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- First full day on the ATFirst full day on the AT Even though it had rained a bit overnight, we woke up to sunshine and were looking forward to our first full day on the AT. I wiped the raindrops off our tent with a Swedish cloth, and we slowly packed up camp. After a thorough scan of our site to make sure we did not leave anything behind we started off. The air was chilly yet refreshing and we walked at a brisk pace to warm ourselves up. The trail was relatively flat, but rocky, so we had to watch our steps. I was… Read more: First full day on the AT
- On Our Way!My husband and I began the drive to Georgia on a misty, gloomy Wednesday. Ten hours later we arrived at the Green Dragon Hostel in Hiawassee to spend the night. Our plan was to leave our car at the hostel and get a ride to the Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center to register with the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy). Then, over the next week we would hike the 60 miles back to Unicoi Gap and stay one more night at the Green Dragon before I continued my hike alone and my husband returned home to work. I was both… Read more: On Our Way!
- Some of my gear modifications: Clever or Crazy?Day one on the trail is fast approaching and I thought that some of you might be interested in the things I have done to make or customize my gear to hopefully better suit my needs on my thru-hike. Some of these have been tested on my training hikes and some will get their first use on the AT. Will they all work as I imagine? Only time will tell. Tent modifications: My tent is the Durston X-Mid Pro 2. It is the first iteration and therefore has no storage pockets on the inside. This is a problem because I… Read more: Some of my gear modifications: Clever or Crazy?
- My favorite places to backpack in OhioDay One on the Appalachian Trail is fast approaching, but while I’m still at home I thought I would share with you my 4 favorite places to backpack right here in Ohio. Maybe some of you have hiked these trails as well. If not, these are a great place to start. The TVT (Twin Valley Trail) is located in Germantown, about 15 miles southwest of Dayton. This is by far the easiest backpacking trail on my list. In fact, 1.75 miles of it is through a park on a paved bike trail. There are 3 backcountry camping areas with outhouses… Read more: My favorite places to backpack in Ohio
- How I trained to prepare for my AT thru-hikeIn July I developed a persistent pain on the outside of my left foot which turned out to be peroneal tendonitis, an inflammation of tendons on the foot and ankle. I had to ice and rest for a week and then got custom orthotics for my shoes, which helped but were not ideal. The shoe inserts forced me to correct my foot alignment, but I continued to have pain. Apparently I had started walking differently to compensate for a toe injury and continued that even after I healed. I was reminded that our bodies work as a system and when… Read more: How I trained to prepare for my AT thru-hike
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