Date: 2006-02-25
To: Prep Hike #13 Lifes a BEACH
Miles today: 0.0

02-25-06 I did not go up into the mountains to do any hiking this weekend, as I had a commitment to go to the Annual Blue & Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts.   I had gone on a hiking trip with them in the Fall, and several were now crossing over into Boy Scouts and as with all young ones had lots of questions about my up coming hike.   The Webelos II who were crossing over had earned their Arrow Of Light. This was their night to shine. I can remember how I came up through Cubs Scouts and how this day felt.      I have read in several of the journals the horror stories of encounters with Scouts along the trail.   I have done several hikes with the Boy Scouts, both as a Scout and an adult leader.   I do not put the blame on the boys, as mush as the leaders for any problems.   I know that any hiker we have met in the past, has nothing but good things to say about us. Seems we even saved our best cooking for them, and the way to a hiker sure seems to be through his stomach.    Arrangements were made to have me come back and talk to the Cub Pack when I am done my hike.   I know I will not be able to tell them all of what happens, but I am sure the "G" rated version will suit them just fine.02-26-2006   Beach Hike North End of Brigantine       On the way to the Banquet last night, DeJaVue and I were talking about going hiking today. To get up to the mountains from here takes at least a 3 hour drive. It is only 30 minutes over to Brigantine Beach, so we decided to just head over there and do some hiking.      I got to sleep into about 9:00 am. I found DeJaVue reading some of the trail journals of those who have already started their Thru Hikes.   Do to an upcoming career change he may not be able to come and see me off at the start of the trail, but I do know he will get out there when he can.      I was going to bring my pack, but decided to just take a day of Freedom Packing and relax.   We got over to the North End of Brigantine and the wind was howling, gale force winds were blowing the sand hard.   As we started up the beach, I could see shells just sticking up about the ground as all the sand around them had been blown away. The gulls seemed to be keeping their feet in the surf.. The tops of the waives were being blown away and the spray falling back behind them as they came ashore.   Small sandpipers seemed to have the best of it, being so close to the ground and staying on the downward slope of the shoreline. It was 22 degrees when we left the vehicle and with the wind chill I think it went below the single digits. There were several four wheel drive vehicles that we would see go up the beach and later come back down. Could see the vehicle tracks, but no foot prints after the first mile. They are in the process of doing some dredging at the Inlet at the north end of Brigantine.   The pipe runs the length of the beach and I am sure the sand is being used for beach replenishing further south. DeJaVue walked along the waters edge and even found a full conch shell, a rare treat with all the vehicles the run the north end of the beach here. Pilings could be seen where a pier and boardwalk may of once stood.   The tide was low and even the remains of an old vessel could be seen.   I was walking in the softer sand, to get a better workout. At time I had to turn around as the sand blew towards me. As we got closer to the north end, the wind just seemed to pick up even more, with nothing to block it, as it crossed the bay.   We walked along the shore line for about 20 more minutes, which gave us about 2 1/2 hours of hiking so far.   No came the time to return. I felt that if I had just opened my jacket and held it out to the side I could just fly back. It took us less time to get back.   As we got near the end, DeJaVue said, OK that's the end of lap #1, are you ready to do it again. I was not sure if he was serious or not, but I know with the clothing I was wearing, I was not ready for another lap, so I just told him I would take the Trail Blazer and follow him, after all it was four wheel drive.    I may have only hiked a little over four hours today, but when we got home and I went to get out of the car, I could feel it. Between the wind and the sand, I think I got a good workout.   While I know I will not come across terrain like this when doing the trail, just keeping active should be a big help.   Went thru a few of my mail drops at home and should be sending out the first few this up coming week.   The time is getting shorter and closer and will just fly by.   I think I have talked DeJaVue into doing one last prep hike with me. Will go fill in the gap between Port Clinton Pa and Lehigh Gap Furnace, next weekend.         Take care all and happy hiking and look forward to meeting most of you as I do my thru hike