go through the basics of our planning, preparation and ultimate execution of the mission.   We are Johnny and Stan, now both in our 60s, a little bent, but not broken.

In the old days, when taller men walked the earth in the mid-1970s, we were on a Special Forces freefall team in the 2d Bn, 5th Special Forces Group.    See photo below.

Kind of like skydiving, except with 120 pounds of gear, weapon, and an oxygen set.  And, it's usually dark.   Of course, when you get on the ground, you put all that gear on your back, check to make sure there's a round in the chamber, link up with the team...and start walking!

Have inserted the Military Freefall Jumpmaster wings because both of us have that qualification.

SFODA 552 was a close team.     Several of us still get together about once a year.