Preppin

I'm checking maps, running web searches for Sierra snow level reports, playing with gear, etc about the only thing I haven't done is put myself on a strict diet and push myself into better physical condition.  Soon, all to soon, I'll be on the road to a trail for a few weeks.  Can you guess where?

Planning and more planning.  I've cyber-hiked this trail on Google Maps 3d.  Now I finalize with lookin at snow reports feeding into the water report (several sections are dry, on these sections I'll need to carry enough water to get to the next source)and these feed into elevation changes and pack weight to compute miles per day.  I want to say I've hit 'gram weanie' level with the gear.  I've trimmed the tooth brush, my dentist want me to do this a long time ago but, I've done it to fit I'm my pack.  I've measured out how many 3/4 litter pots of water I can boil in my canister stove. I gave in, I got an Emberlit wood camp stove for burning bio-mas (sticks).  I don't have to carry fuel, but I am.  I don't want to wait for coffee to boil in the mornings.  Why the concern for weight? Heavier equals slower.  On the day hike trails I'm quick.  On the overnight trails, I'm up to 15 miles per day over semi rugged terrain for a day with a 25lb pack.  I haven't done any multi-day hikes since the last long trail.  The lack of multi night outings I hope does not become my bane.

There are several things on getting ready for this trail that are an itch I'd like to resolve for others making plans for the hike around the blue jewel of the West.  First, plan an extra day to pick up the Desolation Wilderness Permit.  The Forest Service is serious about not issuing it before their two week window.  There is an office in Incline Village at the old library for those who choose to start a way from Tahoe City.  Second, don't shoot to hike this trail at the end of June on an average snow year.  I'm two parts confident I'll hit long stretches of snow.  I'm taking this earlier then recommended more for the ability to score the length of time off from work needed.  The water report needs to be taken into account around Tahoe City.  It's projected to be wet North Bound (NoBo) going into town and dry until Watson Lake and with a full 2 1/2 day resupply, okay that's 5lbs of food with 6 or more pounds of water.  FYI, on planning, I am starting at Tahoe Meadows in the North East corner.  Next, get the National Geo map of the area.  I do have Blackwoods Press TRT Pocket Atlas, it however is not printed on water proof paper.  These two map resources are the same ratio 1:63,360. Lastly,  get in trail shape with a few over nighters to be knowledgeable of what one can realistically do.  I'm coming off a desk and will be headed back to a desk.  I won't even get my trail stride before sitting back down. On the Appalachian Trail, I admired the section hikers, they were tough knowing that they were out for a sore time, year after year to finish the 2187 (odd) mile AT. This is an easy trail to plan for, go for it.  Dream Blue...

On my web searches the photos of this trail are stunning.  My north bound leg will share tread with the Pacific Crest Trail.  I've got several friends from the AT on the PCT.  I may not see them or if I do see a NoBo they may or may not know where my friends are.  I looked seriously at a counter clockwise (CCW) hike to put me South Bound on the PCT to increase my chance of crossing paths with NoBo's.  I want to find out more about their adventure beyond reading blogs and looking at Instagram photos.  As I'm writing this blog, I may head the other way around.  Out of Tahoe Meadows is MT Rose which I want to hit but not on my first day. I may take an extra day after completing the Rim.  The counter clockwise route puts Watson in the morning, a stealth site for camp outside of town, and a resupply of 3 1/2 days with good water out of Tahoe City.  Can anyone see my dilemma?  Okay, I've still got time to hash out version 8, 9, and 10 of this hike.  CCW would get me SoBo on the PCT and easier dry stretches with harder up hills. Umph!

I'm sure my immediate workmates are ready for me to be on the way or find another hobby.  The Boots McFarland comics are definitely a good rendition of my planning and execution of this adventure.  If you want to get notified of when I post, in the upper right corner of this page is a subscription link.  I haven't figure out how to link Instagram to feed into Blogger's format.  If you aren't on Instagram, no worries, it's another social media feed which resembled an older version  of Flickr.  I plan on writing every few days and for personal security post later.  My parents will know where I am at thanks to their little friend, SPOT, a satellite beacon I carry.

My pre-hike jitters are long gone.  I'll admit, I am already looking forward to the next long distance hike.  Things I am considering are other two to three week ventures, mainly late spring or early summer, resupply options.  I want to some how career track hiking along with work along with other things of life.

I recognize I mention other things in my last post.  There is a church out of Kalispell MT that wants to bring a campus to Utah, FreshLife.  There are also other solid Christian churches in Utah as well as other remote campuses.   If one church does not fit your style, look for another.  As I hike I realize my style of hiking is not for everyone.  I enjoy sharing by writing.  I did not get here by saying, I am a long distance, light weight hiker.  I got here first by being introduced to hiking by my Dad, Happy Father's Day.  Thanks for getting me out and about.  Then I was introduced to backpacking in Cub Scouts but, I really contribute it to a friend's Dad who took us to Grand Daddy Lake in the High Uinta's as Boy Scouts.  This hiking life is a progression.  Don't let anyone or anything hold you back from exploring the mountains, career, or faith.  The Trail will provide and when it doesn't one adapts, it's the same with life.

Hike On!

Loop Time

A discussion with a work mate on Tuesday made me glad I hadn't gone to the Uinta's.  A quick look at the forecast and at the maps, I decided to head up to, rather down to Sheep Creek Road and do a 20 mile loop in preparation for my vacation.  It'll be good.

Since I went to a Singles BBQ, I hit the road and on to the southern end of Sheep Creek around 9 am, it's a little more than an hour away.  I parked at Second Water, hike down to Fifth Water Trailhead, up passed the hot springs (complete with dogs in the water) passed a few more water falls, and across Sheep Creek Road.  I stopped for lunch.  Looking at the map and the time, I decided to press on.

At the top of 5th Water, I turned south towards 2nd Water.  5th and 4th Water canyons had good spots to camp but I decided to see what it took to do a long day.  Along the south bound portion, I played leap frog with a family of Trail riders on motor cross bikes.  Eventually they passed me for good.

I took a break at all the creek crossings on this leg.  Made good time.  Ironically, I'm at the same site I was last weekend.  Tomorrow's a short day maybe 2 miles to the car.  By my estimate, 18 miles today.  I chose not to stop at the hot springs to soak, also bathing in sulfur infused water is not my thing. I like my miles.

My thoughts today are not on the chafing, side note don't use hand sanitizer to clean that stuff, nuff said.  I'm sure there is a warning about rubbing it over chapped skin somewhere .  Thoughts aren't on the vacation, which is rapidly approaching.  It's on something completely different.  A Christian Church from Kalispell MT wants to plant a church in SLC.  I am a Christian.  I served as a missionary, cooking for a particular sea going organization, for many years.  I asked on of the team members from MT, why SlC.  His response 'an area can never have to many churches'  I stayed for the rest of that interest meeting.  I've gone to a few more meetings.  Would my readers mind if I added more to my blog besides hiking and more hiking?

Sorry about not following through with the last entry of doing an out and back on the Great Western.

Bell's Canyon Falls

This is a popular place to come to, I have no idea why I am alone right now.  This is a quick hike, less than an hour, up one of the many front canyons of the Salt Lake Valley.  I'm sitting here trying out a new pair of hiking sandals, more like getting ready to tape a few blisters.  My feet stuck to the Xeroshoes material.  No mater, blisters happen occasionally.  Soon my feet will toughen up for more punishment.

It hit me late last night, I'm soon on another adventure in about 2 months.  I'll see waterfalls, mountain peaks, Alpine lakes, and hopefully meet some of the PCT thru-hikers as they've crossed over their 1100 mile marker south of Lake Tahoe.  Mean while, I'll be crossing my 65 mile marker.

I want to dream big, PCT big? May be.  For now, I'll hike my weekender stuff, hit a few 30 to 50 milers , and perfect not getting sore or getting blusters.

Appalachian Trail Journey

This link takes you to my album on flicker for the Appalachian Trail Journey.

By preyingjaws on Flickr. Just follow this link to see and comment on this album: https://www.flickr.com/gp/preyingjaws/7JwD42

The Hang

The running joke on the AT of how do you know if someone sleeps in a hammock goes like this... we will tell you.  Since Damascus, I've been in a hammock, less one night.  Before I arrived I had my Hennessey hammock sent out with a hex-tarp.  At that time I'd used my tent 4 times in over a month.  The tent usage for me did not justify the weight, though the hammock kit is slightly heavier, I use it more often.  The hammock was literally were a life saver then.  Since then I've stayed in one shelter - Partnership outside Marion.  The reason for the swap out is I wasn't using the tent.  Over the last few years backpacking, I've used a hammock. I see hammock sites fast then I do tenting spots. Since going back to the hammock I haven't been constrained to flat spots or shelter areas.  I have flexibility to roam and stealth camp in more places.

This morning, I'm at Wood's Hole Hostel south of Pearisburg VA.  This hostel is an organic farm with each planter box being a complete salad ready to feed over 20 hungry hikers and more.  The gal who runs it inherited from her grandmother who set it up as a place of rest for all who come through.  I can't say the whole story here but, so far this is one of my favorite places on the trail and wothy looking up later.  Wood's Hole Hostel is open to others beyond hikers, so if planning a trip through southern Virginia, make an effort to find this place of retreat.

By the way, I'm in my hammock over in hospitable ground for a tent, a light rain fell overnight, and my pack is just under me.  I do use webbing to protect the bark of the trees for both my tarp and my hammock.  I find setting up in the rain a little easier this way and I can fine tune the hang better.  My hiking poles prop up one edge for a little view.

The night before, I was at Dismal Falls, a small set of water falls a little off the AT.  I fell asleep to the wonderful sound of rushing soothing ripples of water.

My get up and go since leaving the home of the shelters isn't quick by any means but I find the better sleep, the better I hike throughout the day.  The hang can be a bit chilly underneath so I might look for a 40 degree underquilt before I hit Vermont.  Right now my sleeping pad works.

I am also continuing to refine how I pack each day, little tweaks go a long way.  Since the pack is a sack of sacks I find that if I can pack around that which can't be shifted in size and fill in the gaps the more comfortable the carry for the day is.  For example the cook kit is a solid, it'll never chang shape.  The food bag is often solid as well though changing daily.  I carry but one fleece jersey, a jacket, and minor other clothing.  If I pack the clothing into a compression sack I beecomes a solid.  I was doing that previously.  I'm now carrying the clothing in a stuff sack that can be molded around that which does not change shape so easily.  I'm going from a layer by layer system to a system of fitting by weight and malleable.  The heavier items are set so they are closer the the back and held in place.  The malleable system seems to be working better for comfort and weight balance.

I've got other things on my mind.  I'll hit those in another post.  The sound of rain and birds are my alarm clock this morning.

Hike on and carry in comfort...

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...

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.

Desolation Lake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/preyingjaws/11141486484/in/set-72157638224934993/

I'm copying the link and pasting it as text.  I hope the mobile blogger program inserts the picture.

Each weekend I get up expecting to get turned away at the mouth of the canyons with the sign saying 'chains or 4 wheel drive only.' So far I haven't seen it.

This weekend in keeping with my rotation of which canyon I hike, I went up Big Cottonwood Canyon.  I chose Desolation Lake for the lack of vehicles parked there.

Since it's been a couple of weeks since the last snow fall, I readied myself for mud and ice.  I wasn't far off.  The snow packed trail did not reveal itself until 2 1/2 miles up.  On the way down mud shoe covering deep presented itself several times.  I choose to walk through it, boots are cleanable.  It takes time and a lot of effort to repair damaged trails.

The lake covered with a thin layer of ice kept creakin and moaning under the warmth of the day.  I fixed a hot cup of noodles while scanning for wildlife.  Deer and moose tracks were bountiful on the trail and around the meadows I passed.

Flip of Life

Flip of Life, originally uploaded by preyingjaws.

Beyond the protection of the helmet, this competitor of Pogopalooza 7 put on body armor. He used it too on his first attempt in the Best Trick set.

The sport of extreme pogo sticking is fairly new on the scene. According to the website it's come about within the last decade. Already I've seen in a fast search there's a dedicated following and a multi-million dollar industry building around it.

I shot from a sitting position most of the afternoon to give the impression that these guys were flying high. Indeed they are but I didn't get that impression with a few quick test shots from eye level.

More information about extreme pogo sticking can be found at

http://www.pogopalooza7.com/

Changing Lanes

Changing Lanes, originally uploaded by preyingjaws.

A quick check of the email and I was gone. The night before (Wednesday) a photo shoot encountered rain. Thursday evening much different with near clear skies and a bit of bitting wind from the north.

On tap for the next few days:
Photo Walking Utah is getting together on Saturday (tomorrow) for the MS Walk. The group is providing photographic coverage for the MS Walk event downtown. Street/Journalistic style of photography is one of my favorite styles and currently one of my least practiced.

Sunday is typically a hike day. I don't know where I'm going yet but I do want to get out for a few miles.

http://www.photowalkingutah.com/