Date: 2011-02-02
To: First Adventure
Miles today: 0.0

My first prep hike was 9/15-9/16Pack weight: 30 lbs w/ 3 days food and 6 liters waterSaturday started out around 25 degrees but after the first two miles I was down to a t-shirt and sweatshirt and very happy for the chill. I got turned around at the start of my trip because I did not have a map of the section and did not check exactly where the trail crossed the road I put in at. I ended up retracing my steps for the first two miles before I found the white blazes. I hiked in about three inches of snow in southern PA around Waynesboro area. The advantage to this was the ability to follow footprints in the snow without having to look for the blazes. The disadvantage was I choose to wear running shoes which quickly destroyed my feet. After some research I had decided to try running shoes on the trail because of their lightweight nature and breathability. I later learned (with more research) that hikers feet, unless supported by a studier shoe, will experience a painful flattening of the foot. Lesson learned! By the end of Saturday I had hiked 14 miles. I can't say I didn't feel it. My feet and legs were sore from the effort and I was happy to make it to the shelter early enough to light a fire and dry out before nightfall. I averaged 3 miles an hour and was able to fully appreciate the amazing invention of hiking poles. If you haven't purchased or hiked with them yet, YOU NEED TO. I cannot tell you how many times I was saved from a fall or slip, let alone the momentum I was able to generate by using my arms and legs. I was surprised to find that I was not the only hiker crazy enough to trek through the snow and cold in the middle of January. A total of 3 other hikers shared the shelter with me that night. I can only hope that it was a glimpse of what I am to experience on my hike. Three strangers meeting at a destination seeking only shelter, but together experiencing a moment to remember. It has been a long time since I have experienced the hospitality and conversation of a complete stranger. It is an experience I will never grow tired of. It is one of the many reasons I choose to take this journey. The amount of strength it gave me is difficult to articulate. Feeling a connection with people you've known for less than a day can reaffirm your faith in the world around you.Day 2 was difficult to start as I did not sleep for the majority of saturday night. Sleeping with my water (to keep it from freezing) was the downfall of my warmth. I should have emptied it all and filled it at the spring in the morning. I had to good fortune of receiving warm water from one of the other hikers staying at the shelter. This saved me (and my numb hands) from firing up my stove and waiting for a warm breakfast. I ignored all of the normal morning activities (washing/stretching) just to get on the trail and warm up again. I was able to cover the 9 miles planned for the day in 3 hours. The pain from the previous days hike became numb after my first 2 miles. I have a feeling I will need to get used to this. My first hike gave me insight into both the mental attitude and physical awareness I need to internalize to complete my thru. All that said, it was the best two day vacation I have taken in years.