Lessons Learned from an October Section Hike on the AT – Damascus to Bland

(Repost of a section hike and lessons learned)

Continuing my third round of completing the Appalachian Trail with a lengthy hike of over 120 miles. My only catch this time is I had eight days to complete it. Thus it required me

The climb north to Buzzard Rock yields a great view

to do heftier miles for longer periods of time (averaging 15 miles) and without rest. It also occurred during a drought time on the trail which has seen little in rainfall.

Water Issues. I talk about this issue in another blog, but my trip required a good idea of reliable water locations. I carried the guidebook pages and maps. I did ask hikers along the way what water was available and most had a hard time remembering. But what I did hear at least boosted my confidence that there was fairly adequate water availability.

Most bridges went over dry areas unless they were bigger creeks

Murky Water sources. The evening of Day One saw me camped by a black pond as my water source. In all the miles I have hiked, I have never had to pre filter water. But in this case it was a must to avoid the sediment clogging my Sawyer filter. I took a bandana (glad I had two with me for this hike!) and ran the water through. The bandana worked perfectly to collect the dark sediment. I then filtered the water through the regular Sawyer filter. While the water was still discolored, it was free of particles and treated.

Elevation and Weather. It pays to know the weather ahead of time. The hike began in summer-like

Snow and cold wind on Chestnut Knob

70s but I knew at the end I would face cold conditions. What I didn’t count on also was snow on Chestnut Knob! SO I had both extremes, warm and snow in a week section hike. Be sure to check the weather up to the minute and prepare for weather extremes, taking into account the elevation in which you will be hiking. I felt weird carrying cold weather gear at first, esp. with hikers bouncing along with light packs for the summer temps, but at the end of the week, I used everything I had and glad I packed what I did.

Other Hikers. I must say, on this trip I met the friendliest hikers out there. Everyone greeted me. I saw lots of southbound thru-hikers also as they are heading for final destination of Springer Mtn in GA, only weeks away (and boy were they happy!). It was great to see such a collection of friendly hikers out there enjoying the trail. The only issue I saw among most – no one was wearing blaze orange!!

Animals. In this section of trail it is not so much the bears but ponies and longhorn cattle! In several instances, the cattle stood directly on the trail. The horns were quite intimidating, I must say. I did

what I usually do with bears, talked to them like my dogs in a confident manner and they thankfully moved. But it was still nerve-wracking.

Overuse. Because of the persistent high miles over rough terrain, I am now nursing a fairly bad anterior tibial tendonitis on my right leg. Even after four days of basically no walking t is still bothering me. So the rule is – don’t overdo or you will suffer the consequences! And that is something I ought to know by now! Check out tips on my Overuse blog.

Sunset at Thomas Knob Shelter

Observations and Lessons Learned on Section Hikes Series:

Bland to Catawba

Amicalola Falls To Stecoah Gap

Stecoah Gap to Spivy Gap

Observations in Winter Backpacking - Shenandoah

My Gear Favs

Here are some of Blissful Hiking's favorite gear picks - I love this stuff...

As I tell others, some collect shoes and what-have-you - I collect gear!
(And I've got a series of great adventures on our National Scenic Trails!) 


Sea to Summit Ether Light Insulated Sleep Pad - Check out a full review of it on SectionHiker. Nice pad, very comfy, sleeps a bit cold though compared to Neoair X Lite in my opinion.

The Evernew water bottle. Compatible with the Sawyer squeeze filter (see below which has blown out my Platypus and a substitution for the Sawyer bags which also fail. Bombproof, works great.

Socks are a hiker's best friend, and it might as well be a pair that works great and lasts forever. Hence our fav pick is Darn Tough. They are pricey but a high-quality sock with an unlimited guarantee to boot. In fact, they dare you to wear out their socks! Pretty cool.

Assorted cuben fiber stuff sacks. Waterproof, durable, great for adding protection in your backpack or for keeping sleeping bags and clothes dry. We have used them in all shapes and sizes (they make a good hiker wallet too). The thicker the material, the more durable Z Packs has a great selection. Cuben fiber (now referred to as Dyneema) has also been used in ultralight tents and backpacks as well (but they are pricey).
Other gear websites: Mountain Laurel Designs, Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Basic rain gear is a must in a hiker's backpack. If only out for short jaunts, Frogg Toggs makes an ultralight and cheap means to stay dry with a jacket and pants for around $30 bucks (though be warned, they are NOT durable for lengthy ventures). We find the jacket also provides good warmth in windy weather. Another fav is the rain kilt or rain wrap that does a great job of protecting without the need for cumbersome and hot rain pants.
Some gear shops for a rain kilt:
Lightheart Gear,  ULA

The Sawyer Filter -  a fav for Appalachian Trail adventures. We use the bigger model that filters water much quicker than its smaller mini model for a mere ounce or two more (though some like to have the smaller Sawyer mini filter attached to a Smartwater bottle for quick drinking).

Of all the eating utensils, the simple titanium spoon is our fav. Unlike the Light My Fire sporks that seem to break on a whim (and we've gone through many), This has been on dozens of trips and remains tried and true (gets out gooey stuff like PB from a jar without breaking), and good also for scraping away food while cleaning the pot, too.

National Scenic Trail Adventures - for the Wanderer in All of Us!

To a backpacker who dreams of hiking the Appalachian Trail or just someone who wants to read a tale of adventure, especially with a mom and son, this one-of-a-kind book covers the trail north and south, including ideas from a teen son hiking with his mom, a solo adventure, and the spiritual aspects gleaned on a long distance adventure! Endorsed by long-distance hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis. Available on Kindle or paperback.

ORDER

So what's it like doing a long-distance hike in Florida of all places, among the palms and palmettos, and yeah, the gators, cotton mouths, and other critters? Check out Gators, Guts, and Glory! An adventure on the wild side!


ORDER

I Need Water! 7 Things You Can Do in Dry Conditions

Fall is here and yes, with the lack of rain, water can dry up.

Here are some reminders on what you can do when water is low on the trail -

1.     Try to schedule your hike when there has been rainfall. Easier said than done when you can only go at a certain time. But if you have flexibility, do it. Check in with hiking social media to get updates if possible. If need be, alter your hiking plans to a different area that has better water availability. Some areas also institute burn bans due to fire danger. Check ahead of time for these issues before you leave.

2.       Take an updated guidebook that will tell you when sources are reliable or unreliable. For instance AWOL’s AT Guide for the Appalachian Trail tells you when source are reliable. And those not marked this way for me were dry. Also, you need guidebooks of potable sources in towns etc. On the heels of this, take a map or use a map app on your phone. Maps can identify water sources – esp. springs, streams, etc that may not be in your guidebook. Or it will let you know if a water source is flowing from a beaver pond or a field or a road, of which you then need to treat with care. It will also tell you where you might want to camp that night.

3.       Take extra water containers. When in a dry section, you may need to tote water for a considerable distance. Take extra Platypus containers, empty water bottles, etc. Adjust your pack weight and how you carry items in your pack to adjust for the extra water (a liter of water weighs about 2 lbs). 

4.       When you see a water source, fill up. Hydrate too. Check your map, if it has been very dry, you may need to err on the side of caution and take an extra few liters with you. Plan your mileage accordingly if you need to carry extra weight.

5.       Plan non cook meals. This will use less water.

      6. Make sure you have adequate water treatment (chemical, Sawyer squeeze, Steripen, Pump)

      7. If things get tough, don’t be afraid to ask a neighbor, business, even a home for water. Sometimes you need to do what’s safe. If all else fails and there is none, get off the trail. Better to be off and hike another day than get dehydrated or worse.

It can be tough trying plan for water conditions, especially when there has been no rainfall. But with some planning and flexibility, you can make it through the driest of times.

Related Blogs 

Water Treatments

Fall Hiking Tips

Plan and Prepare for your trip

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What Worked and Didn’t Work for Me on a Long Distance Trek

Things I have heard to take on a long distance trek that just don’t work for me. Sorry.

Case in point -

1. Duct Tape – this is the proverbial go-to for first aid on all types of blisters, holes and / or broken gear, 

I’ve used it for years with poor results. I’ve put it on only to have it fall off, rub my other toes or skin, bunch up, causing more issues. I’ve tried to repair gear with it to have it fall off or bunch up. 

The stuff stinks. Period. And can leave glue marks on gear, sometimes negating a warranty

Solution: For hot spots I have been using moleskin which does pretty good, doesn't irritate like duct tape, can though it can also come off if it gets wet.
For bombproof Rx of blisters, my treatment is the Band-Aid Advanced Healing Blister bandages.

There is nothing like it out there (including stuff I have seen sold in outfitters)! I used them in the swamps and sand of the Florida Trail. They are awesome. I tried other blister brands too. They fell off. Not these. Well worth the money and may save your hike. They are waterproof. When they begin to peel back after a few days, remove the bits slowly, a little at a time. When they fall off, the blister area is healed. Amazing.

As for gear? Tear-Aid Type B works for holes in tents. Carry some. Dental floss and a needle could repair tear in a pinch. Wait for an outfitter or call the manufacturer from the trail to have gear replaced up the trail (lots of manufacturers will work with you).

2. Trash bag liner to line your pack and protect gear from getting wet.

Been there, done that. A cheapo version that protects in light rain, sure. But if you are a long distance backpacking, you’re gonna get soakers. As a ridgerunner I have seen hikers pull out their wet stuff from a trash bag liner in their backpack after enduring a heavy thunderstorm. I’ve had my stuff soaked on the Long Trail in a heavy, three inch all day rain. 

Solution: Try to go with the heavy duty contractor's bag if you go that route. Better yet, invest in Z Packs cuben fiber liners and /or stuff sacks. They are awesome. I have had a puddle inside my pack and the stuff in these is dry. Worth the money.

3. Sawyer Mini to filter water.

TOO slow for me. The regular Sawyer squeeze filter is bigger and works faster – letting you quench that thirst for an ounce more. And I also used the Evernew water bags. They work awesome with the Squeeze filter. No more blowing out Sawyer bags!

Conversely, things I said – “Nah” only to find DO work -

4. A map app on a cell phone. 

I’ve argued – Inaccurate. Wastes your phone charge. Hard to read. May fail.

Nope!

I used it exclusively for the Florida Trail. Worked great. You do need to know how to work it and read a map, though. On recommendation from hikers, I got a good Anker charger for my phone so I can now keep it charged (the cords are light too for recharging everything when in town). I love phone map apps. They are awesome.

5. Darn Tough socks. Everyone raves about them. I’ve used all kinds of other socks. Are they really that great?

YES they are.

These socks are Bombproof. And they have an unlimited guarantee. They dare you to wear them out. No joke. They have an amazing warranty.

Anything you care to share about gear you now like or don’t like? 

Backpacking Over Fifty

Life does not end when one reaches the half century milestone and beyond. In fact the adventure is just beginning. I’ve had several ask in forums if it’s possible to do a long distance hike in the older years. Of course! It’s never too late to enjoy an adventure and make the most out of every outdoor

opportunity. So the answer to - can I do it - is YES. Take a look at “Drag’n Fly” who became the oldest female thru hiker on the Appalachian Trail. Or “Nimblewill Nomad” who continues to meander on trails (actually hiking every one of the major trails in the US). Backpacking over fifty can have interesting challenges, but none are so insurmountable that you can’t enjoy a weekend, a week long or even a long distance trek. But it does take planning.

To begin with, getting cleared by the doctor to begin your new trekking adventure is important.

Make sure any current medical issues you are dealing with are either resolved or stabilized. One hiker had a transplant a while back and wanted to head out backpacking. Great for him but important to know when you are ready for such arduous activity. A doctor is your best source for this information and not other hikers. So too if you’ve had joint replacements, if you are diabetic, etc. All these things should be discussed with your doctor as well as any medication you may need to take. If you’ve had knee issues in the past or ankle issues, get them resolved ahead of time. It does no harm to begin your adventure by taking care of yourself at home, like doing exercises to help stretch out muscle groups and walking as much as you can (walking is less hard on the joints than running). Prepare yourself and your body for what is to come, and the hike will go much smoother.

Gear. It’s doubly important that you are carrying the least amount for a safe venture, especially as we age. While many of us can no longer just sleep on one of those simple pads, thankfully gear manufacturers are coming out with lightweight gear that helps reduce the pack load. Consider one of the 3 inch inflatable pads for instance. Or maybe even hammocking. Older bodies tend to get colder too, so make sure you have proper layers for hiking. Get checked by a good shoe professional when it comes to footwear. Poor footwear will quickly cause issues in the knees and hips—both major flair-ups for older hikers. A pair of trekking poles goes a long way to helping manage those hills and give balance. I have been known to carry more for comfort’s sake than a thirty year old. I have inflatable pillows for instance (Exped and Klymit make good ones). I carry more in my first aid kit than many. For instance, aspirin tabs are a good idea to help against heart attacks. I have discovered Penetrex and carry this on my hike for joint aches and pans. Watch taking lots of NSAIDS (like Advil) that have been known to cause ulcers and even other side effects in older people. Once you have all the essentials together, then check out backpacks. Get the one that is comfortable for you, not the one that is necessarily ultralight.

Food and Fluids. It’s most important that you drink lots of water on hikes. Water lubricates joints which can ache more often and become stiff. Carry a good water filtration system (I use the Sawyer Squeeze). I also am doing things differently with food. Much of the typical backpacking food contains way too much salt and sugar. For an older hiker, this can effect blood pressure and diabetes. Be sure to read the labels. Prepackaged foods also contain additives that cause issues – like MSG. Create your own meals and ship them out in mail drops (see food prep ideas). Use a guidebook to help you plan. Buying on the trail, unless it’s a big food store, limits you to more of the high salt and sugar products.   

Goals. We are not 20 anymore. I happen to be fiercely competitive and always want to do what everyone else is doing or what I have done ten years ago—in miles and goals. I’ve learned the hard

way it’s not a good idea. It can lead to overuse injuries that can wreck your hike. What you may have been able to do long ago is not the same now. Maybe twenty mile days were easy, but now fourteen is the max. Great! It’s your hike, your adventure, take it at your pace. Be kind to yourself. Take in the moment, rest by a stream, meet new friends, enjoy the scenery.

Make the most of the time you have in the great wilderness with the realization that you can do it at any age. 

That Dreaded Giardia

As a ridgerunner, I've dealt with several cases of hikers unknowingly infected with giardia while on their long distance hike of the Appalachian Trail. You can bet it did not add to their experience to be waylaid by constant "runs". Below is an interesting scientific summary of this illness and its cause and treatment, written by SOLO Wilderness Medicine. SOLO is a terrific resource for all manner of health issues that can affect outdoor enthusiasts. I encourage you to receive their monthly e-mail newsletter and even consider taking a course sponsored by them. Check out also my previous blog on water purification methods when in the wilderness.

Even pristine water sources can still contain harmful microbes that cause illness

GIARDIASIS & DIARRHEA

Double-trouble for the gut

Giardia lamblia (Giardia lamblia) is a flagellated protozoan parasite that infects the small intestine causing diarrhea, bloating, and bad gas. People contract giardia when they consume contaminated food or water.

Giardia has a very simple life cycle. The dormant giardia cyst, ingested along with contaminated food or water, makes its home in the small intestine where the cyst hatches and changes into a trophozoite. (The trophozoites cause the illness-the un-hatched cysts do not.) The trophozoites then reproduce by binary fission (cell division) and the population grows. 

Utilizing a suction disk, the trophozoites anchor themselves onto the wall of the small intestine. They absorb nutrients from within the lumen of the small intestine. Interestingly, they do not feed on, or harm, the cells lining the small intestine. However, as the population increases, the trophozoites spread out across the surface of the small intestine and effectively block the absorption of nutrients out of the intestine. When this occurs, the body tries to rid itself of the parasite by rinsing it out, thus causing the primary symptom of giardiasis-diarrhea.

Giardia is the most common protozoal infection of the human intestine

         It is the most common cause of epidemic and endemic diarrheal illness in the world.

         It is estimated that one out of six people have giardiasis worldwide.

         It is estimated that 50 percent of individuals with giardiasis are asymptomatic.

         The most common symptom of giardiasis is acute, watery diarrhea.

         It is usually a self-limiting disease.

         Death is extremely rare, usually occurring only in malnourished children.

         Consumption of contaminated food or water is the main way that giardiasis is spread.

Etiology (cause) of giardiasis

Giardiasis is caused by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with the giardia cyst. Once the cyst is ingested, it changes into the infectious trophozoite form that begins to reproduce and populate the lumen of the small intestine. This process of reproduction delays the onset of symptoms by 14 - 21 days.

The symptoms of giardiasis are caused by the proliferation and colonization of the lumen of the small intestine by trophozoites. As their population increases, the body's primary protective mechanism to rid itself of the parasite is a mechanical attempt to flush the parasite out via diarrhea. Symptoms include (in order of frequency):

                          Diarrhea

                          Malaise

                          Excessive gas (often a foul-tasting and smelly sulfuric flatulence, or belching)

                          Steatorrhea (pale, foul-smelling, greasy stools)

                          Epigastric pain

                          Bloating

                          Nausea

                          Anorexia (loss of appetite)

                          Nausea

                          Vomiting (rare)

Diagnosis of giardiasis

Diagnosis can by made by taking a patient history, determining potential exposure, and observing the clinical symptoms of acute, watery diarrhea and smelly gas.

Diagnosis is confirmed when microscopic examination of the patient's stool reveals cysts or trophozoites.

Diagnosis is also confirmed when an antigen test of the stool detects giardiasis. 

Treatment of giardiasis

metronidazole (Flagyl) 250mg po tid for 5 days, or

tinidazole (Tindamax) 2g po once with food, or

furazolidone (Furoxone) 100mg po qid for 7 days. (This is typically used for treating children, as it is available in a liquid suspension.) The pediatric dose is 25 - 50mg po qid for 7 days, or

nitazoxanide (Alinia) 500mg po bid for 3 days

This Medical Tidbits article was first published as part of a larger article from the Wilderness Medicine Newsletter Volume 21 Number 5, September/October 2008

Gift Considerations for the Outdoorsy One

Pondering what to get yourself or someone on your list that is outdoorsy? Here are six

recommendations from Blissful Hiking:

A three-in-one jacket – while a bit heavy for ultralight backpacking, a three-in-one jacket is great for the outdoorsy type who may find themselves in all kinds of weather. The liner zips out so that you have three jackets for any kind of weather – a rain parka, a fleece jacket, or a combination of the two for those cold, wintry days in the woods. Check outdoor websites like Backcountry.com, Sierra Trading Post, REI, etc. for the best deals (I recently found a Columbia brand jacket for half price).

You can’t go wrong with good quality hiking socks. For example, I’ve been trying out the new Ecosox – made of bamboo (!) and had found them terrific for outdoor use. On several extended day hikes I had no blisters, no stink. They proved durable and washed well. From the manufacturer: “…

the spun bamboo viscose fibers make Ecosox ultra soft, moisture wicking, odor resistant, and help prevent blisters.” They are reasonably priced also. (Update) I discovered after only a few weeks use they developed holes in them. The durability for long term use is questionable.

A Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter – this is THE thing for filtration among backpackers. Whether using the mini that can attach to your drinking system such as the Platypus or Camelback or the regular size, these on-the-go water purifiers are great for making sure water is safe to drink.

Anything Cuben Fiber – Check the Z Packs site for the one who may have everything but is looking to lighten their load. Z packs has a whole line of cuben fiber type gear, great for those looking to cut out extra ounces from their bags, packs, liners, etc. but with the durability and water resistance you expect from a good fabric. I used my pack liner from Z Packs in a pouring rain and all the contents remained bone dry. That makes for one happy hiker.

A Lifeproof Case – most are going to a cell phone for all things phone, music, and camera-wise on the trail. Make sure to protect the investment with a waterproof and bombproof case like this one. But avoid the imitations sold on other websites and buy from reputable places (we got ours at Best Buy).

How about investing in a backpacking course that can offer ideas on backpacking, gear, food, first aid, safety, and more? We are holding a backpacking seminar here through Blissful Hiking. What a

great way to make a happy hiker by offering to pay his or her tuition to this great one day seminar for only $45! Or treat yourself and a friend or spouse? Check it out and see the great reviews from last year's participants. Registration is now open but seating is limited. If you want to give this as a gift, we’ll send a card to that special person, announcing your gift of a hiking workshop! Just let us know via e-mail on the registration page that it is a gift, and add in your email the address where to send the special card!

To Treat and Not to Treat, Water That is...

Water purification trailside is one of the many concerns hikers face when planning a long distance hike.  A water-borne illness can wreck havoc with a hike and at times had forced hikers to discontinue their trek. I recall a reunion with  two southbounders back in Massachusetts who I originally met in Maine. One of them contracted the dreaded “beaver fever “ in Vermont and was still battling it with weakness and fatigue, despite antibiotic treatment.  As taken from the USGS site : “Waterborne pathogens are disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoans that are transmitted to people when they consume untreated or inadequately treated water. Two protozoans in the news today are Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Their consumption can lead to severe problems of the digestive system, which can be life-threatening to the very young, very old, or those with damaged immune systems.”

There are several methods one can use when it comes to water and hiking:

• Do nothing. I know of a few in this class who merely take their cup, dip it into the stream, and drink it straight. I have only done this once myself. I was in Pennsylvania at Peters Mountain shelter, and as anyone can tell you, the journey to the water source is quite an ordeal – like a 300 step ordeal. By the time I got there, I was so hot and thirsty, I filled my cup with the water raging cut of the pipe and drank it straight. But I also knew that above the source, there was nothing that could contaminate it. So I was fairly sure I would be fine, and I was. In the Smokies I was also without purification and did ok. But in many cases you are rolling the dice with regards to picking up diseases. And one thing's for sure, relentless diarrhea is no fun on a hike! 

Gear Time - What's on Your List?

Each year I put up a sample listing of gear you might consider either shopping for or putting on your gift list for that hike coming up in the spring / summer. 
This is last year's gear list for a sample spring long distance hike. 

Here are some top out-of-the-way interesting items for a gear list this year that I either tried or saw.

On my seat cushion on the hard rock of Tinker Cliff

Thermarest seat cushion - I use it EVERY year on EVERY hike.  OK it's a luxury item sure, but it sure feels better than sitting on rocks, the hard ground or a shelter floor. It also doubles as a way to kneel while putting gear in your tent or under your sleeping pad to raise either your head or feet.







The new thru hiker fad this year - the Sawyer Squeeze Filter. Working as a ridgerunner, I saw a gazillion of hikers using them to filter their water. There are drawbacks to the system, however. It requires you to squeeze on bottle, and many told me the bottles that come with the squeeze do not hold up. Hikers did use the Playtpus bottles, but after a time. even these showed signs of wear and tear. And the squeeze filter does not take out viruses.

The rain skirt or rain wrap. New for me this year was a rain skirt for summer hiking. I found it worked well keeping water out of my hiking shorts etc, so my backside did not get wet. Mine came for Lightheart Gear and while not cheap, kept me dry through a very wet summer in Shenandoah National Park.  

Solong tent with awning.

A new tenting option for me this year was the Lightheart Gear Solong. Perfect for those who want the luxury of space as well as an awning, this tent performed well in rain and condensation was at a minimal, esp. when the awning is set up. I even had it in some stiff wind and it did not collapse. However this is NOT a freestanding tent, meaning you must stake it out first and then set it up. I bought the tent poles for it (though it can be set up with hiking poles - I just didn't want my dirty, poison ivy infested poles inside my tent) and the awning pole must be bought separately (kind of a bummer). Also, I strongly encourage you to have Judy seam seal it. I gave it my best and failed at it. So have it professionally done.  

So these are some new gear tries for the season. If you have any other gear you have found useful, let me know in the comments.