Change of Plans... Now What?

There were many times that my hiking plans were curtailed.

For instance, I had planned twice to do the Benton MacKaye trail. Both times other circumstances came up (but I finally hiked it back in 2022). I was set to do the John Muir Trail until the snows hit hard and my husband hurt his back. We may try for it next year. 

And now this year when a hard-fought-after lottery win for hiking the North Cascades of Washington State got smashed with forest fires everywhere, yielding to closed trails and the campsites we had reserved.

Plans all changed.

So what do you do when you find your plans changing?

Thankfully there are plenty of places to enjoy a good walk in the woods! Check out nearby state parks, forests, and other places while you wait for the right time for a major trip. Keep seeking new adventures and don't stagnate. You may need to research alternate locations online, but they are out there. Meanwhile, get ready for the next trip and research on recreation.gov when the next lotteries open if you are required to go that route.

Sometimes other things happen. Sickness prevails. A family emergency crops up. An injury happens. Whatever. By no means should you give up on your idea of going on a trail. I look at it this way – well, this is not my time to do this trail. It’s for another season. Maybe when the weather is better or there will be hikers out there I’m supposed to meet. Change trails with health issues and maybe hike with a buddy or two.

I know it can be hard trying to rationalize it all. The most important thing is to not get down about it. Or angry, like with fires, injury, or other issues. Instead, make alternate plans. Search out new opportunities, maybe even an obscure trail or another trip altogether that will yield a grand adventure.

So don’t let detours get to you. Make a way around the detour and find yourself on a trail enjoying the best that nature has to offer. A joyful heart is great medicine. 

Related blogs: 

When Injury Sidelines You

When Plans Change 

Holiday Hiking Challenge

The Blissful Hiking Fall/Holiday newsletter is out! 

Looking for a challenge? 

Tremper fire tower

In this edition we share some unique challenges - like the Catskill fire tower challenge and the challenge of a new wander in a different type of climate and terrain - the Florida Trail! 

Hunting safety issues for the hiker are reviewed. And we can’t forget a good Thanksgiving dinner trailside. 

Max Patch on the Appalachian Trail

After all – we should give thanks every day for our great trails and the people who give so much to maintain them. 

Read all about this and more as well as catch up on past issues. 

The sun sets on the Florida Trail

Don't miss an issue! Subscribe to the newsletter!

Subscribe to the Quarterly Newsletter!

Guest Blog - A Change of Plans? Focus on the Positive

I had an abrupt change of plans to my section hike this week when sidelined by unexpected sickness. Thought this was good to repost -

A Change of Plans? Focus on the Positive

By Dallas Gallmann

After 4 long weeks I finally got my cast off and have gone into a walking boot for another 3 weeks before I start physical therapy.

I set off on the trail last month in order to do some soul searching but God had a different plan for me. My trip ended early after a fall and it may sound cliche but I went to the trail to learn about myself, to test myself physically and mentally and I came out of this experience with doing just that. (Just not in the way I thought I would)

As soon as I fell I knew something was seriously wrong but without cell phone signal I had to continue hiking up to Hawk Mountain shelter. The next few hours were hard. Mentally and physically I knew what I had to do but my mind immediately deemed everything up to that point as a failure. I was beating myself up for something I could no longer control. I was a failure because I wasn't going to be able to finish what I had set out to do. As I continued up the mountain I realized I was so focused on my pain and the idea of failing that everything had become a blur. I stopped to collect my thoughts. I told myself from here on out nothing negative, you have to pick yourself up, you are doing this, worry about everything else tomorrow. You see it is so easy for my mind to immediately think of the negative and I was no longer going to feed into what others would say or view my trip. I made it up that damn mountain and as I passed the sign for Hawk Mountain shelter I stopped for a moment to cry and reflect. I accomplished that mountain, that hurdle. I could be proud of that!

The next morning trail angels hiked up to the shelter and hiked me out. Later I learned that I had fractured my ankle, torn multiple ligaments and strained my calf muscle as a result of my fall. But as I told my story to everyone who asked what had happened, I didn't get the reaction my head told me I would get! They didn't see my story as a failure! They congratulated me on being brave enough to solo hike. They were inspired by my resilience and most of all they were curious if I was going to let my injury keep me from going back to the trail. I told them I only got 24 hrs on the trail and 22 of them were spent in pain but I have dreamed of being back out there ever since!

I encourage / challenge each one of you when things go wrong in life or on the trail to focus on the positive! Don't beat yourself up when things don't work out the way you want! The trail will still be there, life will continue and when I am healed up and my ankle is strong again I will finish my hike! I hope to see some of you on the trail!

Related Blogs

When Injury Sidelines You

No Matter the Trips and Miles – You are Always a Newbie

I was so excited to hit the trail again. It had been several months since my car accident that had caused major back issues. I had been out once for an overnight during the summer, but for a few quick miles. I was ready to hit the trail for some fairly good walking and cover about 70 miles in four days. It had been a trail I’d done so many times, I had it memorized. The graded Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. The outlook was bright.

Unfortunately I had several things working against me right off the bat. First, I had a pretty good sore throat going when I left. Meaning I was battling sickness. I waved it off, having endured as much on the Florida Trail and thought it shouldn’t affect me much. Second was my backpack. Since my good one was getting reconditioned by ULA, I went with a very old one. I figured it would be fine for a four day trip. Third was the idea I could do some good miles each day on what I believed was easy trail for the most part.

All Wrong

The first day was lovely. I ascended from Chester Gap into the park, enjoying the pretty but warm day. Not a few hours into the trip I felt a certain exhaustion beginning to grip me. There was some decent ups and downs on this route. I worked away any issues as I did most everything else. But the unplanned tiredness, coupled with some muscular pain from the backpack that began erupting early on clued me in I ought to cut miles the first day. But I can be pretty stubborn and pushed through 

to reach Hogback Mountain and a 17 mile total for the day. Yes, I hiked 17 miles on day one.

I was pretty exhausted that night but still was able to check out a backpacking meal I had created for a magazine article (to be published in Mother Earth Living in March, 2019). Somehow I managed to get my act together to review the recipe and even take some pictures using a selfie stick I threw in at the last minute (which worked out well).

But then next day I felt it. I enjoyed a pretty sunrise over Hogback, but I was extremely sluggish and I hurt everywhere, with blisters also on my big toes (a situation I deal with on every new start until the prized calluses form). The 17 miles on day one had completely done me in. I was okay for the first two hours but after that, it was a mental push just to do minor elevation gain. The illness was

Hogback Mtn sunrise

sapping strength too.

So with great reluctance I called for a pick up at Thornton Gap, having done 27 miles in two days. At least I was able to get out but it took several days for me to recover from fairly intense muscle pain and the blisters, along with a cold.

I keep forgetting that my best on a trail was formed by consistent hard work and continual hiking. Not zooming out into long stretches straight from the house.

So here’s the lessons –

1.       DO NOT hike high miles on day one

2.       Change your plans

3.       Don’t go if you feel a cold coming on (sore throat, aches, etc.) cut your miles, head to a hostel, or wait on your trip.

4.       Remember that despite the many trails and miles of the past, of which the mind can play tricks, whenever you go out, you are still a newbie in your body  

Pass Mtn view

Be Inspired to Overcome Challenges and Hike!

I am reposting this great blog on hiking, even when facing physical challenges. It's good to reflect on others and their amazing ability to enjoy life with determination, inspiration, and grit. 

My name is Brandi and I am a hiker. I am visually impaired. First I will explain my vision acuity. I was born with a rare eye condition that doesn’t have a name. Only about one hundred people have my condition in the United States. The condition is incurable. The eye condition I have closely resembles Cone Dystrophy. For the longest time I was diagnosed with Cone Dystrophy. I will not be able to drive. My vision is very blurry. It is hard to make out objects. If I am sitting in the front row of any show or lecture I still can’t see what is on the projector. I also am color blind, although I can see colors I just can’t tell the difference. If someone were to line up a yellow and green pen together I wouldn’t be able to point out the green one because they would all look the same to me. Even though I cannot see well, I do not let it stop me from doing the activities I enjoy. I love to hike and camp. I’ve been hiking ever since I was able to walk, way before anyone knew I had a vision disability. 

I love to hike because it helps me to relax. I enjoy being outdoors with the beautiful foliage and animals. I also get a chance to experience and go places I have never been before. I love to travel to new places. When I was fifteen I hiked Mount Mitchell in North Carolina. That was a tiring hike for me but I did it! I hiked Mount Jefferson in New Hampshire when I was eighteen. Last year I hiked up to McAfee Knob in Virginia. I can climb rock scrambles. I can hike any trail with little assistance. The only assistance I use is a hiking stick which basically takes the place of my sight cane. I use that to poke around for roots and loose rocks.

 I have hiked around Europe for a month with my student ambassador delegation. Well, not really hiked, but I was on my feet more then I was sitting. The only time I had to sit was when I was on the bus which was almost never. It was difficult traveling on my own in the enormous city of Paris France. I had to navigate the busy streets of Seville Spain in the dark, never fearing the worst. I am not afraid to do anything on my own. 

While on the trail I face many difficulties. I have fallen. The worst that has happened was when I was hiking with my dad on Mount Jefferson and there was a crevice that was hidden by vegetation. I stepped in it and banged up my knee. On that same trail I got temporary disorientated. I couldn’t figure out where the trail was.  As I hike I face a lot of challenges. When I hike I cannot see the roots or the trail. Everything camouflages. The sun is a challenge for me too. I am sensitive to light. I will sometimes wear sunglasses when I hike. Sometimes I will just have them off to marvel at the trees. I haven’t hiked in the dark, but I would like to try. Flashlights don’t help me much. When it shines on an area I just see blurry images. If a flashlight is shone on a root I wouldn’t be able to make out details such as length or depth.  

Although I can’t see well, most people who meet me will never have guessed. On the trail I show no signs that I have vision impairment. Over the years I have acquired special adaptations that help with hiking. Having great balance is the key for me. When I trip over something I act quickly. However, sometimes I do stumble over, but I recover quickly by regaining my balance. I have adapted to being quick on my feet. I often memorize my natural surroundings, much like a human GPS. Having been on a trail once, I have an innate ability of remembering where it goes and how long it is. As I mentioned earlier I carry a hiking stick, one which is the length of my sight cane. 

Hiking has helped me develop patience for myself and others. I regret that I don’t do it enough. Unfortunately, I do not yet have a trail name; certainly it will come with time. I would like to start hiking again more frequently once this college semester is finished. In the future I would like to hike Katahdin in Maine and feel the exhilaration of yet another accomplishment. In the near future I plan to go hiking with my dad in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Feel free to contact me and ask me questions. If you see me on the trail make sure you give me a holler.

 Hope to see you on the trail soon. 

The Dangers of a Trail

This maker commemorates lives lost at the Laurel Fork Falls

We all know there are certain dangers found when hiking. Weather extremes. Injuries from the act of hiking over terrain. Illness. The occasional wildlife encounter or insect / plant life encounter that goes bad. But there are also other hazardous that can even be life threatening. Sometimes there have been drownings. Medical conditions such as heart attacks. Even crime, though extremely rare. The trail itself, in all its varying terrain, can deliver near life and death experiences. 

A few years ago year ago, a father and son lost their lives at Laurel Fork Falls, right along the famous Appalachian Trail near Hampton, TN. 

While thinking on this tragedy, I was alerted to another hiker that had a similar fateful fall at these waterfalls and nearly drowned. Hiker "Slim" shares her harrowing experience in this journal entry from her hike:

We stopped at Laurel Fork Gorge to dip our feet in the water.  We met another hiker, Bob, from upper

Hiker Slim nearly drowned at Laurel Fork Falls

New York who sells printing presses.  We were all talking and hiking along the creek when we went around a two foot rock ledge at the water's edge and when I stepped up my pack’s external frame hit the rock above and knocked me off balance and I fell backward and head first fell into the water with a fully loaded backpack.  I was holding my breath while suspended in water just a few feet over my head but couldn't get up or down.  I was suspended there

Where Slim fell and could not breath

for a few seconds when I heard a splash behind me.  Bogey had jumped over me into the fast moving stream still wearing his backpack and I felt him pushing my pack and me upward.  Then again he pushed me and finally I was able to grasp some air.  Bob pulled me out and then Bogey climbed out.  I don't know if I would have thought to take off my backpack as Bogey was in so quick to jump in after me.  I didn't have time to think. I probably would have drowned because I did not think to take off the backpack.  I was scared, shaking and weak when I climbed out. Then Bogey climbed out and the camera that was in his fanny pack began to make a grinding noise.  We then had to buy another camera when we got to Unicoi.  We did eleven miles today.  I hesitate to think what would have happened if Bogey had jumped into water that was over his head. 

Bogey jumped in and saved Slim. Here they are safe and only wet just after the incident. 

I told him he could have drowned. He said he would have pushed me out first.   Bogey lost his pepper spray in the creek.  I was so grateful to him for loving me enough to risk his life for me. 

 Wow. Such a story makes one think and appreciate life and those we love so much more. Heroism can be so overlooked by the bad we hear. Its good to reflect on the goodness we find in the trail experience. And also to take those extra precautions and be aware of our surroundings, knowing that danger exists on the trail.

A Blissful Hiking Adventure in Review

As 2015 closes and a new year of hiking adventures begins, I like to take the time to review the past year of hiking and lessons learned.

Finish of the Massanutten Trail

Mid-winter saw me on a few days jaunt along the Appalachian Trail as I endeavor to complete yet another trek of this famed footpath over the course of many sections. The winter travel proved a bit dicey at times as I had regretfully left my traction devices at home. A good lesson learned – be prepared for winter conditions with the right gear. See my blog on Lessons Learned Winter Backpacking.  On my return home I also finished the Massanutten Trail in Virginia.

April saw me heading back to my ridgerunning job, first in Maryland where I had the opportunity to set up the caretaker site at Annapolis Rocks (my first real job at rigging tarps) as well as help the trail and hikers. In early May I celebrated with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy its first Flip Flop Hiker send-off as a panel guest and helping hikers reduce weight in several shake-downs.

The remainder of the summer I spent as a ridgerunner in Shenandoah National Park. While I’ve had many encounters with bears over my work the last three years, this past summer saw my first close up encounter as a bear decided to take a snack break on my unoccupied tent at Pass Mt Hut. Thankfully I had no gear in it but the tent needed replacing.

The fall saw my thru hike of West Virginia’s long trail – the Allegheny Trail, which I hiked from mid Sept and completed in early October (have any other women done a thru of this trail? I don’t really know). There were some casualties and tough times, with my leg suffering a major injury from a branch (the scar remains) and then afterwards when I developed an SI joint separation from the tough terrain (requiring a several week hiatus from hiking). But I learned much on the journey on how to cope with difficulties (like poor blazing, unmaintained trails, long road walks, solitary wandering) and also how much maintainers do to help the trails when you hike in areas that are unmaintained (like a quarter mile of thick thorns).

The finish at the AT / Allegheny Junction

I hope 2016 is a great year of adventures in hiking. And don’t forget our upcoming one day backpacker’s workshop in March – for new as well as old – where I bring all my many years of hiking to one dull day of learning and activities. Registration is now open!

Observations of a Two Week Appalachian Trail Hike – Stecoah Gap to Spivey Gap

I did the first of the series last spring where I covered Amicalola Falls State Park to Stecoah Gap, and my observations had to do with other hikers.

The start at Stecoah Gap. Harmless hiking...for now.

This time around, the observations really had to do with me. You see, I had to endure weather conditions I’ve never faced or faced in limited quantities during my spring hike this year from March 23 - April 5th . I am no winter hiker. I have never been out in anything less than 15 degrees, nor am I much on snow hiking. I did a 17 mile snow hike in Shenandoah National Park this past winter, and I must say, that hike really got me ready for what was in store during this time.

1.       Winter Camping – I broke my all-time camping temps at nine degrees at Derrick Knob shelter in the Great Smoky Mountains. When I arrived at 4 PM, the shelter was packed. Fresh snow lay on the ground with more falling. I had not ever been camping when snow was falling. Nevertheless I dug out a spot and erected my tent in a blustery wind that dropped the wind chill to below zero.

My tent set up at Derrick Knob Shelter

I put on every stitch of clothing I had and used a silk liner inside my humble 15 degree bag along with a hand warmer. I managed to stay mostly warm. What I didn’t count on was the water bottles freezing solid, including ice plugs on the top. My trail shoes froze solid (and they can take forever to get back on!). And my stove was inoperable. I learned to warm up the bottles to get a bit of water and warm up the canister, but only on the advice of other hikers. Which leads to #2

2.       Hikers helping Hikers – I was given good advice on winter camping from hikers who knew what to do. One hiker told me to carry my canister in my pocket as I got ready for camp so it would light. When I arrived at a shelter later that day, another hiker had water there from a spring so I could fill up (I’d had nothing to drink for six miles because the bottles were still frozen solid). He also went and got me fresh water as well. When I found out my lighter would not work, a fellow hiker offered me her spare pack of matches (I should have thought to bring matches as a backup).

Rescued at Newfound Gap by a fellow hiker

Another hiker picked me up at Newfound Gap and took me to Cherokee to warm up, resupply etc., all on her dime. And a fellow hiker offered the idea of getting to town to dry out after a very wet two day slog through the final days in the Smokies, and only after he helped give me advice on how to negotiate the solid ice on the trail that came from melting and refreezing of the snow that had fallen. It was also my longest hiking day at over 18 miles.

3.       Winter Trail Conditions in Springtime – There were winter conditions I have never really experienced backpacking. Like rhododendron full of snow, and when you pass through, they dump snow over you.

Going under the rhodo on the trail made for tough travel

Snow from high above in trees falling like snow bombs on top of you. Then the trail turning to a slushy mess when it began to melt. My feet were soaked and slipped and slid much more even than ice. It made for a very slow, cumbersome travel. What should have been easy hiking turned into a major ordeal.

Now it's all slush, and 2-3 inches worth of it. 

And so too my “schedule” had to change. I did not camp where planned but camped where I needed to. I still was able to make certain rendezvous with family, but had to constantly rearrange plans. So it is with the trail and weather where best laid plans are but aside, and you work out each day as it comes.

But it all passes and great views abound. On Big Bald.

Yes, this was a time for personal observations of what I endured. You never know what a section hike on the AT will bring, and this was certainly a two week adventure I will never forget.


Related Blog:

Observation of a Two Week Appalachian Trail Start

Day Hiking in Winter

Book Release Party Day 2 - Hiking the Appalachian Trail as a Teenager

Day 2 of the Book Release Party features an interview with the companion on a trip of 2,000 plus miles, Joshua Bliss, who hiked the trail with his mom the author. Don't forget to enter the great contest afterward as part of the all week celebration!

Mom and son reunite on the Appalachian Trail this past summer

Tell us a bit about yourself.

"Well, I'm 23, I'm the lead assistant manager of a local gas station. I play games online and I read in my spare time."

How was it hiking the Appalachian Trail as a teenager? Thinking back on it, what were the highlights for you? 

“It was hard, but fun. Anyone who has spent more than a week or two on the trail can tell you, it ain't easy. The people I met were the biggest highlights. As you go along, you find groups of people that are going on the same adventure as you, and you can't help but feel a camaraderie with these strangers. It's like a second family.”

Taking it easy

How about the one thing that didn’t go so well on the hike?

“I know that there are several difficult moments mentioned in the book, Overmountain Shelter for example, but the one moment that stands out the most was having a tough night in Connecticut outside a close-to-trail town, and waking up to slugs in my boots and all over my tent. Talk about gross.”

What was your favorite state to hike in and why?

Sunset in Glastenbury fire tower, Vermont

Vermont, no questions asked. The woods were beautiful, the people extremely friendly, and some of the best weather the entire trip.

How about your favorite food on the trail?

“We had this strange concoction of mashed potato mix and dressing mix. It was very filling, and very good. Looked kind of like plaster, though.”

(Side note: Stayed tuned for the recipe on Wednesday’s Refreshment Day! Thanksgiving Dinner on the trail)

Ok, we know you spent six months hiking with your mom. How was it, really? And would you recommend it for a teen and parent?

“Honestly, it was fun. Not many kids that age get to have experiences like that, and the bonding time we had, I wouldn't trade it for the world. 

Would I recommend it? If you have the chance, definitely. It's a life-changing journey, something you can share for years to come.”

What is some future dream you’d like to see fulfilled in your life?

“I would love to hike the trail again, but solo. I loved doing it with my mother, but i know doing it on my own, at my own pace, would be an adventure all its own.”

  

Describe yourself in one word

“Stubborn. Sad but true.”

To Order our Book:  

In Print - Amazon and Barnes and Noble

E-book - Kindle  or  Nook

Enter the CONTEST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway