Random Tips

Random Tips
I collect tips from wide resources and think of others on sleepless nights.  Here's a collection of some.
@ use hex-head 1/4 inch screws as ice cleats by screwing them into the soles of the shoes.
@ practice setting up your shelter in nice weather with wet gloves, a stiff heavy coat, and dark glasses.  This will prep you for doing it in bad conditions.
@  wrap 1/8 cord around the shoes when in need of a quick traction on ice.
@ drinking straws
   Cut to 1 1/2 inch lengths.
   Melt ends closed using needle nose pliers and a flame
   Fill with: spices, cold meds, asprin, matches, cotton swab & vaseline, veggie oil, etc.  Anything one use of would be used.
  Try to find clear fat straws.
@ chapstick
  Zipper lube, rub on open zipper.
  Pin hole water proofing, temporary.  Smear over offending spot.
  Cover small scratches.
  Fire starter, smear on lint, tissue, or other tinder fuel source.
  Candle, rub a cotton swab & stick short piece into center.
@ Sawyer water filter
  Use a smart water bottle when the bladder breaks.
  Gently roll the bladder.
  Wet and leave the filter for a few minutes to allow the fibers to moisten.  A premoistened filter will work faster then a dry one.  Experience taught me that one.
  Use an open bottle as a scoop and a hurricane funnel adaptor to fill squeeze container.
  Always back flush in silty streams.
  Always air back flush when conditions of freezing are present.  Freezing this filter will ruin it.
  Attach a drinking hose directly to the filter and use a drity water bladder.
@ carry the pack towel on the outside of the pack
@ carry extra safety pins
@ carry one extra tent peg in case of loss or need of extra securing point in windy conditions
@ tie guide lines to tent stakes instead of to the tarp or tent.  I've used this for years and helps prevent lost pegs and tangled lines.
@  tie glow or reflector cord to any tripping or clothes lining hazard.
@ chain braid long lines
@ tie the bear bag cord to a rock sack.  Stuff line into sack for storage.
@  make soft shackels for the bear bag
@  know the back out plan.  Know when is far enough for the conditions present.
@  have a back up plan for when the primary is not possible.
@  make an I.C.E. card with a current face shot.  Take a photo of it.  Many new cameras have an internal memory images can be stored in with the memorybcard removed.  Copy I.C.E. card to every memory card used.
@  take photos of all map sections of travel.
@ take photos of relevant guide book pages
@ carry solid fuel tabs made of wax and cotton balls.  They are light, durable, and a fire starter in case of emergency.
@ know and practice two or more ways to start a fire.
@ duct tape
  Some say wrap it around the water bottle or hiking stick.  I find these methods lead to beat up tape.  Duct tape does have a short life span when constantly exposed to the elements.
  I prefer to wrap it around a card and carry it in the emergency kit.
@ use bubble wrap envelopes as freezer bag meal insulation.
@ establish mulitple ways of communication with your home base to let them know you're ok.
@ carry an extra tent stake.  It can replace a lost one.  It can re-enforce the windward side of the shelter.

@ carry a wide snow stake.  It serves as a cat hole tool during the day a fire coal mover by night.

Avoid Cotton - All cotton worn on this trip. Criteria 2010

Critters

Critters I want to see

I could say I just want the trail to be under foot tomorrow.  Indeed after speaking of this for years some of my friends would love for me to be there too.  Fortunately, for them once I finish, I'll have trail stories to tell endlessly.  My friends and I have such a wonderful friendship. I do chat up my latest hikes locally and if I've seen any wildlife.  I'm lucky if I do.

Sailor and Captain are no strangers to wildlife.  When I visit them it's not unusual to stop for a moment to watch an ROES outside.  Mind you these ROES's aren't from the Princes Bride of 80's fame.  The Rodents Of Extreme Size are none other then the mascot of their town.  I've run into them scattered throughout the Wasatch and desire to view them along the trail in Maine.  I'd love to say, with out stretched arms, "his paddles where this big and I was that close."

Okay, I don't want to be that close.  In Yellowstone NP several years ago, what started as a safe distance a few minutes later wasn't.  I ran for the trees, a long with a few other photographers.  I've got a blurry, on the run for my life, picture of a 6 point elk.  That was close and a different story altogether.

When I worked at Skyland in SNP, I kept track of one of the local black bears.  Some days I'd see her from my dorm window, other days while I was strolling along the trail to Stoney Man Mountain.  One Sunday, on my way to the amphitheater, her cubs were at the base of a tree and she at the top.  I was late to leading chapel service needless to say.  I want to see a few bears may be a little further away for comfort.

I'm not a critter holding creature.  I've unsuccessfully grabbed for a couple of the desert lizards.  I want to hold one of the orange salamanders, if they aren't poisonous.  I've got a feeling I'll just have to settle for holding a picture.

If you hear a scream, much like that of a teenage girl meeting Justin Bebier, coming from the woods, chances are you just heard me encountering a snake.  Once while returning from a midnight stroll to one of SLC's best over looks I heard the tell tell rattle.  I walked inches (24) from a snake in the dark, 2 miles from the trail head. Another time, I saw a baby rattler just of the trail in front of me.  I couldn't get my self past it.  That story turns out good, a young lady walking her puppy came the other way and, well, let say I made a new friend.  As much as I hate snakes, I know I'm gonna encounter them.  So I want to see a rat snake, a garden snake, an eastern rattler, and a bird with any of the a fore mentioned in it's mouth.

I'm sure right about now Sailor and the Captain are thinking why didn't we hear about these stories before? Well let me say this, my folks, it was for your protection.  Besides, you're now reading my raw thoughts with some editing.  You will read my raw thoughts.  Of the trail, I've heard it said you will meet people as real as any for the trail respects no class of people but the real ones and even then they too are tested through by the trail.

This brings me  to my final critter I want to meet.  I want to meet people.  I want to meet people who are new to hiking and old pros.  I want to meet people whose nose just twitched as I walked past, who wonder why I didn't bath that morning or ponder if I ever did.  I want to meet people who want to partner with me for a moment, while others want to go further.  I want to meet people who'll not give me the creeps, though I'm sure I will.  I want to meet people who'll challenge my way and I there's.  The one thing I am not use to is hiking and camping around people so if we meet in the woods pardon me for a moment while I shake a way myself.

There's an old saying in my mountains "you're never a lone for long in the Wasatch."  This must hold true as millions pour into the Appalachians each year.  So how long is long before friends are made? Come now let's make new friends  "come brush against the  walls of my life even for a moment, for the greatest stories are made up of short chapters" (From Student Magazine Sept 1989).

Let's see what we can see and who we meet.  Hike on!

On Film, in Shenandoah NP criteria '92

Distance Goals

Distance Goals

"The longest journey begins with the first step," a Chinese proverb says.
A question the Captain likes to ask, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."
The first failure is always intention not acted upon.

Sayings, yes.  Puns and irony, true.  They are however relevant to goals, to struggle, and to this journey we are about to venure out on.

Now, I'll never eat an elephant.  I hope no one else does either.  The intention simply is, an elephant is so big it's gona take a while to consume.

Intention is next.  Many people intend to do something big, even, small and simple.  Someone intends to call but never does and misses out on benefits when they are needed the most.  Another intends to call and misses out speaking with a loved one before a fateful moment.  Intentions need to be acted on if not for the benefit of trying but also to see if it can be done.

The first step in a long journey is acting on the intention to go.  A long journey takes planning, building of experience, and trust of advisors.

In Union (1300 east and 7700 south) there's foundations of high rise condos.  The stairwell towers over the road, it's an eyesore in another wise nice area.  The developer intended for them to be finished years ago.  I'm not here to judge, I can say others missed out.  This location has clear unobstructed views of the valley and the mountains like no other spot.

I'm coming to the place where I need to post my notice of the intention to build.  Here are the goal points to watch for as this journey progresses.  The Sailor says this journey of mine will be a success even with just one night on the trail.  I'm saying, I've already carved into my proverbial elephant, here are the pieces.  Here is what the building will look like as we progress.

I've broken down these for simplicity into three catagories.  Major goals are points that help break the over all distance into manageble chunks.  They are also places I've read about or visited previously.  Secondary goals further divide the distances into more reasonable chunks.  I've thrown in a couple of reasons too.

All of my hikes include these.  When I took a group up to Mount Raymond, I set similar goals that the group could achieve.   If a consensus came to be that the summit was out of reach then the secondaries were good points.  Only one person that day chose to stop short.  The knife edge presented a challenge to much for her.  With her permission the rest continued to the summit.  She enjoyed the view she had.

I am also including a few weigh points to keep in mind like views to see and the challenges prevously presented.

# Springer Mountain.  Mile 0.  Goal type, Major. The starting point.
# Blood Mountain Shelter.  Mile 29.  Goal type, Secondary.  The first major mountain.
# GA/NC Stateline.  Mile 78.5.  Secondary.  The first of 13 State border crossings.
# Franklin TN.  Mile 109.8. Goal type, Challenge.  Fast food!
# Nantahala Outdoor Center.  Mile 134.  Major.
# Fontana Dam.  Mile 166.  Major.  Entry into the first National Park, the Smokies.
# Clingmans Dome.  Mile 199.  Secondary.  Sunrise.
# Charley's Bunion.  Mile 207?.  Secondary.
# Max Patch.  Mile 254.  Secondary.  Cowboy camping.
# Damascus VA.  Mile 467.  Major.  Trail Days.
# Audie Murphy Memorial.  Mile 686.  Historical note: Audie Murphy is the most decoreated soldier from WWII, European Theatre.
# Dragons Tooth VA.  Mile 695 Secondary.  Just sounds awesome.
# MacAfee Knob.  Mile 707.9.  Major.  The most photographed place on the AT.
# Shendandoah NP.  Mile 858.8. Secondary.  My last park of my Parkie days.
# Little Stoney Man Cliffs  Mile 929.3 Major.  A place I use to visit frequently.
# The Roller Coaster.  Mile 989.4 to 1003.  MUDS. I'd like to hike this in 1 day.
# Harper's Ferry, WV.  Mile 1019.6.  ATC hq & psychological half way point.
# 4 State Challenge.  Mile 1002 to   1060.5.  Challenge,  I am not planning on hiking this challenge.
# AT mid point official for 2014.  Mile 1092. Major.  I'm closer to the end then the beginning.
#  Pine Grove Furnace State Park.  Mile 109.9.  Major.  Ice cream half gallon challenge.  I'll be game.
# The Lemon Squeezer.  Mile 1382.  Major.  The trail goes through a boulder field where the pack needs to be taken off at times to pass through.
# Nuclear Lake south shore.  Mile 1438. Secondary. Site of a nuke accident in the '70s.
# CT State Challenge.  Mile 1457 -1502.3.  Secondary.  Another distance challenge that I'll be passing up.
# Mount Greylock.  Mile 1582.4.  Major.  Highest point in MA.
# Mount Moosilauke.  Mile 1792.  Secondary.  Views.
# Mount Washington.  Mile 1852.  Major.  Know for views and infamous bad weather.
# Kennebec River crossing.  Mile 2033.  Major.  The canoe ride is the white blaze way.  The end is within reach.
# Abol Bridge.  Mile 2170.  Secondary.  One final point to ponder.
# Mount Katahdin.  Mile 2185.  Major.  It's over.  This is it.  The Big K.  Time to .

Fog over the Shenandoah Valley from Skyland Lodge area in '92

Traditions

AT Traditions

Once again a teaser, a pre-hike installment of what's the perceived life like on the AT.  In a previous post I wrote about the challenges of the AT. This installment will over lap and may include challenges.  Today, I want to explore the traditions of the AT.  Any sub-culture would be incomplete without traditions. Traditions are ingrained into organizations, too.  The Navy celebrates the crossing the equator.  The Air Force celebrates a pilot's first solo flight.  Colleges celebrate graduation.   Many companies celebrate a Founder's Day.

The AT's oldest tradition is the trail name, a moniker a hiker will take on for this journey.  If they continue onto other long trails, there too the trail name will follow.  Earl Schaffer returning from the Pacific War, WWII, hit the trail with crude maps calling himself the Crazy One.  He wanted to walk off the war. Other Vets are also hiking of the war(s) with the Warrior Hike.  Some times a trail name is given based on what someone does or what they've said.  A trail name can evolve over time and does not need be adopted by a hiker.  If a hiker gives themselves a name it often gets changed by someone else, another tradition.  Only the Crazy One could legitimately give and keep his own trail name.

Another long standing tradition is getting the pack weighed at the Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center.  This weight is done less food, fuel, and water.  The weight is also known as a base weight.  For some this is a bragging point, others just informative.  The lighter a pack, the more experienced a hiker is thought to be.  A lighter pack also implies more efficient a hiker is, lighter is related to more miles covered.

While at the visitor center, sign in as a thru-hiker and get a starting number. The numbering system resets each year.  This is reported up to the ATC for statistical purposes.  The final number is recorded in the far north, if the hiker gets there.

From the visitor center, head to the arch leading to the Approach Trail for a picture.  Hiking the Approach Trail is a point of contention with Purists.  I plan on hiking it just 'cus it is part of the experience.  This photo will be the first of many.  The other starting picture is of the Benton MacKaye Plaque on Springer Mountain.

Another tradition and point of contention is climbing the stairs of Amicalola Falls.  I hear they go up forever and beyond forever.  These steps for many will be the last steps they take with family and friends as the hiker is.  After the hike, the hiker will be reborn as a different person forged by mountain trials and distance.

From the beginning of having the pack weighed some will start tossing gear, as each step brings the questioning of one item to the next. One of the first major road crossings brings the first outfitters.  The gurus at Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi.  These gurus are experts at throwing (a shakedown) your pack.   Backpacker.com reference these gurus as wanting to help you achieve this goal, selling their wares isn't the goal.  If you want some lighter gear, I'm sure they'll help you lighten the wallet too,. Mountain Crossings is at mile 31.7 so if a hiker made it this far, it's also time to celebrate as 15% have found a reason to depart the AT.  They lighten the load by 12 pounds per hiker on the average or a great way to haze the new UPS drivers.

By this point in time the male gender of thru-hikers are developing untreatable growths upon their faces.  The hiker beard as it's often called tends to begin to show as part of the city slicker ebbs further and further into the past.  'Unkept' outsiders will call them.  The odor surrounding thru-hikers is not from being unkept.  That's just part of life when a shower is but once or twice every 10 days.  The beard, however, is a choice.  Later, these males take pride in this growth much like they may have taken care of a shiny motorized toy at home.  Many males who take a bit of time away from the trail express regret for becoming kept.

Sunrise at Clingsman Dome, mile 220(?), is not to be missed.  Sunrise from the concrete tower is said to be beyond imagination.  The season and weather plays a big part.  I've seen pictures of complete beauty and utter misery taken within days of each other.

Where tourist mix with hiker another tradition emerges.  For many hikers Clingmans Dome will be their first professional try with this.  And no, it's not hitch hiking, that's just a life line to and fro the trail on resupply days.  Named after the crafty bear of Jellystone National Park, of Hanna-Barbera cartoons, Yogiing. Yogiing is the art of begging for food from a tourist without coming out and saying directly 'feed me.'  Techniques vary from sitting around looking pathetic to telling elaborate stories.  No technique though will work every time, flexibility is key.

One thing I keeping hearing about is a must do is to cowboy camp on Max Patch, mile 251. Cowboy camping is throwing down the sleeping bag without any shelter.  To me, it means heading out to the desert with a wool blanket for a cold night and a big campfire.  This is the AT so no blankets (sleeping bags are ok) just sleeping out under the stars.

Another tradition, and no writing of the AT would be complete without, the mention of the Damascus Trail Days, mile 460.  Trail Days is the party of the AT.  For 2014, it is over May 16 to 18th, the time many thru-hikers will be passing thru town.  This 3 day party includes a tent city, outdoor vendors large and small, and the Hiker Parade.  A sad note from last year, several hikers hike ended when a car careened through the crowd.  The Hiker Parade is complete with hikers getting free showers by a variety of means with super soakers and water balloons.  This big event will mix former classes with this year's and enthrall would be hikers. It is also a reunion of friends from around the globe.  Tips, tricks, and pranks are shared.  Stories tall told around fires and over drink by hikers and trail angels alike.  Because of the success of Damascus' Trail Days other celebrations are popping up, don't be fooled there is only one Trail Days.

Even if one chooses not to carry some form of dedicated image capturing device, the next traditional picture is worth the weight.  A photo standing on MacAfee's Knob is worthy of framing.  This view point juts out from the cliffs with a near 280 degree panoramic view.  This is the most photographed spot on the trail.

Tradition or challenge this next one is mixed.  Jumping from the James River foot bridge, mile 770, is here.  Why not? A hiker needs to get clean and with hiking 1/3rd the way a good soaking is in order.  Jumping from a bridge can be dangerous and or illegal, please consult with locals first.

Since we've picked up a number of photos so far let's stop for another.  This time stopping at the ATC's head quarters in Harper's Ferry, WV.  Remember the starting number? What's the rank at the psychological midpoint? Sign in, get a number, and a Polaroid next to the ATC sign.  Breeze the wall of images for friends who are ahead and leave a message for those coming.  Congratulations are also in order,  most hikers got off trail and only the elite are continuing on.  The hikers that reach this point are more the likely to finish.

From the mid-point to the end there are butt a few traditions left.  Mooning the Cog on Mount Washington is that butt, bare it, flash it, drop them drawers as the cog huffs and puffs with a load of tourist bound for the summit.  Butt there is a catch, the cog is no longer belching black foul of coal and often children are on board.  Arrests of indecent exposure are reported in the last few years.  I'd say, don't risk ending the hike with matching cufflinks.  Why not present skinny bellies? You got it, you earned it, why not flaunt it? This may be the last time a hiker will be this skinny.

While in the Whites, a working tradition abounds.  The AMC runs a series of maintained huts.  These huts are as close to the original reason for the AT.  The AT was to be a retreat, a string of huts a long a corridor of connected trails folks could hike to to get away from the hustle of city life.  A hiker can work a few hours for a place to sleep and some food.  This is on a first come first served basis as the paying guest get first servings and a bunk.  A hiker may get something to eat and a place on the floor.  If there are other thru-hikers present, the new arrivals may have to pay up or move on.  Work for stay is not guaranteed.

The final tradition is a combination of two things.  With in an easy day hike lay the summit day, finally, the anticipated moment, graduation day, what ever one desires to call it, it's time to sign the registry and check the ranger station at the base of the mystical mountain of KATAHDIN.  The grand finally is at hand time to ascend beginning at Katahdin Stream, the trail climbs above the treeline, past Thoreau Springs in the Tablelands, and onto the sacred wooden sign marking the end of the AT.  Celebrations of exquisiteness, sadness, joy, photos of the moment alone and with other hikers fill the moment.  I'm sure I'll be a basket case.  The climb is said to be the hardest of the AT and worth it.  SoBo's and Flip Floppers won't know the elation, they have their own points, only climbs are easier from now on.  PS don't forget to sign out as well, we don't want the rangers needless looking for someone who's gone back to the city, a strange place for the thru-hiker.

I'm sure I've missed a tradition or two.  Send me a message, I'll write it up and add it to an edited version.  At this point I need to fill in the blanks and do some fact checking.  I'm also hungry too.

AT Challenges

Appalachian Trail Challenges

Everyone likes bragging rights of some kind or another.  When I was a kid, it was how far beyond the bottom of the sledding hill could you go.  In Scouts, it was how fast could you tie the basic 6 knots or who could belch the loudest.  The AT presents a string of challenges as well for bragging rights.  I've searched out a handful.  Honestly, I'd love to brag this is a complete list be ready to be mildly disappointed some of these items are easy in concept but truthfully how many can say... they did that.

I've tried to get these in some order of location and category of distance, an activity, the food.  With distances try to not to take a zero (a day off from hiking) after wards for bonus points.  After all why rush a section only to recover after wards, why not keep the momentum going?  Also with distance challenges if you  do them separately you get bonus points around the campfire.  With food challenges please beware of your body, if you can't eat something look for an alternative or cheer on those trying.

Speed Hike to Damascus challenge.  If one is in reach of Damascus VA for Trail Days, pump up the volume, burn a few more calories, and get to the party.  Refueling is plentiful and one can start bragging of completing this challenge immediately.

50 miler challenge.  It can be done anywhere along the trail.  The idea is to hike 50 miles with minimal breaks.  It can be combined with other distance challenges.

The Roller Coaster challenge.  This isn't an official challenge but, it is one I'd like to bring in.  There is a section in Virginia that is about 13 miles of regular ups and downs know as the Roller Coaster.  The challenge is simple hike it in one day.

The 30 Days of Virginia.  Since Virginia is contains the greatest number of miles for any state on the AT (500) to avoid the Virginia Blues some under take completing the state in under 30 days.  An exception to this is if you grab a few days for Trail Days.

The 4 State challenge.  Hike from the State of Virginia to Pennsylvania in one continuous hiking day.  The mental midway point of the AT is Harper's Ferry WV and the ATC head quarters.  At the ATC remember to stop, get your picture taken, and grab a shower before continuing on.  PS at the ATC you're only half way done for the day.

The State of Connecticut.  Hike this state in one continuous hiking day.  This challenge can be combined with other distance challenges.

The 24 hour challenge.  Hike continuously for 24 short rest breaks are acceptable.  This can be completed with other distance challenges.  The one with the most number of miles covered in give period gets added bragging rights.  I understand by the time one hits VA they're in hiking shape and will under take it within the first bit of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Hike Naked Day challenge.  Okay, almost naked if you're not sure of yourself.  This is to, well, hike in the buff except for your turtle shell for the day of Summer Equinox (June 21 this year).  If you must grab some foliage to cover up quickly please don't grab some poison ivy like one fella did a few years back.

Jump from the James River Bridge.  Sounds easy enough, jump from a bridge.  Since jumping from the wrong bridge can be meet unhealthy ends or arrest, check with the locals first.  I may pass.

Moon the Cog challenge.  This is rather sketchy to do now.   In recent years barring your naked skinny backside to the populaces of tourists on the Cog Train bound for the top of Mount Washington has resulted in a few arrests.  I'm thinking of writing 'feed me' on my bellie and seeing if this results in gaindering of treats at the top would be more appropriate.

Now thus I shift into food.  I'm hungry now after writing for an hour, I ponder how much more so will I be on the trail.

Franklin Fast Food challenge.  This is more then likely to be the first food challenge of the AT and is one of many involving the elusive calorie.  In Franklin TN, dine on an item from every fast food join in town.  Now to my understanding there's more then a handful of 'em and I am not sure if it's like fries from one place, a burger from the next, a cookie from another.  I'm thinking it's a burger from each.

Value Menu challenge.  Formerly known as the Dollar Menu challenge the name is changing as few places actually have $1.00 menus any more.  Stop into a name brand chain, order one of everything, and dine.  Congratulations on achieving carnivore like hunger if you make it on the first try.  Bonus points if you do this early on the hike.  Subtract points if in the last half of the hike.

The Egg challenge.  I wish I could find out more about this one.  I presume it involves eating the most number of hard boiled eggs in one sitting.  However, it does sound like the game 'chubby bunnies' where you stuff your mouth with marshmallows until you can't say 'chubby bunnies' any more.  The location is presumed to be in Virginia.

The Pancake challenge.  Since hikers dream about eating and devour everything off a buffet why not add this to the plate.  In Williamsburg VA at the breakfast place order up the pancakes.  Again, I wish I knew more, I love pancakes more then popcorn.

1/2 Gallon challenge.  In Pine Grove State Park PA stop at and eat half a gallon of ice cream, any flavor, and get a wooden spoon.

A Gallon of Milk challenge.  Drink a gallon of milk in half an hour and keep it down for half an hour.  Location unknown.  I know I'm passing on this one already.  I haven't drunk even a cup of milk in years.  If I tried this one I'm sure my trail name would change to the 'White Fountain' at least temporarily.

There's the list I've found.  If you know how to fill the missing info send me a message.  I'm not sure if I'll take on more then a handful.  The greatest challenge after getting to the AT will be completing it.

Chopping Locks and Movies

The concept of a movie being made into a book is as exciting as watching paint dry.  I can never understand why one wants to read a movie-book unless it’s about the production of a particular story made into a movie.  I’ve made the decision not to watch some movies based on books for the movies seldom will capture the intensity of a book.  A great contrast with these are the Star Wars series versus Lord of the Rings.  How can one honestly read the Star Wars Trilogy (I did).  Please torcher me with the digitally enhanced versions.  Mean while, LOTR movies leave so much out when comparing movie to book.  I’ve only read a few small portions of the books and though there is incredible depth to the movies, it hardly captures intensity of the chapters I read.

I ponder how do the movies based on the section hikes of Cheryl Strayed on the PCT “Wild” and Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods” will capture their back stories? I found their stories to be less of the trail and more of why or how come they were hiking.  Does the movies capture her past? Will the lust for town come true for him?

Why so with and where am I going?  Easy, when one comes across a hiker please just don’t think ‘another dirty almost homeless bum encased in gortex’ or ‘an inconsiderate piece of hiker trash’  sure we are going to be dirty or we may laugh like there’s no one around.  There is shared experience in both and each have a rich back story to share.

I hitched via bus through Chicago long before I realized how adventurous I’d become.  As I took the shake rattle and sway transportation method called ‘the El’ people looked at a not so clean cut kid with a guitar and knapsack with a blanket rolled tied to.  I wondered what people thought of me then.  When I asked which stop I needed for the hostel, the person I asked sounded surprised on how polite I was.  They neither knew my story only had a perception.

As I stepped into work today, I got a few shocked looks, and comments of curiosity.  Unlike those looks in Chicago, I know these folks and yet we don’t know each other.  Is that long haired dude someone who likes to wear his hair long?  Or the gal with really short hair, is that really by choice?  What may be a common looking tattoo, is it really a normal tattoo or is there a deeper meaning behind it?  Much like movies and books, there’s a lot more behind what is seen then viewed even with the familiar.

My blog is more than just about me hiking the AT.  I chose on purpose not to start from scratch.  I’ve chosen to let what I’ve written in the past remain.  What for? Easy, the greatest books are made from a lot of short chapters.  Movies can’t explore the details within the pages of books even with the most skilled of writers working with the most skilled directors.

Where’d then did my hair go?  Hint it relates to this entry… http://preyingjaws.blogspot.com/2007/06/cancer-remains.html and ties into this organization http://www.locksoflove.org  somehow it’s become a major part of my story whether shared or unshared.

Ask the book for the details, forego the movie…

Hike on…

Infamous

Infamous, claim to fame, that guy.

Any title, any cringe, any brag point, call it what you will.  I will proudly say, "I am that guy..."  okay I don't want to go that far.  In and around the office one can lay low and never be known by something other then a guy who comes faithfully to work, be know for keeping things light hearted, taking on projects, or even be the guy that folks cringe for one reason or another.  We are all known for something even if it is nothing.

I can faithfully say I've become known for a waffying smell that permeates the office every lunch since last June of '13.  A waffying smell that is undeniable.  I will lay claim to the guy who pops microwave popcorn.  I even have my own secret I am sharing with you.

Hover around the microwave, listen for the slowing of the pops, and never let the time exceed 3 minutes.

No, that's only a small portion of the secret.  The rest is on the pictured bag.  Now, I do recognize that LifeHacker does list brown paper bags as one thing never to microwave for they may contain any number of additives in the proccessing that make it unhealthy for you.  As a side note that article just appeared in the last week or so.  Please use your own descression.

In near 200 bags, I've only brought one to the point of self ignition.  I mindlessly for got that the microwave I was using is the one that doesn't enjoyably pop favorably.  I kept hitting add 30 seconds until 4 minutes passed and smoke more then waffed into thy face upon entry into that cooking chamber.  I immediately brought the contents to the sink and did not cease to flood the now chemically enhanced contents with dihydrogenoxide in liquid form until no more.

I do beg the pardon, even of today, of those who lively put up with breakroom activities near their positions of diligence.  I do say though of all the bags popped, I've only brought one to the point where the nose cring of awfullness.  Most the time, 'tis the smell that awakens the desire to consume sustinence or make a stretch at mid day.

Now there are to many to list here in honor so for the noted: Dale, Dell, JamieLynn, Tom, the late Jim T, Nelly, Joel, Sussie, and most notably of all who posted the sign that began it all Carolee.  Thank you.

Now to whom shall the torch be passed? Who desires to consumate the starting of training on how to master the microwave? To whom shall pick up the mantel of desireous senses to announce mid day provissions are needed?

Now, to my friends, never fear, the pop is making way to the trail.  I've taken to mastering it in a kettle the size of your desktop beverage container.  A little oil, a little heat, and carefull attention to the sizzel over open flame.  A simple amount not to lift of the top and so goes the announcement of dessert to share.  Please let me shake a little into an open hand or container.

Snack healthy and hike on...

Generic FAQ Video

I came across this video a while ago and it's quirky.  It does address somethings rather humorously about some of the typical conversations I have with folks at work.

My FAQ's

What is the AT? I hear often when I tell others I getting ready for something big.  Next question is are you going alone? A few others mockingly joke, haven't you left yet?

Questions, statement of fact, or common curosity any of the a fore or a combination of unexpected.  The way it does not mater.  What is mattering is the fact question either phillosophically thought out or poorly phrased, they mean the same thing, I'm interested or faining interst for a momment until I can think of something else to say.  I care and care less about the motive.  I'll gladly share an answer to any question.

Over the last few weeks I've listened to the questions.  Here are the most common ones asked by work mates and others I know.

# What is the Appalachain Trail?
- In short, a continous trail the goes from Georgia to Maine.  It's about 2200 miles and cross through many wild areas and towns a like.

# Are you going with a group?
-  Yes, I'm meeting them as we hike.  I'll meet people who hike about the same distance daily.  This loose group will gain and loose members as we journey northward.
- Alt answer.  No, I'm not as I've chosen to hike at my own pace which varies.

# What will you eat?
- I'm not foraging for it like Bear Gryils.  Nor am I hauling it all, this isn't an expedition.  There are towns along the way so I'll stock up on calorie dense and light food.  Things like peanut butter, ramen, and bagels.   While I'm in town I'll AYCE up too.

# Where will you sleep?
- Any where I want.  I use a hammock so where two trees are 12 feet apart, I'll be good.  I'll try to stay near one of the many huts and grab an occasional bunk at a hiker hostel.
-Post addition- I've since reconsidered the hammock but I'm not abandoning the tarp.  I'll have that and stay in the shelters that are spread out along the trail.  The tarp will take me to the ground but will lighten my load 3 lbs which in terms of comfort is huge for a day of hiking.

# What will you wear?
- The clothes on my back.  You will see a lot of the same shirt go from rei new to why the hell isn't it burned in a fire yet dirty.  On town days I'll make a fleetin attempt to wash what I do have at the local rock & scrub.

# Why?
- A one word question with a billion answers, many answers just don't make sense.  Let's put it this way, everyone does have their own why.  I could regurgitate a pre-meditated answer but, as these answers echo out my vocal chords or rattle around my head, they loose their punch, their meanings.  I just want to is why.

# How will you find your way?
- The general consensus is to follow the white blazes north.  A few of my closest friends recieved a post card saying, I've steeped away from my desk... follow the white blazes north to find me.  This isn't far from the truth.  Every hundered yards or so there's pained blazes about the size of the American currency painted on trees, rocks, and posts.  I'll carry a guide book, compass, and map to assist where things aren't clear.
A device I carry will tell you where I'm at though I may not besides, I'm here where I'm at.  The Captain, I'm sure will break out the map to pin point it.  Hint: GOOGLE Maps.

# What if?
-  You do realize that is a very loaded question?  I'll have a PLB for Sailor's sanity and for that one off emergency message.  This will send a message of where I'm at to the sky and back to your communication device if you too want to follow.  I intend to disappear into the woods AND come out again.  The PLB will just let others silently know what part of the woods I'm in that night.

# What about your job?
- Yes? And so? My two week notice will go in at the appropriate time.  I'll need to get re-hired when the journey concludes.  Even so, in my job history I change direction every 3 to 5 years.  The timing of this hike make sense then.  When I get back may be I'll have a renewed sense of purpose for what I do and a cleaner direction.

# How much is this costing?
-  May I ask you this? Why do you want to know?   Honestly, the actually numbers may be more scarry then finding out if a bear does poop in the woods first hand.  What I will say is, this is going to cost me: [not an inclusive list] sore muscles, hamburger feet, sweat, blood, irritations beyond.  The reward will be far more reaching then money can place a figure on.  Only other thru-hikers know.

#  Will you keep in touch?
- Why are you worried about this? I ask, will you keep intouch with me? Since you've come across this blog, you've started.  Bookmark this page, add it to your news feed, etc.  Check back often as I may post a few things back to back then not at all for a few days up to a week. You can also check the Subscribe To link at the bottom of the blog page.

# Will you take and share pictures?
- Yes,  you'll see a few attached to the posts and others will be avail in the Flickr feed on the side bar.  Flickr is where I'm dumping images.  I'll have location enabled so you can see the awesome sights with my sweat instead of your's.

#  Are you taking protection?
- As much as I can from the elements.  I know what folks are implying here.  The real protection comes from a sharp mind, good witt, and observation.  The last thing I need is mixed messages and bad action.

I hope this addresses your questions.  More answers are found in other posts as well.

Read on, while I hike on...

Rain

Since Utah seldom sees rain, I'm taking advantage of it right now.  I've pulled out my hammock tarp and put it up in the backyard.  If I didn't work in the morning, I'd sleep out here.  The cuben fiber tarp is bone dry inside.  It took a bit of tweaking to get it tight right to the ground.  It is a palace for one.  I've got about 7 feet usable floor distance and 4 feet across that's also usable.  Much further to the edge and it's to low. 
One thing about this fabric I'm noticing is how translucent it it.  I can almost see objects thru it at 6:30 this evening.  I guess that's good if I'm worried about things that go bump in the night.
I sure do love a dry place to set a while and the sound of rain on a tarp.  Let's see if I still love it in a few months.
Stay dry & hike on...

First Pitch

Hook, Line, and Stinker

The Sailor and I picked up a conversation about what I was up to.  Knowing how to navigate over land is one thing, know how to navigate the waters of one's family is much more dangerous.  I mentioned that I was in the process of planning something major.  Sure enough the Sailor's main sheet caught wind, the casual conversation turned into troubled waters for me.  We spent the next 2 hours talking about these plans.  My dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) in one season is more then a desk jockey's fantasy, it's a major goal much like a master's degree but, much harder to obtain.  I wanted to avoid this topic on this particular day.  This day is the day I celebrate Hope that was lost.  Hope lost, 13 year ago in spring.  I celebrate her life on this day.  I wanted to lay quietly with my memories.  Sailor chooses to remember the day Hope lost.  I enjoy the life of Hope on this day, it's the one day I schedule off from work months a head of time every year.  Sailor realized this [hike] is not her decision.  The Captain heard from the other wing.  Hopes and dreams aren't the same for everyone, he saw this 2 ½ decades ago.  They include struggle, tension, obstacles of grand proportions before the goal's lesson is realized.  This is mine.

The Captain and the Sailor days later recognized I can't live in the shadow of the mountains without wanting to taste the waters flowing from the springs high up.  They've made concessions for which I will travel by.  Navigating at mach 2 or even 1/1200 of that comes down to planning, setting weigh points, and reading the conditions.  Navigating air, water, land, or even one's own family can be tricky.  It can also be extremely rewarding.  Now Sailor and Captain aren't just my family, they are my only family.  I need them in my pack as much as they'd like me near by.  Without them I couldn't hike.

Soon the loose scraps of paper,  scribbled emails to myself, and other materials shall come together.  In the next few entries I'll layout the weigh points, give you my reader a challenge or two, I'll unload my pack for you to see, and reveal more of what I desire to accomplish.

Rocky Sea Pass, Uinta's UT

Ready set...

AT Vocabulary

As with any good story one needs to learn the language early or be lost. Fortunately since Star Wars and Star Trek are so integrated into the American culture most can watch either with minimal loss to the story line even if they've never seen the movies.  If I were to start talking about puds and zeros and AYCE's followed by getting some help from a trail angel or finding trail magic just when I was bonking you wouldn't have a clue on what I'm talking about. The lingo of the Appalachian Trail Thru-hiker is no different, for the reader one needs to catch this quickly.   So I'm ripping off someone else's work and placing it here (credit to follow). If I don't include it now I may not explain something later leaving the reader baffled.

In the following months I’ll tread a few tall stories and short along the way mostly of day to day impedimenta.  I may but, most likely not explain the terms I use, please bookmark this entry.  Some slang is humorous and self- descriptive, others well less then savory around a table of finery.  Mostly the terms, like traditions, pull a community together.

Some of the folks I lifted this glossary from chose to put these in a semblance of order of category, I’m not doing that. These are directly lifted from a variety of sources.  This list of resources is not inclusive of everyone I gathered from.
“Plagiarism is stealing from one person… Research is stealing from many.”
I’ll give as much credit as I can as the original glossary on WhiteBlaze.net was not available at the initial writing.

-PS-
At this point, bookmarking this entry is highly advised as it get's wordy.
-0-

http://www.slackpacker.com/lexicon.html
http://atwebliography.weebly.com/index.html
http://www.rmghadventures.com/trailterms.htm
http://longdistancehiker.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/trail-slang-lingo/
http://hiker-writer.blogspot.com/2011/07/thru-hiking-lingo-for-appalachian-trail.html
http://kaletrail.com/informational/trail-terminology/
http://karriesappalachiantrail.blogspot.com/p/at-dictionary.html
http://www.whiteblaze.net/

2000 Miler: a person who has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, either by thru-hiking or section hiking.  Also called an end-to-ender
Airline: a trail that runs more or less straight regardless of how steep the terrain is. As if you drew a line through the air, rather than use switchbacks or contouring to get from point a to point b.
A.L.D.H.A.: the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association began in 1983 as an off-trail family of fellow hikers who have all shared similar experiences, hopes and dreams on the Appalachian Trail and other long trails. ALDHA sponsors the Gathering each October and member volunteers compiles The Thru-hikers’ Companion for the ATC. Membership in this nonprofit group is open to all. www.aldha.org
Alcohol Stove: a stove that runs on denatured alcohol or HEAT (gas-Line antifreeze & water remover).  I use finger burner, as often I’ve burnt a finger lighting it or reaching for my pot. Since the flame is blue, it’s often not seen in bright day light.
Alpine Zone: the area consisting of all the land above tree line in New England. The alpine zone is best defined by its plant life. Conifers such as spruce and balsam grow as Krumholz near the tree line, giving way to tundra-type lichens, moss, and shrubs above.
A.M.C.: the Appalachian Mountain Club, maintaining the AT in the White Mountains of New Hampshire to Grafton Notch in Maine.
AMC Huts: in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, in heavy use areas and above treeline, the AMC provides buildings called Huts for backpackers to stay overnight. Aka Hut or Huts.
Apron: transition area on a switchback. Going up a switchback, it's where you stop, look at the new direction up and groan. Going downhill, it's where you crash if you're out of control.
Arête: a steep ridge; pointy.
Armoring: covering on a trail surface; rock, brick, stone, concrete, or other material.
AT: the Appalachian Trail.
A.T.C.: the Appalachian Trail Conservancy The Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC) is a volunteer-based, private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, management, and promotion of the Appalachian Trail as a primitive setting for outdoor recreation (on foot) and for learning. ATC is both a confederation of Trail-maintaining clubs and an individual-membership organization. www.appalachiantrail.org
A.T. Guide: is the full-trail handbook for the Appalachian Trail. In this guide are landmarks, mileages, elevations and town information is provide for the entire AT.  http://www.theatguide.com/
Appalachian Trailways News (ATN): is the monthly news magazine of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
Aqua Blazer: a hiker that canoes, kayaks or swims the Shenandoah River around Shenandoah National Park instead of taking the AT through the Shen'doahs. Because of the direction of the river, this can only be done north.
Avery, Myron Avery 1931-1952: the first 2000 miler and the man credited with building the Appalachian Trail. Chair of the ATC from 1931 until his death in 1952.
AYCE: All You Can Eat’ Restaurants which provide all you can eat buffets and are very popular with thru-hikers.
AYH: is the abbreviation for American Youth Hostels.
Backcountry: area where there are no maintained roads or permanent buildings—just primitive roads and trails.
Backslope:  trail construction term. Describes the cut bank along the uphill side of the trail, extending upslope from the tread (the part of the trail you walk on).
Bald: a relatively low elevation mountain surrounded by forest yet devoid of trees on the crown. Typically covered with meadows; balds can offer great views and are a good place to find wild berries, they also attract much wildlife. Balds are located is the southern Appalachians.
Base: primary excavated bed of a trail upon which the tread, or walking surface lies.
Base Course: layer material placed on a trailbed to support surfacing. Trail construction term.
Baseball Bat Shelter (Floors): an old style of shelter construction in Maine where the floor would be constructed out of parallel logs each with diameters not much greater than that of a baseball bat.
Base Weight:This is the weight of a hiker’s backpack and clothing (often including everything worn) but not including food and water. It is generally assumed that the lighter the base weight, the more enjoyable the journey, but this may not always be the case. (For a related term, see ‘Skin-Out Weight’ below).
Baxter: Baxter State Park, where Mount Katahdin is located. It is also the AT’s northern terminus on Baxter Peak.
Bear Bag: The bag used by hikers to hang their food out of reach of bears and other critters, see ‘Food Bag.’
Bear Box: A box to keep your foodstuff safely stowed away from beasts. Not to be confused with a ‘bounce box’ or a ‘bear canister’
Bear Cable: A permanent cable rigged high between two trees specifically for hanging bear bags.
Bear Canister: a portable container used to secure food from bears
Bench: a long step, or tier, on the side of a hill. You climb until you reach the bench, then you walk across it, then climb until you reach the next bench.
BFR: large rock you have to expel quite a bit of effort to climb over. Alternatively, cavers and climbers use this expression to describe a rock they don't want falling on their heads.
Biner: abbreviation for carabiner (see also) clip with closure for attaching to ropes.
Black-Blazer: someone -- usually a disgruntled townie -- who paints over or otherwise removes trail markers to prevent hikers from finding the trail.
Blaze: Mark on a tree, rock, sign, etc. indicating the trail route.
Black flies: there are about 40 species of these tiny biting insects. They breed in running water and flourish in late May and June in Maine. A major trail nemesis.
BMT: the Benton MacKaye Trail also starts at Springer Mountain and goes north to Davenport Gap.
Bivouac: to sleep outdoors without a tent or proper gear, usually done only in emergency situations. However, alpine climbers may do planned bivouacs on long and difficult routes, carrying gear known as a bivouac sack.
Bivy Sack: is a lightweight and waterproof bag that covers a sleeping bag. A simple, but sometimes cramped shelter.
Blazes: are painted, 2-inch by 6-inch, vertical white rectangles that are placed at eye height on trees and other objects, in both directions, to mark the official route of the Trail. Side trails are marked with blue blazes. You see horizontal, diagonal, arrows, and other blazes along the Trail.
Blaze orange: this is a very bright, visible in low light, hue of orange. The best color to wear during hunting season.
Bliss Index: a scale that attempts to place a hiker’s state of blissfulness into numerical form; a score of ten is absolute bliss, while a score of one borders on boredom or misery
Blowdown: is a tree that has fallen across the trail.
Blue blaze:  spur trails off the AT to bad-weather routes, views, shelters, water sources etc. They are often marked by AT style blazes painted Blue.
Blue blazer: is a long-distance hiker who substitutes a section of blue-blazed trail for a white-blazed section between two points on the Trail.
Boardwalk: planking built on pilings in areas of wet soil or water to provide dry hiking.
Bog bridge: narrow wooden walkway placed to protect sensitive wetlands.
Bollard: round post barrier, often metal, usually 4' high, to prevent vehicles from entering a trail.
Bounce box or bucket: a mail-drop type box or 5-gallon bucket containing seldom used necessities that is ‘bounced’ ahead to a town where you think you might need the contents.
Brown blazing: is taking a detour off the trail to take a dump.
Buffer zone: these are areas important to, but not part of, the Appalachian Trail.
Bushwhack: to hike where there is no marked trail.
Cache (pronounced cash): usually an unnatural water or food source provided by trail angels; (see: ‘trail angel’).
Cairn: a manmade pile of rocks erected as a trail marker. They are mostly seen above timberline. Cairns should be close enough to see the next one in heavy fog, and high enough to see above fallen snow. They are also called a ‘duck’.
Camel up or Tank up: to drink your fill of water at the source until you are filled up, then hike on.
Canister Stove: the type of small backpacking stove that uses metal cans of fuel. This type is required on other trails.
Canopy: upper layer of leaves in a forest, covering the ground below.
Caretaker: is the person who maintains and collects fees at certain shelters and campsites.
Cat Hole: this is a small hole dug by a hiker to deposit human waste.
Cirque: is a half-open steep-sided hollow at the head of a valley or on a mountainside, formed by glacial erosion. The bowl of Tuckerman Ravine is a cirque.
Class: usually referred to in terms of technical climbing, for example, "The splatter route is definitely a 5.13" Here's what it all means: Class 1 is a simple mountain that can be climbed wearing a pair of sneakers -- little more than a nature loop. Class 2 includes minor handholds, more or less to steady yourself as you clamber up the mountain. Class 3 includes some vertical climbing, and perhaps use of a rope. Class 4 is any climb that requires use of a belay, in which another climber is required to remain stationary to take up slack and arrest the fall of the active climber. Class 5 is any climb that requires ropes to be attached to fixed objects, such as a tree or piton. The attachment is not to aid in ascent, but rather to protect in the event of a fall. Class 5 is the one with the most "variables." A Class 5.0 has two handholds and two footholds. Class 5.4 is missing a hold. Class 5.8 has a hold available for one hand and one foot only. Class 5.12 has no visible holds. Class 5.13 is a surface with no holds and is under an overhang. Class 5 is often further broken up, such as 5.13a, but this arcana is really in the climber's arena...not ours. Class 6 is any climb that requires artificial assistance to be carried out, whether it be ropes dropped from above or other mechanical aids.
Col and Sag: are typically dips in the ridge without a road, while gap and notch are typically larger dips that have a road going through. Sag is a typically southern term, as is gap, while col and notch are typically northern terms. Water gap is a gap with a river.
Companion: the ALDHA Thru-hikers’ Companion is an AT guidebook compiled by AHLDA volunteers for the ATC.
Corridor: the Appalachian Trail is a long and narrow Park, sometimes less than 100 feet wide.
Cove: is a Southern Appalachian word meaning a high, flat valley surrounded by mountains.
Couloir: a gully on a mountainside. Could be a gully in the ground, or in snow.
Corridor: the Appalachian Trail is a long and narrow Park, sometimes less than 100 feet wide. The Area set aside for the AT to pass within is called the Trail Corridor.
Cowboy camping: is sleeping under the stars, without a tent.
Cowboy coffee: is a coffee, made the old-fashioned way.
Croo: are the crew of caretakers who at the Appalachian Mountain Club Huts. For the most part, the summer Croo will be college students.
Cryptosporidium: a waterborne pathogen, Cryptosporidium is a parasite commonly found in lakes and rivers, especially when the water is contaminated with sewage and animal wastes. Aka Crypto.
Crux: the hardest part or "key" to a climb.
Data Book: published for over 30 years by the ATC the Data Book is a consolidation of the most basic guidebook information into a lightweight table of distances between major Appalachian Trail shelters, road-crossings, and features–divided according to the guidebook volumes and updated each December to account for Trail relocations, new (or removed) shelters, and other changes.
Deadfall: is a trail maintainer’s term for fallen dead trees across the trail.
Death March: unusually long, not very interesting hike. Term often applied when forced to take a dull trail to reach the one you really want to be on.
DEET: is a powerful insect repellant.
DOC: is the Dartmouth Outing Club, which maintains about 70 miles of AT in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Double blaze: two blazes, one above the other as an indication of an imminent turn or intersection in the trail. Offset double blazes, called Garveys, indicate the direction of the turn by the offset of the top blaze.
Dodge ways: are V-shaped stiles through fences, used where the Trail passes through livestock enclosures.
Drift Box: (see: ‘bounce box’. They are synonymous).
Dry Camp: a waterless camping spot.
Duct Tape: a wide, heavy duty and multipurpose tape used by hikers for everything from covering blisters to repairing gear.
Dude blazing: altering one’s hiking speed so as to keep pace with an attractive male, in an attempt to eventually have sex with that individual.
Ego blazing: hiking the trail according to a rigid itinerary because a Trail Legend told you that’s what you’re supposed to do.
Endangered Services Campaign: ALDHA’s response to preserving the positive relationship between hikers and service providers
End-to-ender: is an alternative term for 2,000-Miler.
Fall line: the fall line is the most direct route downhill from any particular point. The Appalachian Trail runs the fall line in much of New England.
False Lead: it looks like the trail, smells like the trail, and for a while it seems like you're on the trail...but you actually followed the false lead off the true trail.
Fast Pack/Fast Packing: is a term for carrying less gear and hiking more miles per day.
FenLow: flat, marshy land or a bog
Flip-flop: a term used to signify a hiker that starts hiking in one direction then at some point decides to jump ahead and hike back in the opposite direction. Some hikers on the AT will start hiking northbound from Springer Mt. and usually at Harpers Ferry they may decide to go to Katahdin and hike back down to Harpers Ferry, thus completing their thru-hike. This is a good way for someone to still get their hike completed if they are behind and their time is limited due to the oncoming winter.
Food Bag: a bag a hiker carries in their pack specifically for storing their food. It is typically suspended from a tree at night so bears and varmints don’t get into the food. It is also called a Bear Bag.
Footprint: a ground sheet for a tarp or tent and of course, a mark left behind by a foot.
Forty-sixer: peakbagger slogging up the 46 highest peaks in New York's Adirondacks. One of the better-known peakbagging milestones.
Freehiking: hiking off of established trails. Unlike "bushwacking" which is usually done as a short-cut, freehiking intentionally seeks a complete hike experience free of artificial boundaries. Some speedhikers are also freehikers.
FSO ‘From Skin Out:’ when considering the weight of gear, it’s important to remember that your total gear weight ‘from the skin out’ is as important a total as what your pack weighs.
GAME or GAMEr: is a hike or hiker going from Georgia to Maine.
Gap: a southern term for a low spot along a ridgeline, called a col in the northern states.
Gathering: the ALDHA Gathering, held every October.
Garvey, Ed Garvey 1914-1999: a celebrated friend of the AT, conservationist, thru-hiker, author of 1971s “Appalachian Hiker”.  It is an adventure story, which offered practical advice for AT hikers, and is widely credited with popularizing backpacking and the Appalachian Trail. A ‘Garvey’ is also a double blaze where the top blaze is offset to indicate the direction of a turn in the Trail.
Gear head: is a hiker whose focus is backpacking and outdoors gear.
Gear Acquirement Syndrome (GAS): the need for new hiking toys.
Gearly Afflicted: as a camping enthusiast who knows no boundaries when it comes to owning new equipment.
Getting off: the polite way to say someone is quitting their thru-hike, the implication being he may get back on.
Giardia: is also called giardiasis, is an infection of the lower intestines cause by the amoebic cyst, Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, bloating, loss of appetite and vomiting. Also know as, a backpacker’s worst nightmare.
GORP: is an acronym for good ole raisins & peanuts, or some other variation thereof.
Ghost-Blazing: the art of following a section of trail that is no longer used. When a trail is "re-routed," usually the old blazes are blackened out.
Glonk: a clueless idiot who doesn't realize that uphill hikers have the right of way on a trail, and just bulldozes down.
Gray Water (Dirty dishwater): Some campsites will have designated spots to dump your gray water. Some designated spots are provided with a strainer so that food particles can be removed from the gray water and packed out.
Green blazing: smoking marijuana while hiking.
Ground Control Hiker: is a support person who handles the ‘real world’ concerns like bills and pets, and mails a hiker packages along the trail.
Gunks: abbreviation for the Shawangunk ridgeline in New York State, located between the Catskills and the Hudson River. The Gunks are generally recognized as the center of rock climbing in the eastern U.S.
Half Bench: type of trail where half of it is excavated out of the slope and the outside of the trail tread contains the excavated material. Trail looks as if it were chipped out of the side of the hill, which is what it is.
Handbook: the Thru-hiker's Handbook is an AT guidebook compiled by Dan Bruce.
Happy Camper: one who loves what they are doing.
Harpers Ferry: the ATC’s National Headquarters and Information Center is located in Harpers Ferry WV, about 1000 AT miles north of Springer Mountain. A short blue blazed trail leads to HQ, where AT hikers traditionally sign the register and have their photo taken.
Headlamp: is a small flashlight attached to a band or strap and worn on the head.
HEAT: liquid used during the winter in automotive gas tanks, it is used as a substitution for denatured alcohol.
Hicker: is a person who is still trying to figure out the whole hiker/gear thing while on the trail.
Hiker Box: is a cabinet or box at hostels where hikers donate unwanted food for the hikers coming behind them.
Hiker hunger: a phrase referencing the intense appetites thru-hikers develop while on the trail
Hiker Midnight: any time after sunset as late as 9pm.
Hiker Trash: a good-humored, self-effacing name many hikers call themselves
Hiking in Appalachia: 1. Hiking the Appalachian Trail, or in the surrounding area. 2. having an extra-marital affair.
Hammock: a sleeping system that combines a tarp and sleeping bag or quilt, and is hung between two trees.
Hostel: an establishment along the trail that has bunks, showers, shuttles, and sometimes cooking and mail drops, for AT hikers
Hundred-Mile Wilderness, the: a town-less 100-mile section of the Appalachian Trail running between Abol Bridge just south of Baxter State Park and Monson, Maine. Generally considered one of the wildest sections of the trail.
Hydration System: is another method of carrying and drinking water. It consists of a plastic bladder, hose, and mouth piece/valve that allows hands free drinking
HYOH: hike your own hike, and not imitate someone else’s. Do your own thing.
Hypothermia: potentially fatal condition caused by insufficient heat and a drop in the body’s core temperature.
Janglies: refers to carabiners, pitons, etc. that dangle from a climber and clank around during a climb.  A term I use to describe anything that is not secured to one’s pack.
Iceberg: icebergs are large rocks planted in the ground at an overused campsite to discourage any more tenting.
International Appalachian Trail: the IAT runs north and east from Maine’s Katahdin to the Gaspé Peninsula in New Brunswick, and across to Newfoundland.
Katahdin: the AT’s northern terminus is at Baxter Peak on Maine’s Katahdin. Katahdin is a Penobscot Indian word meaning Greatest Mountain.
Knob: a prominent rounded hill or mountain.
Krumholtz: the stunted and gnarled trees found near treeline, especially in the White Mountains.
Lean-to: is another word for a three-sided open shelter, used primarily in New England.
Leki: is a hiking staff that resembles a ski pole, a common name for all poles made by the other brands.
LEO: an acronym for “law enforcement officer.”
Long-distance hiker: is anyone who is hiking more than a few weeks, and who usually has to resupply at least once their hike; often used interchangeably with the term thru-hiker. At Baxter State Park, a LDH is someone who has hiked in from 100 or more miles south.
LNT: means ‘Leave No Trace’, a philosophy and skill used to pass as lightly as possible when backpacking.
Lyme disease: a debilitating illness carried by small ticks.
Long Trail: Vermont’s 273 mile, Long Trail runs from the Massachusetts to Canadian border, the AT follow the southern section of the LT for 105 miles.
MacGyver:named after an old TV show where the hero would construct useful devices out of common materials. To hikers it means to build or repair gear with imagination.
MacKaye: Benton MacKaye (rhymes with high, not hay) is the man who in 1921 proposed an Appalachian Trail as the connecting thread of a ‘project in regional planning.” MacKaye envisioned a trail along the ridge crests of the Appalachian Mountain chain from New England to the Deep South, connecting farms, work camps, and study camps that would be populated by eastern urbanites needing a break from the tensions of industrialization.
Mail Drop: mail drops are a method of re-supply while hiking. A mail drop is usually made ahead of time, before the hike starts, and a person not hiking (usually a spouse or relative, but it can be a friend) mails the package according to a pre-arranged schedule so that it arrives on time for the hiker to receive it at the post office.
MATC (Maine Appalachian Trail Club): this is the trail-maintaining club responsible for trail maintenance from Grafton Notch, Maine to Baxter Peak.
Maintainer: is a volunteer who participates in the organized Trail-maintenance programs of the ATC and its member clubs.
MEGA or ME-GA: is a hike or hiker going from Maine to Georgia.
Misery Index: a scale that attempts to place a hiker’s state of suffering and misery into numerical form; a score of ten is absolute misery, while a score of one borders on blissfulness.
Mount Katahdin: is located in Maine. The summit is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
Mountain Money: is toilet paper.
Mouse hanger: a cord and can contraption used to discourage mice from entering a pack or food bag when hung in a shelter.
MUDS:  mindless up and downs. Where the trail goes up and back down for no reason other than the amusement of whomever laid out the trail. Very aggravating. Usually occurs when some control freak at a local trail council is realigning a major trail, and wishes to put his or her mark on the route, or is trying to increase the amount of mileage under their control. Aka PUDS
Nalgene: eefers to water bottle.
National scenic trail: is the official designation for a trail protected by the National Scenic Trails System Act of 1968.
Nero: is almost a Zero, in other words, a very short mileage day.
NOBO: northbound thru-hiker, also a GAMEr (Georgia > Maine)
NOC: the Nantahala Outdoor Center. A lot of folks make the mistake of referring to Wesser, NC as “NOC.”
NPS: is the abbreviation for National Park Service.
Pack-out: Also known as "carry-out." The practice of leaving nothing -- and that does mean nothing -- behind on a backpacking trip. Require ziploc bags, PVC tubes with caps, etc.
Pink blazing: term used when a male or female is following there partner on the trail.  Also used for one who is seeking relationship(s) on the trail.
Platinum blazing: spending high amounts of cash while hiking. An equivalent mainstream phrase is “living the high life.”
Pot Cozy: a foam or cloth wrap to keep a cooking pot warm while it finishes cooking.
Posthole: is hiking in deep snow without snowshoes or skis, leaving large holes in the trail. Postholing is considered bad form and makes subsequent snowshoeing or skiing unpleasant and hazardous.
Post-Hole Digger (PhD): is a hiker who enjoys post holing.
Power hiker: is a hiker who habitually chooses to cover very long distances each day, often hiking late into the evening.
Privy: is a trailside outhouse for solid human waste.
Prescribed burns: intentional fires conducted by forestry services to clear underbrush and eliminate some of the fuel for potentially larger unintentional fires. These used to be called "controlled burns" but since they seldom are, the name was changed.

PUDS: is shorthand for “pointless ups and downs”, referring to the less interesting sections of mountains thru-hikers encounter from time to time; several PUDS in a row are MUDS, which is shorthand for “mindless ups and downs”.
Pulaski: is a half axe and half adze hand tool, the Pulaski is a multipurpose trail building and maintaining tool.
Puncheon (also called a bog bridge): is a wooden walkway built to provide a stable, hardened tread-way across bogs, mud flats, and marshy areas.
Purist: is a thru-hiker who does not deviate from the official trail route and refuses to slack pack.
Rainbow-Blazer: term used by "thru-hikers" to describe people who hook together all sorts of routes to complete a trail including hitch-hiking.
Red blazing: hiking while bleeding due to an injury.
Register: a logbook normally found at a trail shelter. The original intent was for hikers to sign in so a searcher needing to find a lost hiker could tell where they last were, now it’s the main method for thru-hikers to communicate with each other.
Relo: a section of trail recently relocated.
Repeat Offender: a person who has hiked the same long distance trail more than once.
Ridge Runner: a person hired to patrol a certain section of trail to educate hikers, enforce regulations, monitor trail and campsite use, and sometimes perform trail maintenance or construction duties.
Rime ice: white super-cooled water droplets that stick to surfaces and freeze into the direction of the wind.
Ruck: a ruck is technically an informal gathering, but in recent years, informal gatherings have become scheduled events at various places along the trail. I use this term to describe my backpack and is short for rucksack.
Scramble: has a couple of meanings in hiking circles. Generally, to climb in a hurried, helter-skelter fashion, having to use your hands. If it's a climb you probably could do without your hands, but you feel compelled to use them, it likely classifies as a scramble. Scramble also refers to a group of climbers going up a slope using all sorts of routes, sort of a "get up however you can since there's no trail here and we'll meet at a certain point."
Scree: The sort of stuff found on a talus slope...loose rocks, scrabbly, hard to get good footing on. Picky people, sticklers for detail will claim that scree is smaller than talus. All we know is that it's tough to walk on.
Section hiker: Is a person who is attempting to become a 2,000-Miler by doing a series of section hikes over time.
Shaffer: Earl Shaffer 1918-2002 “The Crazy One,” the first person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Poet, WW2 veteran, author of ‘Walking With Spring,’ and ‘The Appalachian Trail, Calling Me Back To The Hills,’ and three time thru-hiker, northbound in 1948, southbound in 1965, and northbound again at age 79, 50 years after his first hike. http://www.earlshaffer.com/
Shelter: a three sided wooden or stone building, spaced out a half-day’s hike apart, near a water source, and with a privy. The AT has many kinds of shelters, from barns to cabins.
Shelter Rat: usually refers to thru-hikers, shelter rat is anyone who camps exclusively in trail shelters.
Shuttle: is a ride from town to trailhead, usually for a fee.
Side Trail: a trail leading off of the main trail either to a water source, place of camp (such as a shelter or a campsite), a view, monument, to town, or around a difficult part of the trail. Side trails off the AT are blazed blue.
Sil-Nylon: a paper-thin water resistant nylon commonly used amongst thru-hikers.
Skunked: failing to get a car to stop when hitch hiking into towns.
Slabbing or contouring: refers to going around a mountain on a moderately graded footpath, as opposed to going straight up and over the mountain.
Slackpacking: is a hiking term originating in 1980, by O.D. Coyote to describe an unhurried and non-goal-oriented manner of long-distance hiking (i.e., slack: “not taut or tense, loose”). In recent years has been used to refer simply to thru-hiking without a backpack.
SOBO: southbound thru-hiker, also a MEGA (Maine –> Georgia)
Social Trails: unofficial shortcuts that connect individual sites to each other, restrooms, etc. at campgrounds.
Soloing: whether hiking, backpacking or climbing, soloing is going alone. When climbing, soloing vaguely means doing any climb by yourself where injury would result in the event of a fall.
Southbounder: a hiker who is hiking the AT from Maine to Georgia. A small minority of hikers actually hike this direction, primarily because of black flies.
Speedhiking: intentionally running the length of a hiking trail to establish and compete against your personal best time and sometimes to compete against times established by others.
Spruce Trap: when snow is deep enough that it covers the top of a spruce tree, beware. Since there will be voids in the snow pack, you can fall into those voids and get caught. When you appear to be above timberline, but you know that the trees are 8 feet high at this place in summer, then beware. Since you can’t see where the trail is, you cannot stay on it, and you cannot avoid the spruce traps.
Springer Mountain: Is located in Georgia the summit is the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
Springer fever: is the almost uncontrollable urge to be back on the Trail that hits thru-hikers of past years each spring.
Spork: an eating utensil, which serves as both a spoon and a fork; It is a spoon with small fork-like tines protruding from it.
Stash Hunting: original term for "geocaching." Now may be used for someone looking for someone else’s stuff.
Stealth Camp/Stealth Camping: a campsite hidden from view and the trail, where the goal is to go unnoticed. Stealth campers leave no trace of their existence.
Stile: steps constructed over a fence to allow people, but not livestock, to pass.
Swag: this is the lowest connecting point between two ridges in the South.
Sweep: last hiker in a group by design. Person follows all others, ensuring that no one falls behind or is left needing assistance.
Switchback: is a method of building a trail, which forms a zigzag of trails up a mountain. The strategy is to prevent erosion and to make the climb easier.
Tarp: is a basic shelter with no floor and usually no door.
Ten essentials: Short lists of 10 or 12 items thought necessary by day hikers in their pack. One example of such a list: Map, Compass, Water and a way to purify it, Extra food, Rain gear/extra clothing, Fire starter and matches, First aid kit, Army Knife/multipurpose tool, flashlight with extra batteries/bulbs, sun screen/sun glasses.
Tent Pad/Platform: at some camping sites, tenting is restricted to built up earthen ‘pads’ or wooden ‘platforms’ to ease impact on the area.
Thru-hikers: traditionally a person who is attempting to become a 2,000-Miler in a single, continuous journey leaving from one terminus of the Trail, and backpacking to the other terminus.
Ticks: they are small, parasitic insects that can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses.
Tin can or Pepsi can stove: another name for an alcohol stove.
Tourist: more or less the same as the regular definition, but with the added meaning of someone who blasts into a scenic area, stays at a resort property and plays lots of golf. When they do hike, they head for the busiest trail wearing the latest gear and blabbing into a cell phone. Carries a topo map on a nature loop. If they have kids, they usually throw rocks off the summit while mom or dad is oblivious. Generally expects the local populace to bow and cater to their needs since they are spending lots of cash.
Townie: someone who lives near, and perhaps lurks about, a popular trail. Some townies help thru-hikers; others go out of their way to hassle hikers. In either case, the expression "get a life" comes to mind.
Tour Hiker: a person who pretends to be hiking the entire AT, as a thru-hiker, but instead skips sections and usually looks for ways to spend more time lounging in towns and less time hiking the AT; usually scoffs at the traditions of thru-hiking and thinks that the phrase “hike your own hike” is an excuse for just about anything.
Trail Angel: is someone who provides unexpected help or food to a hiker.
Trail Squatter: a townie or other person who regularly camps in the same spot, usually the best spot, on a trail. Arrives early in the day and stakes a claim while the rest of the world is busy hiking. Then when you are setting up camp, the Trail Squatter stops by to nose around in your activities.
Trail Daze: hiker variation of Trail Days, the annual town festival in Damascus, Virginia, which brings hundreds of current and former thru-hikers into town.
Trailhead: is where the trail leaves a road crossing or parking lot.
Trail Magic: is unexpected, but welcome, help or food.
Trail Name: a nickname adopted by or given to a hiker.
Trail Runners: is a lightweight sneaker style hiking shoes.
Tramper: slackpacker or hiker dedicated enough to plod along stoically regardless of weather conditions. Not surprisingly, this term is popular in New England.
Traverse: to climb a slope diagonally rather than a more direct approach. In climbing lingo, it sometimes means going almost horizontally across a face, to obtain a better route up.
Treadway: the trail beneath a hiker’s boots, constructed for that purpose.
Treeline: is the point of elevation on a mountain above which the climate will no longer support tree growth.
T-Rex Syndrome: after using your legs for this amount of time in such a capacity your arms start to show atrophy. We call this the T-Rex Syndrome. Itty-Bitty arms!
Thru-hiking: this is the process of attempting to become a 2,000-Miler in a single, continuous journey.
Trail Virgin: is a first time thru-hiker.
Trekker: these are people who enjoy the travel and journey to remote "base camps," and do so with no intention of climbing the mountain or otherwise reaching the ultimate goal. Mt. Everest base camp is a popular destination for trekkers.
Triple Crown: to hike the three major National Scenic Trails—the Pacific Crest, the Continental Divide, and the Appalachian.
Triple Crowner: is someone who has hiked the three major National Scenic Trails.
Turnpike: in hiker's lingo, a trail used by a lot of folks that goes quite directly from one place to another. In trail construction lingo, it is a trail built up above wet, boggy areas by placing stone and/or dirt over fabric with logs or rocks holding the whole shebang in place.
Ultra light:  style of gear or hiking that focuses on using the lightest gear possible.
USFS: this is the abbreviation for United States Forest Service.
Verglas: thin, often clear coating of ice on rock.
Vitamin I: this is the nickname for Ibuprofen; an over the counter anti-inflammatory drug that many hikers use while backpacking.
Volunteer: is a person who works for the ATC, one of the local A.T. clubs, or other organizations without pay, usually a maintainer, but not necessarily so.
Walk-up: a high altitude summit that requires no climbing skills to reach the top; a "class 2.0" at most. Mt. Rainier is one of the best known "walk-ups." This term is often used derisively by accomplished climbers to describe the mountains the rest of us are hopefully able to climb.
Waterbar: this is a log or rock barrier, which diverts water off the Trail to prevent erosion.
The Whites: these are the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Whiteblazer: a term from the Appalachian Trail to describe a person hiking pure (see purist), that is, hiking past every white blaze – which are the standard trail markers on the AT. In addition, it what members of WhiteBlaze.net are called.
Widowmaker: these limbs or whole trees have partially fallen but may remain, hung up overhead and pose a danger to a person below. The hammocker’s menace.
Wilderness Area: an official designation for public lands set for the preservation of nature.
Work for stay: some hostels, the AMC Huts in the Whites, and a few other places along the AT allow some hikers to work instead of paying the fee for lodging.
Yellow blazes: term used to denote the yellow centerline that is painted on a highway
Yellow blazer: someone who hitchhikes around sections of trail by following yellow blazes.
Yogi: to yogi is to finagle or inveigle tourists and soap-scented day hikers into offering you food or other assistance, without actually asking. It is an art form unto its own, with innumerable methods of enactment. Implying you need help is not asking for help!
YMMV “Your Mileage May Vary”: is hiker jargon for ‘this worked for me, but your results/opinions might not be the same.’
Yo-yo: is an attempt to thru-hike a long trail, turn around, and immediately commence on a thru-hike in the opposite direction.
Z Rest: a closed cell sleeping pad that folds into a rectangular block, rather than rolling up.
Zero day: is a day in which no miles are hiked, usually because the hiker is stopping in a town to resupply and/or rest.

Well that’s all the terms. How many have actually read all pages?

It's big, I mean Really BIG

The establishment of a new blog or means of general communication is essential to set up what is going on.

This entry truly is pre-trip.  I thought I had I gathered my thoughts for this highly important entry. As I look into the blank tablet screen I see myself in the reflection.  I'm not having a mid-life crisis.  I enjoy my job.  I play in the mountains surrounding the valley of which I reside.  I can say life is good with ease.  My feet however, itch.  They itch for the callouses that will form after blisters heal.  They itch for the pounding of weight upon a trail.  My eyes long to see what's over the horizon for me beyond the confines of a map.  My feet itch to take them there.  My heart is ready to beat free in air recycled through the trees.  So why do I stare at this blank screen?

How does one sit at a computer terminal day after day and not long to get outside?  Maps grace my cubicle where others have pictures of kids.  Where procedures and policies are, I hang route plans.  When others suck down the latest fad drink, I stick to the original drinks: coffee, tea, and the all important water.

The idea of hiking originate with the Captain.  He'd take me out hunting.  My earliest walk in the wood memory is of hunting wood pigeons in a distant land.  My favorite camp outs were with the Captain as well, in a canvas pup tent with our feet sticking out.

Decades later I found myself on the other side of the country hiking, hiking a short trail with white blazes.  I met a smelly creature with a lawn chair on his back.  Crazy fool was my first thought.   He explained every ounce well worth it come the end of the day.  Every night he became the envy of those who came from the mythical place in Georgia enroute to a holy mountain in Maine. Thus my introduction to the Appalachian Trail.

Come now partner with me as I ready to leave the comforts of my own mountains, as I leave the warmth of a daily commute,  come partner with me as I trod where other pilgrims wrestle, where other thru-hikers make peace, where section hikers find rest, and weekenders find escape.

Come partner with me as I ready with the excitement (and fear) of a new path.  Partner with me as the new fades into daily effort of putting one foot in front of the other.  Partner with me as I experience valley low and share mountain top highs.  Find with me the place where I met the smelly creature.  Find with me places like the Dragon's Tooth, the Lemon Squeezer, Nuclear Lake.   See views from places like Max Patch, McAfee's Knob, Mount Washington.  Climb with me to Springer Mountain, flow with me along the Roller Coaster, stand a top Mount Katahdin with me.

Me on the AT when I was 20 working in Shenandoah NP

Come now, let's hike!  Let's walk together the path amongst the white blazes.

Direction Change

It's time for me to change the direction of this blog.  I've posted many a photography event over the years.  I've posted many a hike photos over the years as well.  I'm making a life change in the next month.   No, I'm not getting hitched.  I haven't secretly dated behind anyone's back.  Nor am I going back on a mission.  I know a few of my old YWAM leaders would enjoy the extra help.  In the next few weeks, I'll edit a few of the side bars, cut a few old ties, and pull in a few lists of new directions.  I've written the grand announcement blog entry already where the direction is revealed.

I still stick to my foundation of faith, hiking, and photography.  The direction still follows my desire to see others encouraged, promoted, and moved to action.  I still pray, Lord make these hands an instrument for you.  I still love birds of prey and their splendor soaring.  I still look at the blog title  of PreyingJaws as appropriate in nature.  The Preying is a reminder that I cannot prey upon peoples' innocence, nor have I ever done so.  I am one of irony, this preying is a reminder that I must not pray to God that he change you (prey) but that he changes me.  Jaws is simply my last name abreviated. 

Do sharks pray? This one does.   Now there are many sharks in the waters, a few gave the rest a bad rap.  I'm not out to change the world.  I am out to change one by one.  May what the reader reads is hope, a different perspective of life, may you see hope encouraged.

Stay tuned, more is to come...

Where is it?

This is harder to place then it looks.
I'm gittery both on the excited and scared sides.  Sleep is elusive at times in the night.  Work is feign at passing though I continue (and will do) put my best into it.
Soon we will discover together where this section of map is.
Come follow me.  Prepare yourselves.  Soon I will share a grand venture with you.