Getting Outside with Trail Dames

In January and February, many Trail Dames events are designed especially with new hikers in mind.   I’m always inspired by the women of this group, and feel so good about the chance to help get more women outdoors.

Hiking up Stone Mountain near Atlanta, GA.

Meet and Greets
In town Meet and Greets provide practical information to get everyone--even complete outdoors novices---ready for their first hike. A panel of trip leaders covered how to choose a trip and use Meetup, what to wear and bring, and what to expect while hiking with a group. One of the biggest challenges is getting over the hurdle of going out with a group of new people. So Meet and Greets also provide a chance to meet the the group and see how fun we are.

Talking about what to bring on a hike.

Meetin' and Greetin'

Dayhikes
In winter, dayhikes close to town provide more moderate temperatures compared to the mountains.  I ended up leading trips nearly every free weekend I had while I was in Georgia. I won't be able to do this easily after I leave GA---I won't know the trails and won't have a group of other co-leaders ready to help out. These things take time to build.

Beaver Dam at Lake Russell.

Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area in Georgia.

Botanical Gardens in Athens, GA. Photo by CT.

Beginner backpacking clinic
Demonstrations and activities at a local park provided ample chance to introduce backpacking skills and gear options.  The goal was to send the message that “you can do it” and to help people avoid feeling overwhelmed or fearful, and prevent them from wasting money on gear that is never used.  We also covered how to sort through all the conflicting advice and figure out your own style.

To address common fears in backpacking, we came up with the game of “Fear Charades.”  We made up a list of fears on index cards and handed these out to everyone randomly.  Each person had to act out their assigned fear and say what they’d pack if they had that fear.  Like a zero degree sleeping bag in 50-degree weather (if they are scared of being cold).  After everyone guessed what the fear was, as a group, we brainstormed how to deal with the fear and mitigate risk of any real danger.  People’s creative sides showed through and there were good discussions.

Many people ask whether to get a hammock or tent.  We illustrated tradeoffs in shelters by setting up a hammock and a tent side by side, and discussing pros and cons.

Trying out a hammock for the first time.

The topic of peeing in the woods inevitable brings up laughter.  We encourage discussions because that breaks the ice and puts people more at ease.  In the past, we’d heard stories about people who’d avoid drinking so they wouldn’t have to pee in the woods.  So now we are open in talking about where to go, pros and cons of toilet paper, pee rags and female urination devices.  After one Dame (who was really enthusiastic about being a peer-educator on this topic) returned from going in the woods, she’d boast “ahhh it feels so good to have an empty tank”, and inevitably the other women would head out to go too!

Wearing it proudly.

I was glad to have the chance to spend time with the Dames and to help out on a variety of trips.  Special thanks to all the women who joined us and to my fellow trip leaders-- ya'll are awesome.

Preparations for the Arizona Trail

Less than two weeks until the Arizona Trail.  Planning and preparations have been different in certain ways but unfortunately similar in other ways compared to last year when I was getting ready for my first long distance hike on the PCT. 

First the differences… 
Instead of asking if I can I bring my hammock, I ask what parts of the trail go through mountains and which are at lower elevations.  Whether I bring a hammock is not up for debate anymore.  I anticipate sleeping on the ground some nights, but I am confident I’ll find some hang sites too.

I don’t spend any time trying to figure out what towns to stop in.  ALL OF THEM.  The questions become  “what time does the diner open for breakfast” and “which restaurants have burgers, ice cream, and fast wifi.”  Priorities are clearly defined.

Minimal time is spent on gear.  Everything that I carried last year on the PCT suited me well, that I see no reason to change.  I do replace things that are worn out  — water containers and water filter.  Gossamer Gear provided me with a new pack when I went to Moab (since I am a Trail Ambassador) and it is shiny and doesn’t smell bad.  Everything else does though.

Exciting new gear-- no holes or funky smells!

I focused my planning efforts much more on water and navigation.  Reading about water on the Arizona Trail scares me.  My friend from the PCT Brian “Arizona” tells me stories about his trip on the AZT and how hard it is to find water.  How the water sources can be dry or thick with scum and how he hiked for miles without any water.   I realize how easy I had it on the PCT.  Navigation was easier too — the PCT was well-marked, Halfmile’s paper maps were super, and I had three different, excellent apps for navigation (Guthook’s Halfmile’s PCT, and eTrails).  On the Arizona Trail, there are no dedicated apps (though this is going to change soon).  Instead, I loaded the GPS tracts on my iphone and downloaded the maps around the trail manually using Gaia GPS.  I’m so relieved I’ll be hiking with Jan.  Two brains will be so helpful for navigating this trail.

GPS tracks for the Arizona Trail and cryptic waypoint labels loaded onto Gaia GPS on my iphone.

Now the similarities…
My training isn’t much different from last year, except that I didn’t have to build up my pack weight since I never stopped carrying my full pack after I got off the PCT.  I go hiking pretty much everyday, carrying my backpack (with all my gear and tire chains to fill in for the weight of food) for 5-7 miles on rugged trails.  I did this more to relax and to be outdoors rather than serious training though.

Training hikes with full pack plus tire chains.

Another thing that has been the same as last year— yesterday while I was out on my daily hike, there was a lot more snow and ice than usual and I wore my microspikes to keep from slipping.  When I got home, I noticed an ache in my foot where the stress fracture happened back in June!  *MAJOR PANIC ENSUED.*  The worst part was that I could not figure out what I’d done wrong.  I’d even taken the tire chains out of my pack to take it easy on the ice.  I thought I’d been doing everything right— not increasing my pack weight or mileage, taking really good care of my body.  The pain wasn’t sharp sore, but it felt like *something.*  Which was enough to freak me out because it hasn’t felt like *anything* for 6 months.  I've done over 700 post-stress fracture miles on the foot with no problems at all.  Until yesterday. 

Ice storm.

I remember that last year, two weeks before I started the PCT, my knee got sore where it had an old overuse injury.  That was just a tendon, and ended up healing before I started the PCT.  But if this is another bone injury... well... that's not going to heal this quick.  You'd think I'd be able to tell what kind of injury I have, after all this!  But shoot I just don't know.  And I don't know WHY!  Maybe it's the combination of microspikes and trailrunners just doesn't work for my feet?  Maybe being totally stressed out makes me more prone to injury?  That’s what my friends suspect it is.  They see how overwhelmed and panicked I’ve been acting this week with the craziness of moving and getting ready for the trail.

I’m staying off the food for now.

Oh how some things never seem to change!

PCT prep: Last week before leaving

I can hardly believe that I fly out to San Diego tomorrow to start hiking the PCT.  This past week has been filled with last minute sewing, spring wildflower walks, and gear-obsessing, in addition to the Trail Dames backpacking trip.

Susan's house because PCT-prep central.  Renee and I repair gear, while Susan dehydrates meals.

My sewing took on a frantic pace, as if my PCT success depended on it.  I designed a new pair of tall gaiters because none of my five other tall gaiters are exactly right for the PCT.  So obviously I needed to make a new pair. 

Extra wide tall gaiters so they are sun-protective, breezy, and completely dorky.

There was an embarrassing amount of time spent deciding on the color schemes for my hiking outfit.  I will wear the same thing to hike in every day, so I want to like it.  My east-coast outfits didn't seem right for the PCT.  So I sewed a new gaiters and sun-protective wristies (a shorter version of my arm sleeves/ gaiters).  I debated endlessly about what fabric to use.  I didn’t want to be too “matchy” as if I were trying too hard, even though I totally am.  And I want to wear something bright that will make me feel happy but hopefully won’t make people think I’m too dorky.  Even though I am a bit of a dork.  Over the last year, wearing camo print has turned into somewhat of a joke, so I used glitter bright-green camo fabric for the bottoms of the gaiters.  Because how totally funny is glitter-camo!?!?   I could hardly believe it when I found the glitter camo fabric at the fabric store- isn't glitter on camo sort of counter-productive unless you are trying to "blend in" at a trapeze performance or something.  Haha!

Fashion photo shoot of the PCT So.Cal. "outfit"

You might notice that I decided to go with a long sleeved shirt, rather than my short sleeved shirt plus arm sleeves that I normally wear in the southeast.  I'd been debating about this previously, and ended up buying a new Railrider's shirt since I saw how Renee's kept her so cool on the southwest tour.  The arm sleeves were just too hot.  I am also starting in a skirt, but will put the railrider pants in my bounce box in case I want to switch.

Other last-minute gear changes have also saved me a few ounces.  Polycro ground cloth from Gossamer Gear instead of tyvek.  New tree straps from Dutchware (thank you Dutch!).  Lifeproof fre iphone case instead of an otterbox. Only one bandana, only one pair of underwear, only one set of gloves (unless you count the sun wristies).

Speaking of gear, a huge thank you to Randy of Dream Hammocks for replacing the continuous loops on my Darien UL hammock!  And thank you so much to Renee for hand carrying my hammock to the Dream Hammock World Headquarters (i.e. Randy’s basement workshop) while she was in Ohio so my hammock would have no chance of getting lost in the mail.  I’m so fortunate to have a hiking partner that understands, or at least accepts, my hammock-obsession.

The week wasn't just about gear and clothes.  I also attended one last "Nature Ramble" at the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia in Athens.  My friend Sandra from the lab and I have been going for the past year.  Once a week, botanists and nature enthusiasts walk around the trails through the woods learning about the natural history of our local forests.  It's wonderful being around the amazing people in the group- mostly retired- highly inquisitive and thoughtful- people I want to be like.  Going rambling always reminds me of the importance of being observant and treasuring the nature that is around you.  Joining the Ramblers has been one of the highlights of this past year, and I will miss them for sure. 

Looking at flowers with the Nature Ramblers.

For the last few months, I've been going on daily training hikes with my pack, hauling around tire chains in place of the weight of my food.  I just got done packing my food for Campo, so I'll say goodbye to these for now.  The next hiking I will do will be on the PCT.  I still can't believe it!

Last training hike with the tire chains.

Finally, I dropped off my car at my friend Brenda's house.   I met Brenda through Trail Dames and we've done a lot together with the group, and I was so thrilled when she said she would keep my car in her garage.  Thank you, Brenda!

Dropping my car off at Brenda's.

Renee, Susan and I fly out to San Diego tomorrow.  The next post will be from the trail...

PCT prep: Presentation and Goodbyes

Last weekend, Renee (Pathfinder) and I did a presentation about getting started with backpacking, and planning for the PCT hike for Trail Dames.  Our goal was to inspire other women to take up hiking or backpacking, and provide advice and tips.  We told our stories about learning to backpack, how our backpacking evolved, and ultimately how we ended up setting out on our thru hikes.  There was some (minimal) talk of backpacking food and gear, but mainly we wanted to share the lessons we’ve learned- how once you tell everyone that you are going to do a thru hike that things will fall into place, that you really do need to ‘hike your own hike’ and how the trail community helps you out in so many ways.

Renee and I giving a talk for the Georgia Trail Dames.

At the presentation, there were women in the audience that I’ve been friends with since I first started with Trail Dames back in 2009, and there were women that I’d just met the week before for the Beginner Backpacking trip, and some women for whom this was their first TD event.

Preparing for the talk, I got to reflect about my last five years here in Georgia.  How lonely I felt moving to Georgia, not knowing anyone here, and feeling like I was in a foreign land.  The uncertainty I felt going on my first backpacking trip in 2009.  The warmth and friendships I found through hiking and sharing meals in the evening in camp.  The joy after my first solo backpacking trip in 2010.  The confidence I summoned leading my first hikes.  How excited I was when I hiked my first 20 mile day in 2011.  I could go on, but suffice to say that I feel like I am not the same person that I was back when I started this process.  And I am grateful for the women who have been part of this journey.

Hearing all the support for our PCT hike makes me feel like this journey is so much bigger than just me.  That I’m going out there to the PCT not only as an individual, but also as someone who got her start backpacking here in this community, and who grew so much through involvement and friendships that formed from the Dames.

Kellye, Salt, Sassafras, Still Waters, me and Melissa in 2011.

Earlier in the day, I also had a goodbye lunch with the women with my old backpacking crew that I met through Trail Dames- including Melissa who was the hike leader on my very first TD hike and who was so inspiring to me.  Kellye was also there- she has been one of my closest friends- got me started hammock hanging, was the co-leader for countless TD trips and events with me, and is now continuing to help me out by getting my mail while I’m on the PCT.  Still Waters was there too- I met her on my first TD backpacking trip, she's been a huge part of my life, and she is sending me my resupply boxes.  Plus Salt, who I've also shared many backpacking adventures.  It was also wonderful seeing you all, plus the other TD hike leaders and Board members at the presentation.  Women I’ve shared wonderful times with including Pam, Jules, Dennice, Amy, Leah, and Brenda (who is storing my car while I’m on the PCT- thank you, Brenda).  Huge thanks to you all for the sweet send-off!

PCT training: Form and Feet

Recall that I’ve been concerned about injury prevention and my feet as I’ve been preparing to hike the PCT.  Thought I'd give you an update on how things are going.

Yay, feet!!!

Form
During my training hikes these past 6 months, an old overuse injury (“IT band syndrome”) reoccurred (see previous blog post here).  I saw a physical therapist a few years ago about this, but I thought that that was all behind me.  Back in February, I had some knee pain again during a backpacking trip where I carried a fire rake strapped to my pack in the snow (probably not the smartest thing I’ve done….).   This pain scared the heck out of me, but provided further motivation to work on improving my alignment and hiking technique.

I was really thrilled when Barefoot Jake offered to talk with me about my form and posture.  Jake is a backpacker and uses minimalist footwear, and has a background in coaching.  The advice he gave me that helped me the most was how to maintain awareness of my form and how to initiate movement.  The other part that was really helpful was hearing how everyone is different and how important it is to listen to your body and adjust accordingly.  On my hikes since then, I've been paying close attention to my alignment, especially on the downhills when I’m tired and more prone to getting sloppy.  I've also been careful to stretch, to not overdo it, and not carry large wooden-handled tools strapped to my pack to throw me off balance.  Happy to report that I haven't had any more knee pain.

Walking mindfully in the snow.  Photo by Stacy Boone.

On my trip to the southwest, I noticed that this attention to form helped me on the snow.  When I shifted my weight smoothly and deliberately (and maintained a ‘zen mindset’), I had fewer problems postholing in the snow.  Bonus!

So a big thanks to Barefoot Jake.  Check out his website with lots of informative articles on barefoot and minimalist hiking and don't hesitate to give him a shout if you have questions.

Feet
I've also been anticipating potential problems with my feet.  Blisters are often a problem for hikers in So. Cal on the PCT.  During our snow skills course, one of the things that Stacy stressed was the importance of taking care of our feet and regularly stopping to air them out, treat hot spots, and keep them moisturized.  I've never had big problem with blisters and I've never needed to put lotion or body glide on my feet before, so this is going to be new to me.

Checking my feet during a rest break.  They are looking happy so far and I'm trying to keep them that way.

I also have been transitioning to lightweight, zero-drop footware for the PCT.   Because of my big feet (I have to wear men’s shoes) and bunions, I’ve always had a horrible time finding shoes.  In the past 6 months, I tried dozens of shoes and went to countless shoe stores.  Finally, the local running store fit me with Altra Lone Peaks back in October.

Renee and I in our Altras.

I have never in my whole life loved shoes as much as these.  Well, maybe those knee-high black leather combat boots with the side zipper that I had in my punk rock high school days that made me feel like a bad-ass Riot Grrrl… but I digress… Anyway, I didn’t think it was possible to have shoes that I loved again.  Ones that gripped tight to sheer rocks like I found at Canyonlands National Park.  Ones that didn’t hurt my bunions or make my little toe feel cramped when I backpack.  When I walk in them, I experience the ground differently too.  I am reminded of this quote by Thich Nhat Hanh: "Walk as if you are kissing the ground with your feet."

During my snow skills course, I wore my Altras so I could test them for the Sierra.  It may sound strange to wear light, non-waterproof trail runners in the snow, but I found a way to keep my toes from going numb with cold in them.  I used a layering system, starting with thin smartwool socks, then rocky gortex socks, then warmer hiking socks, then plastic bags, and finally two pair of gaiters (dirty girls and gortex tall gaiters).  I'm happy I can use these same shoes and just send myself the gortex socks (and perhaps the gortex gaiters) when I enter the Sierra. 

Sock and gaiter layers system for snow.

The funny thing is that Renee (who is also hiking the PCT) got fit for the exact same shoes when she went to her running store in Ohio.  And she is just as thrilled with her shoes as I am.  The take-home message is this— if you are having trouble finding shoes- don’t give up hope even if it takes you years and years of looking.  And try going to your local running store if nothing else works.

Disclaimer: All the opinions expressed are my own and I paid for these shoes with my own money.

Snow Skills

For the third stop on the “southwest tour” before we start hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)….

Renee and I took a fantastic snow skills course in the southern San Juans of Colorado which covered how to travel over snow in the mountains, how to use an ice ax, and much more.  It was taught by Stacy Boone of Step Outdoors- who is a mentor for us, and also taught us a Leave No Trace Trainer Course a few years ago. 

Heading up to 11,000 feet, ice ax on my pack.  Photo by Stacy.

I have been wanting to learn snow skills for a long time, and since Renee and I are hiking the PCT this year, we decided now would be a good time to do it.   Even though it is a low snow year in the Sierras, that doesn’t mean we won’t encounter any snow on the PCT.  And even if I don’t use any of these skills this year, I intend to put them to use someday… like on future hikes out in Colorado, perhaps even the CDT.

We started with techniques to navigate and travel over snow.  I liked learning the cross step, duck walk, and kick step because they focused me to think about my form- making my kick steps level, keeping my balance, using my core muscles, and softly shifting my weight- so I didn’t have time to be scared of falling down the slope.

Postholing is when you sink down into the snow. Photo by Stacy.

The soft snow and weather conditions meant that sometimes we were postholing up to our hips.  This made it a struggle to get unstuck and make any forward progress.  We realized how exhausting and frustrating traveling over snow can be.  But then we discussed ways of getting through the frustration and managing our attitudes about how we react to the challenges that nature will provide us- essential skills because long-distance hiking presents significant mental challenges like this.

Resting near the summit. (I was too excited so I ran around taking photos.)

We also went for additional Avalanche Awareness training with Bill of the San Juan Mountain Guides.  Avalanches are a significant risk in Colorado, and the risk level was high during our course (A local ski patroller even died the day before in an avalanche).  Outfitted with avalanche beacons and mountaineering boots, we learned the signs and conditions to look for that indicate higher avalanche risk.  This training opened up my eyes and ears in new ways- I now understand what to look for when I travel over snow.  The avalanche risk is much less where and when we will be on the PCT, but still, I believe that this sort of knowledge makes me much better prepared for future snow travel and the skills for dealing with risk in the backcountry are universal.

Estimate the slope to see if there is a greater risk for avalanche.

Self arrest is a technique where you use an ice ax to stop yourself if you accidentally end up sliding down a steep slope.  I was apprehensive when I watched our instructor demonstrate sliding down head first on his back down a slope, and then turn himself around using his ice ax to self arrest.  I’M SUPPOSE TO DO THAT!  But when it was my turn, I planted my ice ax firmly, spun around, and stopped!  I’m hoping the self arrest technique will get into my muscle memory in the rare event I’ll ever have to use it.

Renee practicing self arrest. Photo by Stacy.

One concept that was emphasized was “mitigating risk.”  There are many things we could do to decrease our risk like traveling in the morning, or traveling at a faster pace in dangerous places.  Reflecting on our decision making processes at the end of the day also allowed us to learn from our experiences.  Asking “Did I get away with it, or did I get it done?” allowed us to distinguish if we just got lucky or if we made the judgement calls that will keep us safe in the future.

Mitigating our risk while crossing through tree wells by spreading out. Photo by Stacy.

When we were heading down out of the mountains the last day of the course, I realized just how much my outlook had changed.  Instead of looking up and thinking just how beautiful those snow covered peaks were, I could actually see things about the mountains I hadn’t before and I could imagine myself up there.  This definitely planted a seed- inspiring me to dream about future trips or mountaineering courses into snow-covered mountains.

Happy in the snow.

Overall:
There are snow courses available many places, but I was really happy to take this course with Stacy- she is an excellent teacher and mentor.  She also showed great flexibility in adding additional lessons on other topics that we wanted to cover including foot care and blister kits, planning for water in So. Cal, and Leave No Trace practices for the desert and for mountaineering.  She spent hours discussing nutrition and going over my menus and resupply plans for the PCT.  She was supportive of my particular backpacking style and goals (i.e. no-cook meals, hammocking, and lighterweight philosophy), while also providing guidance and balanced perspectives.  Things like “you always want better food than everyone else.”   Her husband, Greg Boone (also a Triple Crowner) added to the discussions- having the two of them talk about their experiences, answering my endless questions, and offering advice was just priceless!

Near the top.

PCT training: knee problems and aerial dance

My plan when I was started preparing for the PCT was to focus on physical training and injury prevention.  To get into “the best shape of my life” before starting.  

I read books about exercise- Chi Running and Fix your Feet.   I set out a training plan involving gradually increasing my distance and pack weight, and doing specific exercises to targeted at my hiking form. 

Knee problems
Despite my efforts, around New Years, my old knee pain (IT band problem) returned.  I overdid it by hiking too fast with too much weight than I was probably ready for.  (oh, I miss my lightweight pack!)  Since then I've reduced the weight I've been carrying to 15-20 lbs, so it doesn't hurt.  However, doubt at my physical ability had hit an all-time high.  What if the only reason that I've always felt so strong as a backpacker is because my pack weight is light?  When I carry a heavy pack for the long water carries on the PCT, could I get too injured to hike?

Fortunately, I’ve had other things to keep my busy….  preparing for another aerial dance show (i.e. dance trapeze and aerial silks- sort of like Cirque du Soleil- only at an amateur-level).  I thought this might give my legs and feet time to heal.  Ironically, all the aerials practicing left me exhausted and ever more sore.  It doesn’t seem like rest climbing the silks over and over, or when I am walking around with my pack at 6 AM.

Why I'm so sore- climbing up and down and up and down.

In-town hiking in the morning.

Lessons from trapeze and aerial silks
I've learned a few lessons from getting ready from our aerial performance that I hope will help me for the PCT.  From doing aerials, I learn that soreness is part of the process, and is a physical sign that I am getting stronger, but I also learn how to not push it too far.  I stretch, I rest, I do exercises to improve my form, then I go back to practice. 

Massaging my sore forearms.

I learn to listen to my classmates and teachers when they tell me that I am strong enough to do a trick, when I don’t believe it myself.  It always turns out they are right.  I think about this when one friend tells me "I have no doubt in you completing the PCT in a thru-hike.” 

 Photo by Susan.

This show was the most challenging one I’ve ever done-  the cues were tricky, there were two transitions that I only get ‘right’ 25% of the time, and there was little time between our two pieces to rest my forearms.  When we first choreographed our aerials piece, I didn’t know if I would ever have the strength to make it through the entire set of tricks.  A few times during practice, I’d have to climb down, unable to continue, my muscles spasming.  But I knew my classmates believed in me and that arms have never been so strong.  Sure enough, we totally pulled off an awesome show!  I hope I will be as strong for the PCT.  I poke at my rock-solid forearms wondering if those muscle cells can please migrate down to my legs.

When I look down at my hands and see my callouses, I know I have the hands of an aerialist.  I realize… I AM an aerialist!   I practice saying "I AM a PCT thru hiker” and can hardly believe it will become true in another 2 months.  

The final performance goes really well!  Photo by Susan.

Shakedown #2: Bear Canisters & Gear Minutiae

Renee (Pathfinder) came down to Georgia over the holidays for another shakedown trip for our Pacific Crest Trail thru hike (our previous shakedown trip here).  Neither of us had previously carried our bear canisters packed with 6-7 days of food, but we wanted practice for when we get into the Sierra.  We were joined by Susan who is hiking the PCT as well (YAY!).  Susan was the trip leader on my first backpacking trip with Sierra Club, is a fellow naturalist/ salamander hunter/ wildflower enthusiast, and is all-around AWESOME.  I’m so thrilled the three of us will be starting our PCT adventures together in only 3 months!

Susan, me, and Renee/Pathfinder.

Our route
This "practice” trip for the PCT, ironically enough, took us to the terminus of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in Georgia, starting at Amicalola Falls State Park up to Springer Mountain (with a visit with Hammock Forum friends- nice to see you guys!), and then north to Woody Gap.  Due to winter weather, we then headed to lower elevations on the Chattooga River Trail near the South Carolina/Georgia border to continue our trip (out and back between SC 28 and Sandy Ford Rd).  (Thanks again Kellye for the weather advisory and ride!!!!)

Susan and I on Springer Mountain on New Year's Eve.

The Chattooga River near Dicks Creek Falls was plenty cold- it still got into the low 20's.

Bear-can-love
One of our goals for this trip was to practice carrying bear canisters.  I recently bought a bear canister (BV500) for my PCT trip, and though I’ve been shlepping the bear canister around (here and here), this was the first time I’d tried packing it with six days of food plus the first day’s food outside the canister.  While bear canisters are required on certain parts of the PCT, using them in Georgia is quite uncommon, and they are only recently required here (i.e. on the AT near Blood Mountain during thru hiker season).

Trying to get all the food into the canister.

Adjusting to carrying the bear canister involved several steps- figuring out how to repackage and organize food in the can, and select more calorie-dense food, rearranging all my other gear in my backpack with the canister (the bear can is bulky!), getting used to how the backpack feels on my back with the canister (it’s very heavy!), and learning how to open the canister when it is cold (use this card opener method).  Learning these skills BEFORE I am out on the PCT will hopefully allow me to better enjoy being out there in the gorgeous scenery rather than fiddling (as much) with gear.

Reflective tape for finding the cans in the dark.

I’m a total convert to the bear canister!  It saves time not having to hang the food.  With the short winter days, I don't have the frustration of throwing the bear line in the dark.  While I’ve gotten much faster at hanging my food and never had critter problems, my food hangs have been less than textbook a few times-  due to things like branches falling down, camping in pine forests with no reachable horizontal limbs, getting line stuck in the tree, or in dark/ rain/ dense fog.  A bear can eliminates the time spent on bear-bagging misadventures.  And most importantly, the bears (in the Sierra) won’t eat our food and then become problem bears- or dead bears.

Huddled under my tarp on the AT.  Probably the only bear canisters and umbrellas around for miles.

From gear angst to gear minutiae
You might recall that our first shakedown trip two months ago involved high levels of gear angst.  We were worrying about changing our gear for the different conditions we anticipate on the PCT.  We were struggling with the awkwardness of new gear (i.e. our packs, lighter shoes, electronics) and trying to be open-minded about change. 

Playing around with our water systems.

Two months later, we finally made it to the point where we decided to keep the gear we've loved on the AT (making some adjustments of course), and we have largely transitioned to a new stage which we jokingly call "gear minutiae."  Little trivial changes.  We have most of our gear to start the PCT, and yet, we can't help but try to improve, streamline, and optimize.  Cut an ounce here and there.  Platypus big zip vs. hoser?   In-line sawyer vs. sawyer squeeze?  Icebreaker 200 vs. 260 weight long johns?  Do I gotta get a new buff because my old AT buff would be totally dorky on the PCT?  ... seriously... none of this minutiae will make or break our PCT experience.  But it gives us somewhere to channel our ridiculously bubbling-over, out-of-control excitement.

Is it time to start hiking the PCT yet? 

We're feeling (almost) ready.

Obligatory photo of lovely, glimmering, tree foam!  Woo hoo!

PCT training: More rain

I’ve been working on my cold, wet-weather backpacking skills.  On this weekend’s solo backpacking trip, I set up camp purposefully in one of the coldest, wettest, windiest spots.  My goal was to test my tarp and sleeping system- I’ve been testing combinations of quilts, footpads/torsopads, and sleeping clothes in anticipation of my Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hike next year.  The weather forecast showed it would be raining and drop into the 40’s, with high winds towards morning.  On top of a mountain, I was hoping it would get even colder.

Setting out into the rain.

First there was fog
I was looking for a challenge and that’s certainly what I got!  It had been raining and cold all day, and by the time I set up, a thick fog rolled in and left a layer of droplets UNDER my tarp.  I considered packing up and moving to another location down the hillside to avoid the weather, but I’m stubborn and wanted to stay keep practicing until I am confident I can handle adverse conditions.  I readjusted my tarp, formulated a "plan B" in case things got worse, and crawled into my hammock for the long dark night ahead.

After waiting and waiting to see if I would get warm (it always takes a while for the quilts to warm up), I wondered why I was taking such risks.   “What the &*^%$ I’m doing out here?!?”  I texted my friend, and she replied “You are living life to the fullest!”  Ah ha!  It was true- I was uncomfortable, but at least I was out there pushing myself, doing what I felt I needed to do to prepare for my PCT adventure.  Yes, this was living!

Finally, I warmed up enough to realize I would not turn into an icicle during the night.  I drifted off to the pleasant patter of rain on the tarp.  Happy that I had managed just fine! 

Next came the wind
About 5 AM, the next challenge came in the form of high wind gusts.  Normally, I do NOT camp in the wind- I’m skilled at choosing campsites that are sheltered.  I’d been curious though about my guyline/ stake system- and reading online accounts on hammock forums only gets me so far.  I’m the type of person that never fully understands something without trying it out for myself.  While I anticipate avoid camping in wind while on the PCT, I also want to have experience under a variety of conditions.  

The wind gusts ripped a few of my tarp stakes out of the ground.   I saw which stakes held and which pulled out (I was testing several types of stakes).  I was also pleased that I had oriented the tarp properly, confirming I anticipated the wind direction by looking at the topography.

While packing up in the morning, I found my bear canister had ice on the lid, requiring some extra fiddling to get it open.  Perhaps next time I could put a plastic bag over the bear canister if there may be ice.  Guess it really did get as cold as I thought up on that mountain.  Which is of course why I've always been smart enough to avoid such places.

Making a silly bear impersonation as I open my icy bear canister.

Some thoughts:

On this trip, I made things much more difficult on myself.  One of my friends is always telling me that I create extra stress for myself and am overly self-critical.  She’s right of course. But at least I have drive and focus when I set my mind to something- hopefully that will serve me well on the PCT.

At home when I’m in front of my computer reading things about the PCT, I study articles that talk about the completion rate- only 40% of people who set out on a thru hike actually make it to Canada.  I examine why they left the trail, and try to figure out how I can be one of those 40%.  I wonder if I am using my preparation time wisely, and if I am prioritizing the right things.  Should I spend more time on my gear list?  Should I read more trail journals?  When it comes down to it, what I end up doing to prepare is what I always fall back on- I head out up to the mountains.  I go out backpacking.

(Edit: this training hike took place on the Bartram Trail in Georgia, out and back from Warwoman Dell.)

PCT training: Brasstown Bald

I’ve stood on the summit of Brasstown Bald (highest point in Georgia) many times before, but had never seen it like this- a cloud inversion made the surrounding mountain peaks look like islands in a white ocean.  So often, climbing a mountain on a rainy day brings you into a thick fog where you can’t see anything.  This was different- the mountaintops were clear, the valleys obscured.

Valley filled with clouds and rolling fog.  Stunning!

Missing links
I ended up on Brasstown Bald this weekend for a few reasons. The first is that I enjoy imagining the connections between mountaintops and rivers, and I find it satisfying to know I’ve walked the trails traversing the landscapes of the north Georgia mountains.  I’d previously done most of the Jacks Knob Trail, which connects the Appalachian Trail at Chattahoochee Gap with Brasstown Bald.  But there was a 1 mile part I’d missed.  Enough incentive for me.

On top of Brasstown Bald, I could see the routes of the other two trails that descent from Brasstown Bald (the Wagon Train Trail and the Arkaquah Trail) and out in the distance was also the top of Blood Mountain (on the AT) poking up out of the clouds.  By completing this little section of trail, I got another piece in my mental map of the north Georgia mountains filled in.

View from summit of Brasstown Bald.

More PCT training
I was also out getting practicing carrying extra water and food weight over significant elevation change for my PCT training.  Up to 30 lbs now- my legs are game for anything, but my poor feet need extra time to build strength.  I walk daily with my pack around my neighborhood, but that's nothing like climbing up and down several thousand feet (which I did by doing an out and back on the Jacks Knob Trail and most of the Arkaquah Trail).

Lots of rain, fog, and tree foam at lower elevation.

Looking for salamanders
During the hike, I took a detour to one of my favorite places to find salamanders.  I’ve had salamanders on my mind lately.  Natural history is often what gives my hikes meaning, and finding salamanders (or plants or tree foam, etc.) is what I do, part of my identity.  As a weekend backpacker, I reference guidebooks that contain natural history, many of my trips are motivated by seeking out particular plants, and finding plants or salamanders never fails to cheer me up when I’m having a rough day on the trail.

A salamander friend.

It’s hard for me to imagine how this will fit in with the thru-hiker mentality that I think I will need for the PCT.  Where the priority is light, fast, efficient.  Where I will have limited battery power and internet access.  Where my priorities may be different.

A few nights ago, I was flipping through my copy of the Wilderness Press Guide Pacific Crest Trail: Oregon and Washington, pondering maps and guidebooks.  I got this book years ago- it's heavy and outdated, but I love reading the information on the geology and natural history of the PCT.  Naturally, this salamander reference caught me eye and I started daydreaming about more salamander detours:

From the Wilderness Press Guide.

Most maps and databooks of the PCT (i.e. the ones I plan to bring) do not contain this type of information.  Do I try to bring guidebooks (or their pdf's) that do have natural history info?  Could this at least be justified when it helps me infer suitable habitat for hammock campsites?  Will I be happy being immersed in the natural splendor of the PCT and not having access to information, or even something as basic as a way to ID plants?

I know my priorities when I do my weekend trips- but it is hard to imagine how these will change on a long-distance hike.  I read a lot about how people's gear and food preferences change over the course of a long-distance hike, but what about more fundamental values?  Will I find other sources of meaning or inspiration?  My enthusiasm for nature runs deep.  A childhood spent climbing trees, turning over rocks in streams, swinging from rope swings.  Will I ever grown tired of these things?

As with much of this PCT planning, I guess I'll just have to keep an open mind and find out next year.  This is all part of the adventure of attempting something new.