Date: 2013-02-20
To: Prep Entry #3
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

All right ¢ so let me make sure I understand this¢¦ tonight, there is a light snow falling under cloudy skies, the outside temperature is currently ranging from 12 to 14 degrees F, the wind is out of the NW from 5-13 mph with a wind chill estimate of 1 to -1 degrees. What does a potential Thru Hiker do in such conditions?   Go in the backyard, set up the tent using a headlamp and prepare for yet another gear test before going on the Trail! I would solicit opinions from my readers as to whether or not there is a certain insanity to such behaviour but due to the fact that some of my former coworkers might respond, I probably would not get the answer that I would prefer. So, I appeal to my fellow hikers and hope that all of us early starters are well prepared.   Two weekends ago, I had an opportunity to join a group of about 6 other fellow outdoor enthusiasts for a two night backpacking/cross country ski/snowshoe trip to the Breathed Mountain region of Dolly Sods, WV. The hike involved snow and conditions that obscured visibility to about 25 yards at some points. In addition to our backpacks, we were utilizing sleds attached to our waists to pull some of the group gear. Although I planned to test my tarp skills that weekend, the temperatures and wind chill soon convinced me that I would need more practice with my tarp to survive those conditions. (I¢m not saying it would be impossible but beyond my abilities at this point.) Fortunately, we had several tents and extra room that was very much appreciated. Although the age of most of us was in our 50¢s, we had the good fortune of having an assistant professor (Andy H. - who is considerably younger and more fit) from the local Adventure Sport Institute at Garrett College. He is quite experienced in backpacking, climbing, etc. He was gracious enough to organize the adventure and even was able to get all of us back while avoiding any loss of person or limb.      The first night was bitterly, freezing cold, the wind was howling through the pines and one could hear the occasional splatter of snow on the outside of the tent. Inside ¢ it was much better. There were times when I questioned my ability to survive an extended hike in such conditions but also had heard the adage applied to the Trail that goes something like: ¢If you feel like you want to quit, give it one more day.¢       We were all well rewarded the very next morning with blue skies framed by the green pines, sunshine and beautiful conditions for cross country skiing (even though my previous experience with cross country skiing amounted to ¢¦ once). Although there were often snow laden branches and at times even trees across the trail, the experience was one that frequently put a smile broad across my face. Combine all that with outdoor cooking and fellowship and the awesome wonder of God¢s Creation and you have an experience that will long be well treasured and remembered.       (For those of you who have already experienced part of the AT, we also had a former Army Ranger with us who was able to share some tales from the military side of encountering civilians during training exercises near the AT in the mountains of Georgia. Pretty interesting to say the least.)