lyagooshka
11-10-2016, 23:01
Greetings all.
I'm a bit late posting this, so apologies.
I just completed my first section of the AT.
Started in Pen Mart and ended in Harpers Ferry, SOBO.
Big shout out to Sondance Kid.
I wasn't doing it alone, and if he hadn't said "sure, let's go", I wouldn't have gone.
I have zero hiking experience.
Army, yes, survival, sure, but never hiked more than a few miles (other than the forces ruck marches in BCT).
I was basically couch-to-AT.
All I can say is, I am SO glad I got the experience.
I chose this hike as it's been described by some as the literal "walk in the woods".
If that's the case, I can only imagine what the "hard" parts are like.
We started at the Teahorse Hostel and got a shuttle to Pen Mar.
First day, we did 9 miles to the Ensign Cowall shelter.
On this first day I learned that I really needed to pack right.
No cotton anything.
Hiking pack (instead of the heavy army-issued ruck I took).
And easy on the food.
My appetite was nil while hiking, and not much better at rest.
I could have left about 3-5 pounds at home.
Also, a water filter is a MUST.
The puddle we pulled our water from at the shelter was far from clean.
Was sore as anything that night, but was surprised at how I felt the next day.
Sleeping in a shelter is "different".
Was there with Sondance and Pirate.
After reading up on it, every little noise was an adrenaline rush.
I wasn't worried about the bears and deer.
I was worried about the little bugs and rodents that were going to infect me with some brain eating microbe.
For a wishlist, I would say blow-up pad and a better inflatable pillow.
Day 2 we went 14 miles.
Stopped for the night at the Dahlgren Camping area.
On the way saw the Washington monument.
Lessons learned, get in shape before hiking.
Things I'm glad I had, my ultralight tent and alcohol stove.
Things I wish I had, same as above.
Day 3 we were pondering going about 10 miles and stopping at the Edward B. Garvey shelter or pushing through the 17 miles to Harpers Ferry.
My vote was for the prior when I was sore as heck at the campground, but in the morning I actually thought we had a chance.
Along the way, we took in some great sights.
Lots of history in the area.
Weather was beautiful.
Wound up getting to the shelter around 2, so we decided to push on.
Lesson learned that day, for the fat and out of shape, do this hike SOBO.
You hit the hill off the C&O towpath and you will quit.
Spent the night at the Teahorse again and went home the next day.
Stopped at the AT Conservancy on the way.
There is a relief map of the trail there.
Guy there was quick wo show me how "flat" the MD section is compared to places like ME and GA.
Wow!
Kudos to all that have done it.
Speaking of which, saw Sondance's photo there from his thru-hike in 2009.
All in all, it was an AMAZING journey.
I am glad I had someone to go with.
I am glad for all the people I met.
I am glad for all the stories and great conversation.
Not sure I will ever do the whole thing in one shot.
This was a test and I got my answer.
Could I do it, maybe.
Is it for me?
No.
But I will definitely be back out there for some short runs.
CT, NJ, PA, MA, all on the list.
Some other trail as well.
GA, TN, NC, VA, also on the list, but in a while.
Strangest thing was, as much as I was happy to be home, after an hour on the couch, I really started thinking, "I wouldn't mind another day out there".
Thanks to everyone who answered my questions and gave advise.
If I had to do it again, I wouldn't have waited until 43 to get out there.
I'll follow with some "start" and "end" pics.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Looking forward to seeing you out there.
Tango Yankee!
I'm a bit late posting this, so apologies.
I just completed my first section of the AT.
Started in Pen Mart and ended in Harpers Ferry, SOBO.
Big shout out to Sondance Kid.
I wasn't doing it alone, and if he hadn't said "sure, let's go", I wouldn't have gone.
I have zero hiking experience.
Army, yes, survival, sure, but never hiked more than a few miles (other than the forces ruck marches in BCT).
I was basically couch-to-AT.
All I can say is, I am SO glad I got the experience.
I chose this hike as it's been described by some as the literal "walk in the woods".
If that's the case, I can only imagine what the "hard" parts are like.
We started at the Teahorse Hostel and got a shuttle to Pen Mar.
First day, we did 9 miles to the Ensign Cowall shelter.
On this first day I learned that I really needed to pack right.
No cotton anything.
Hiking pack (instead of the heavy army-issued ruck I took).
And easy on the food.
My appetite was nil while hiking, and not much better at rest.
I could have left about 3-5 pounds at home.
Also, a water filter is a MUST.
The puddle we pulled our water from at the shelter was far from clean.
Was sore as anything that night, but was surprised at how I felt the next day.
Sleeping in a shelter is "different".
Was there with Sondance and Pirate.
After reading up on it, every little noise was an adrenaline rush.
I wasn't worried about the bears and deer.
I was worried about the little bugs and rodents that were going to infect me with some brain eating microbe.
For a wishlist, I would say blow-up pad and a better inflatable pillow.
Day 2 we went 14 miles.
Stopped for the night at the Dahlgren Camping area.
On the way saw the Washington monument.
Lessons learned, get in shape before hiking.
Things I'm glad I had, my ultralight tent and alcohol stove.
Things I wish I had, same as above.
Day 3 we were pondering going about 10 miles and stopping at the Edward B. Garvey shelter or pushing through the 17 miles to Harpers Ferry.
My vote was for the prior when I was sore as heck at the campground, but in the morning I actually thought we had a chance.
Along the way, we took in some great sights.
Lots of history in the area.
Weather was beautiful.
Wound up getting to the shelter around 2, so we decided to push on.
Lesson learned that day, for the fat and out of shape, do this hike SOBO.
You hit the hill off the C&O towpath and you will quit.
Spent the night at the Teahorse again and went home the next day.
Stopped at the AT Conservancy on the way.
There is a relief map of the trail there.
Guy there was quick wo show me how "flat" the MD section is compared to places like ME and GA.
Wow!
Kudos to all that have done it.
Speaking of which, saw Sondance's photo there from his thru-hike in 2009.
All in all, it was an AMAZING journey.
I am glad I had someone to go with.
I am glad for all the people I met.
I am glad for all the stories and great conversation.
Not sure I will ever do the whole thing in one shot.
This was a test and I got my answer.
Could I do it, maybe.
Is it for me?
No.
But I will definitely be back out there for some short runs.
CT, NJ, PA, MA, all on the list.
Some other trail as well.
GA, TN, NC, VA, also on the list, but in a while.
Strangest thing was, as much as I was happy to be home, after an hour on the couch, I really started thinking, "I wouldn't mind another day out there".
Thanks to everyone who answered my questions and gave advise.
If I had to do it again, I wouldn't have waited until 43 to get out there.
I'll follow with some "start" and "end" pics.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Looking forward to seeing you out there.
Tango Yankee!