Hiking the Appalachain Trail

After reading the book, Lost in the Woods, about hiking the Appalachian Mountains, I knew that I wanted to try hiking part of the trail. I have no desire to hike the whole trail, but I thought it would be fun to say that I tried hiking a small portion. So my friend Emily and I decided to experience our first backpacking trip. We live really close to the trail, so we decided to drive to the trail, park our car, and hike to Harper's Ferry, WV. It would be about 20 miles round trip. We planned to complete the trip in about three days (maybe four). I really wanted to finish in three days because Boulderin' Boyfriend was coming home from his summer trip to Yosemite. I couldn't wait to see him. Of course I was anxious to complete our hike in a timely manner.

We are both slow hikers, which is why we knew that we would make good hiking partners. Even though I knew we were slow I was determined to finish in three days. We only had one big decision to make before we started. How much water should we carry? I knew that I could pack light for four days of hiking. I wouldn't need but one pair of clothes. After a lot of day hikes in Alaska I knew what kind of food would give me fuel and would be light to carry: clif bars and macaroni and cheese! There really wasn't much else to carry because it would be so hot outside. Yet I didn't know how much water to carry. After doing a bit of research Emily found out that all the streams were dried up. We decided it would be best to carry enough water to make it to Harper's Ferry. It would be almost ten pounds of water weight in my backpack.

After an early rise we parked the car and headed uphill on the trail. Twenty minutes into the hike and we discovered that we did not have the map. Since it was my fault I hiked back to the car to get the map (I knew we would need it to measure distant). This should have been a sign that we were not prepared for the rigors ahead. The first three miles were uphill and tiring. I was sweating like a hog, but what else is expected in the heat of August.

Things should have been looking up when we made it to the peak. My clock was wrong so I thought we made it in good time, but I was mistaken and we were exhausted. It was a lot harder than we expected with a full pack. I was cursing the blasted water weight. My back was aching and no matter how much I drank it still felt full. I couldn't wait for the day to end. I think I would have enjoyed the hike if it was just for a day. My feet started to hurt and I wasn't appreciating nature anymore. Something had to be done, but I didn't want to say anything because I had to be strong for Emily. I couldn't tell her that I was ready to go home. We had to make it to Harper's Ferry! I kept thinking to myself, "I am a hiker damn it! I should be able to do this! Why do I hate this so much?"

After stopping for lunch (only about five miles into the hike) we starting talking about our aches and pains. I quickly learned that Emily was feeling the same way I was. We were not having fun and we were not used to carrying that much weight. And then we had a brilliant idea to hike to the next lean-to cabin and call it a day. We could always call my parents to pick us up when we got to Harper's Ferry instead of turning around. However, after hiking for another two miles we realized that we it would be silly to call someone we should just turn around the next morning and go home.

Then we decided to get started on the return trip and started back to the first campground, which is where we stopped for lunch. It was only about four in the afternoon when we arrived at camp, exhausted and defeated. We set up a tent (Emily wanted to use her new tent, even though it added extra weight) and made dinner. I think we were even in our sleeping bags at seven with the sun up. I was so excited to go home the next morning, as the blistered started to develop on my heels.

A good nights sleep did wonders for the two of us. We were still ready to go home, but at least we were in good spirits to start the day. Then it started to rain. Actually I liked the rain, because it kept everything cool. It only got scary when the thunder rumbled over my head. At least hiking on the ridge top with the wind blowing the trees and lighting striking around me kept me going. I think Emily was more dejected, however she was also carrying more weight. Dumping the water out of my pack was the best thing I could have done. At least it was only about a five or six mile hike until we finished. I thought Emily was going to cry because she was so happy to see the car.

I never did make it to Harper's Ferry and I realized that I am not a hiker, but I did learn a few things. I can always try something new, even a trip on the Appalachian trail. If I try that again I will wear different shoes and carry less water. Instead of pushing myself I will just take my time. Ten miles in one day was too much for my first big hike. I was worn out without completing my goal, but I didn't feel bad. The shower was nice and my bed felt good on the second evening.

Packing was a bit of a concern for us, because we had never done this before. I knew that I could pack lightly.