As the saying goes “No Pain- No Rain -No Maine”. Last night there was talk of rain and this time, the forecasters were spot on. It started raining around dinner time as everyone was out talking about the day, the plans for tomorrow and life on the trail. I headed to my tent and it proceeded to rain all night and pretty much all day!
Trail near North of Neels Gap
Spring in Georgia
So I’m starting to get a sense of what this trail is gonna be. The fact is it’s Springtime in Georgia. The East Coast has weather like no other. In California, where I reside, we get a sprinkle of winter and spring in a few weeks, but nothing like this!
The fact is, I’ve had a couple of marvelously sunny days where I was thinking, hmmm this ain’t so bad. But today, arg, it was cold, wet, and soggy. I was once again, the first one out on the trail this morning. No one was in a hurry to get wet and cold.
Tiptoeing Through Puddles
I hit the trail around 7:30am and passed by a few hikers who were still bundled up in their tents. My new friend Emily, now named “Sunshine” was the first to pass me. She was flying down the trail like a Ninja, all in black and walking right through the puddles.
May Apple Plants Popping Up
I, on the other hand, was tip toeing around, wanting to make sure I didn’t submerge my non-waterproof trail runners in a pool of muck! But that failed miserably and I gave in to the soaking of my feet and toes. Instead of Gortex, I typically go for plastic bags over my socks and then place my feet in my shoes. It wards off the trench foot for a short period of time. Then I just pray that the sun will shine again and the puddles will disappear. Oh such nativity I have.
My friends “The Ravens” are Triple Crowners. They have hiked all three long distant hikes in the US with their two kids. As I was preparing for this journey, I talked with them and they shared such insight. One thing that stuck was that the year they hiked the AT, 44% of their days on the trail were rain! I’m thinking like a drizzle, a quick moving shower but they informed me, no it rained all day. Dang, that’s a lot of rainy days! So far I’m batting 25% which is tolerable as long as it’s not two or three days in a row, please.
Solitude & God
Needless to say, today was a solitude day. No one was stopping for lunch. In fact I only saw “Sunshine” for a quick moment, one guy who was contemplating if he really wanted to continue hiking, and three day hikers heading southbound. I was in my thoughts, in my head, and trying to tap into what God is trying to teach me right now?
Some Type of Fern from the Grotto
When you have all this time, and if you truly want to dive deeper in your relationship with the Lord, it takes being quiet. I can fill my mind with meaningless thoughts. What will I eat when I get to town? Where will I stay? I need a shower and my clothes stink already! But God wants me just to be with him. He needs my undivided attention, my mind, body and spirit to be tapped into what he wants to show me.
Today as I was walking, there were these small creatures, snails, slugs, worms that were exposed with all the rain. There were birds jumping from branch to branch and squirrels darting across the trail in front of me. Not one of God’s creations seemed phased by the torrential downpour that occurred earlier or the continuous rain that was overhead. They were still doing what needed to be done.
Wild Grape Leaves ? I’m no Botanist
As I was hiking today, I knew that God wanted me to keep walking. He has plans for us and right now, he is just starting to weed my mind clear of clutter. All he wants is for me to trust the process, no matter how damp or wet it gets, how muddy I become, it is all part of preparing me for what’s ahead. So like the creatures of this world, truly all I need to do right now, is listen to his counsel.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go. I will counsel you with my eye on you. Psalm 32:8
What a most glorious day it is indeed! I couldn’t stop thinking about what a wonder it was when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to Jesus’ tomb and he was not there. They had to be afraid and fearful of what the Romans may have done. But when Jesus appears, what rejoicing was to come. I woke up this morning to the most perfect morning filled with gobbling turkeys and birds soaring high above. I couldn’t of prayed for a better day.
The Setting Sunrise from Last Nights Tent
Blood Mountain
This was the infamous Blood Mountain climb that all speak of. It is a rock scramble that we haven’t seen before, with stairs chiseled out of the native rock. Yesterday with all the mist and fog, it would’ve been bloody hard to see the trail, let alone climb it. But today, was spectacular. I was the first in our group of ten to breakdown camp and head up to this incredible battle field.
Evidently there were two Indian Tribes that wanted to preserve the rights to defend this rock. After many had lost there lives, the rock was covered in blood. Hence the name Blood Mountain. Just as Jesus shed his blood for us, for our salvation, these natives lost their life for nothing but a rock! Hard to understand.
On Top of The Rock
Sweeping Vistas
It took me a couple of hours but it was so worth the climb. Once atop the hill, a group of Floridians told me to check out the vista from atop the big boulder. Oh my, what a miraculous view it was. The Georgia Mountains were peaking above the low lying clouds. I just stood in awe thanking our Lord for this incredible sight, the physicality to actually attempt it and for his blessing of giving his life for me, and you.
The Blood Mountain Shelter
I stayed for a bit of time and finally started the decent down this precarious rock slab. The only way to truly know which way to go was the random white blazes on the rocks and slabs. There were few trees, mostly low brush but lots of boulders. The trail finding for slow going but I finally made it to somewhat level ground and came out of the woods to Neels Gap – Mountains Crossings. This is such a welcome sight for all.
Rocky Goings Down
Every Hikers Delight
Mountain Crossings is a haven for thru-hikers as you can find anything you need for the trail! Along with that, all the food and drink you could desire, except alcohol. This stretch ch of Georgia is a dry county on Sundays. And needless to say, this store doesn’t supply beer or any other libation anytime. So Pizza and Ginger Ale were on the menu. I stayed for a few hours, eating, charging my phone, getting water, attempting to find Wi-Fi, and just relaxing on a bench! There is something civilized about sitting on a bench rather than a log or rock.
Wolverine Duty
One of the hikers I’ve been hiking around is named Elijah. Elijah has a rather heavy pack, and asked Waffle- Trail Expert, to Wolverine his pack. With all his possessions laid out on the floor, she proceeded to talk about every piece of gear, equipment, and personal items that he had. By the time she was done, his pack weight was down by ten pounds! Happy Easter Elijah. You will be much lighter and less burdened, on the trail.
Rainy Days and Sundays
I headed back out on the AT, while most of the group I’ve been hiking with, spoke of jumping off trail for hotels and hostels. The weather forecast predicts rain for the next few days, and they are hoping for clear skies before returning. That could be a long ways off or from what I’ve seen, the precipitation may never materialized. The one thing I have learned on the AT is that the weather reports are quite exaggerated and seldom accurate.
I decided to keep hiking. By the time I was up the trail one mile, it did start raining, but ever so slightly. I found a nice piece of ground and pitched my nightly home. Before I knew it, there were several of the pack who decided to stay on trail after all. We all had dinner, hung our food bags and prepared for the forecast of impending doom. We’ll see. For now, I’m as snug as a bug in a rug!
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it…..The angel said to the women, Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.” Matthew 28:1-2, 5 NIV
What a morning I had. About 3:45am the sky flashed and the thunder clashed. For about two hours, thunderstorms loomed overhead. I cannot say I have ever heard thunder that rolled for minutes on end. A few lightning bolts were directly above my head that it felt as if it shook my tent! By 6am, the water was flowing into my tent and it was definitely time to pack up and leave this place!
Misty Morning
Once I was packed and ready to hit the trail, the rain lightened up to a mere drizzle. It was a misty day for the most part. A few moments of sun poked her head out but she didn’t last long. Actually for me, the weather couldn’t of been better. The mist kept the climbs cooler and the downhills were fairly tame so I didn’t get sweaty.
My Dawgs are Screaming
My feet are another issue. Arg, my dawgs were yelling at me today. Early this morning my feet were content, but by noon, they weren’t too happy with this constant movement. There is always the break-in period somewhat like dating. You meet your new partner, you try ‘em out and you either work through the quirks, or you move on. I’m feeling like I’m working through this fact. Silly me, had a pedicure right before I left for the trail and my over zealous technician took away all my callouses. My feet are tender and really mad!
I found a creek, took off my shoes and socks, and my little footsies were submerge in fairly therapeutic, freezing water! I wasn’t feel any discomfort from the watery grave that I entered. I could’ve stayed much longer but it was time to head to camp.
Blaze Tattooing
On my way to camp, I met a maintenance guy named Steve, who tends to the trail. He was getting prepared to paint new white blazes on the trees. He has a stencil and latex paint, and covers each blaze with two coats. These blazes are what keep hikers orientated to the right course. There are blue blazes that indicate water or a side trail. There’s double blazes which I believe show an intersecting trail and then there’s the slightly offset doubles blazes that tell you there’s a turn coming up.
Blaze Painter Steve with Hiker
I’m sure you’re wondering if thru hikers are that dumb and need all these blazes? Well I would say yes, we are. These trails out here are much different than anything on the west coast. There are trees, and more trees that look virtually the same from one bend to the next. So these blazes keep you safely on the trail and hopefully not lost in the woods. And even with these perfectly painted blazes, there are still hikers that get themselves in a world of hurt and lost off-trail.
The Trail Provides
When I got to camp tonight, there were several hikers that I had met along the way. Pepper, Michelle, Elijah, the Brothers and the Couple. I was hoping there would be enough room for my tent and to my surprise, the place had several spots available. I headed over to what appeared to be a level spot and somewhat dry from the rain last night. As I’m walking around, clearing my potential new plot of dirt, I found a single tent stake laying on the ground. I was floored. I somehow was one stake short when I pitched my tent last night. Last ditch effort, I had to find a rock and improvised.
My growing list of things I planned to pick up at Mountain Crossings included one single tent stake! But as we say, the trail provides. Just when you need something, you find just what you’re looking for. Incredible and glorious luck or fate, whatever you want to call it, it was mine for the taking. So now my tent is properly staked and pitched and I’m ready for bed.
My trail angels Ron & Elisa drove me to Amicoloa Fall State Park. All northbound thru-hikers register and get their most revered tag. This year.it is Hot Pink and my number is 2849.
Once I complete the safety talk regarding Leave No Trace. LNT principles, hear all about the Georgia hospitality and know where and how to poop in the woods, I am able to obtain my tag. It is securely fastened on my backpack which weighs in at 22.2 pounds with five days of food. My back is thanking me already!
My friend Elisa and I decide to slack pack the Approach Trail. This means no big not-so-heavy backpack in tow. Just a day pack. The trail is beautiful with the largest waterfall this side of the Mississippi. There’s something like 750 stairs to get to the top and another 1500’ climb to Springer Mountain. We power through, stopping for some Snooby snacks to give us the energy we need.
I have done much reading about this trail but had no idea that the Approach Trail truly is the way to the beginning. At the top of this rock was the infamous bronze plaque depicting the Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Good Lord, to think if I would have missed this and started hiking from the parking lot, After hiking 2188 miles, I would’ve missed completing the trail! So you novices out there, you gotta do the Approach Trail!
Ron, our Uber driver friend, arrived at Springer Mountain parking lot and drove us to our swanky lodge. We were already checked in and as I was looking for a shuttle for sn early morning departure, just as the hotel restaurant closed! Arg, so what did we do? We went to Dollar General and had the finest dinner you can have from a microwave. Best laid plans of mice and men!
Signing this years Logbook for Northbound AT Hikers
Today is the day that my journey on the Appalachian Trail began. On Good Friday, my feet finally touched Georgia dirt. It’s truly hard to describe the feelings into words. My stomach had butterflies, I had tears in my eyes and honestly, there is always a bit of fear that plaques me. This is such unknown territory for me.
Picture Perfect Beginning
The morning was picture perfect. The sky was blue with contrails crisscrossing above me. The trail was free of mud and somehow without dust. The birds were welcoming me with song, and the forest was glistening. My friend had described it as “The Enchanted Forest” and she was spot on! Creeks were flowing, flowers were blooming and trees were just starting the leaf out.
As I took my first steps, there were a couple of guys who were getting ready for a section hike. They were from The Carolinas and had that southern draw that is so welcoming. Good morning Mam, nice day for a hike! It was a blessed day to be on trail. I moved along and my snail pace, warming my body up for what would be a fairly easy day. I saw a few hikers at the shelters and continued on.
Trail Magic
Mid-morning a young man named Colton caught up with me and we hiked a bit. He had never thru hiked before. He was carrying his pack that had what appeared to be a cargo net attached to the back. Inside was not one, not two, not three but four packages of Quaker’s Rice Cakes. He had an assortment of flavors and it made me smile as my Mother loved these. As we climbed up a knob, that’s what they call hills around here, there was a guy sitting on a fallen tree. He stopped Colton, and asked him if he had hiking poles? Evidently he didn’t believe he really needed them and shook his head no. “Speed Bump” is a Trail Angle and Widdler. He makes these beautiful handcrafted walking sticks out of the local trees. He presented Colton with one that was engraved, “Take me to Maine- AT Class of 2022”. What a treasured piece of equipment and hence, trail magic has started less than five miles into my hike. Colton was so appreciative and promised to send “Speed Bump” a picture from Mt. Katahdin.
Praises & Love
Mid-day I stopped for lunch with a few others, and had light conversations. That is until I met Emily. She too is a local and is planning to hike to Maine. She was enamored with my scarf and asked what was on it? My friends and family signed a bandana for me with scripture, words of wisdom and love. I had a similar scarf-bandana when I hiked the PCT a few years ago. It was my most treasured piece of gear. There were times on the trail I would just stop and read these blessings. During my toughest days, these praises and love would help me get through those moments. Emily loved the scarf and it opened up a dialog about my faith and belief. And to think this is only day one!
Ending to a Perfect Day
Today was a picture perfect day. The sun shined all day, I had a skip in my step and I thought, Lord you sure know how to bless me! I made it to camp, found a relatively flat bench to pitch my tent, and enjoyed the sound of the river flowing below. Good Friday was a spectacular day filled with hope and promise for the days to come. What an amazing God I serve.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalms 28:7 NIV
The journey has began. I kissed my hubby George goodbye this morning as he dropped me off at the airport. I attempted to explain to my dog that she wasn’t able to go this time. Her big brown eyes melted my heart as she nodded, and in her sweet way, told me she would take care of George. Animals are a secret doorway to your soul. They truly have a way of making you feel like the most wonderful human being on this planet or an absolute heel. I felt like a bit of both as I turned and headed for the friendly skies of United Airlines.
In my household, I am definitely the crazy one. I have this adventurous spirit that is most difficult to squelch. Some call it insane, others wanderlust but I believe it’s innate. Like something I was born with. My dog Zoey has it. She is a McNab, a type of Border Collie. We never taught her to herd, or go after anything that moves, but yet it is what makes her Zoey! Sometimes I believe that moving, trekking, wandering is part of my genes, something innate in me. I have an unstoppable thirst to hike!
Support Crew
Each of us who desire to do long distant hiking have a support crew. Or at least, I would hope so. George is my support. He told me that God explained that he was designed to love and support me in ways that only he can. On these adventures, he takes care of the fort, keeps our teenage grandson Sid in check and mails my every need to me. I have packed over 20 boxes and he has them labeled, organized and marked them for delivery. George is my personal Amazon Delivery Man.
Now What?
I made it halfway to the trail. We’ll actually much further than that. I am sequestered in Tennessee with my dear friends. They are my Trail Angels who will take me to Amicoloa Falls State Park near Springer Mountain, Georgia this week. I will spend the week acclimating to East Coast weather; humidity, wind, rain and snow. In the short time I am here, I’ll experience about all that Mother Nature can dish out. The big difference is I’ll be tucked inside a nice warm home, with indoor plumbing, hot showers and a fully equipped kitchen. This will be my last taste of civilization before I hit the trail.
Me and my most beautiful Trail Angel Elisa
Perfect Timing
The last few days have been filled with boxes to check off, friends to take care of, family to love and meetings to oversee. Yet, my Lord has made it all possible. He has brought me help from the most unexpected places. The blessings I have received from friends is astonishing and a bit overwhelming at times. This paved the way for the perfect timing.
Many people only dream of following their passions. They talk of doing this or that but when the rubber meets the road, nothing actually happens. What is the perfect timing? Is there really such a thing? I believe in God’s perfect timing. If we pursue him and his hearts desires, then the perfect timing will present itself.
The journey to God starts with one small step at a time. He doesn’t expect you to run the mile, but he does promise to give you strength to go the distance. God will always provide you with what you need, when you need it, in His perfect time!
And so my journey begins. On Friday I will be hitting the trail, not running, but ever so thankful! Thankful for my friends and family that have helped me find the perfect timing and giving me the courage to pursue my walk with the Lord.
Less than two weeks, I’ll be placing my first step on the Appalachian Trail. What thoughts are going through my head? Will I have enough or will I have too much? Will I be the one that is sending all my worldly possessions home or will I be wishing I brought just one more roll of TP? Highly doubt I’ll be counting sheets of toilet paper, but maybe using my AT Guide for more than just reading and navigating!
Total Base Weight 14.8 (Food and Water not included)
Provisions on the Trail
This I’ve given much thought to. I am a planner and have a full-on spreadsheet with dates, miles, locations, resupplies and whether I’ll find fuel, showers or laundry at the destination. Yep, that’s me! I was never an accountant but I am a neurotic organizer of all things. Down to my underwear drawer, rolled up, sized, type and meticulously placed next to lavender sachets.
AT Itinerary from Springer Mountain to Standing Bear Farm Hostel
I received my final box of freeze dried meals today. My boxes are stuffed with provisions from food, electrolytes, coffee and tea assortments, facial wipes, small packages of Kleenex just in case the bidet doesn’t clean me 100% and assorted bags of hard candy. Along with other items that are truly not needed but nice to have like town shampoo and conditioner, laundry pods and dryer sheets, eye gel, lotions, face masks, and an extra special bar of dark chocolate stashed away in each box.
General Delivery
Most my resupplies are being shipped Priority Mail to the local Post Office. Some of you are shaking your head and I see you. Post Offices have odd hours. Yes they do but so do I. What if my package doesn’t arrive, then what? I shipped close to 25 boxes on the PCT and never had a single one go AWOL! Not one. Priority boxes are one cost depending on the size; small, medium or large. It doesn’t matter how much I stuff them, cram as much as I possibly can before they burst at the seams. The boxes costs the same whether they are being shipped to Georgia or Maine.
PCT Mexico to Canada Completed with Class of 2015
Training. Oh boy, what am I doing? Yoga for the most part. I was hiking around my home, walking up and down hills, but honestly, yoga has offered me more benefit than anything else I’ve tried. As I mature in years, balance is my greatest concern. So I focus on one-legged stands, core, and breathing. And Hot Yoga! I’m not a big fan of humidity and felt that exposing myself to an extremely heated room for an hour is one way to prepare. In my mind, a hot yoga room closely mimics a day on the trail in Virginia when the temperature is nearing the 90s with 100% humidity. Sweat running down my neck, back, ears, forehead, and places I’d rather not disclose. You get the picture.
Am I Ready?
So am I ready? I am as ready as I can be physically, without being on the trail. Until my foot hits the dirt and starts up the countless steps of the approach trail, only then will I be able to answer the call. Until then, I am almost ready!
Our Lord is so good at getting our attention. Sometimes he places roadblocks so we don’t storm through, or push our way into places that we don’t belong. Other times he uses Godly people to remind us that we are straying. And once in awhile, he just stops us dead in our tracks! Then carefully reroutes us.
As I plan for my hike, my Dad and the Lord, needed me to be off-trek. Jesus places us right where we can be used. I was wondering what can I do to get ready from here? Jesus, in his loving way whispers to me, “I’m getting you ready spiritually. You are already, physically prepared for this!”
My incredible earthly father, Jerry
Spiritually ready? What does that really mean? As I pray, God is preparing my heart for the calling he has called me to. He has already ordained the route. The Lord has positioned hikers, day trippers, trail angels and store clerks along the way. I consider my spiritual readiness, as it relates to my own being, the Holy Spirit within me. I know you Jesus. I owe my life to you. So what is it that I need to prepare for?
Each day he uncovers, unravels my protective covering that encompasses me. He opens my eyes to things unseen. What’s in my heart? Am I truly using the gifts he has given me? These are questions I am asking my spiritual self. Do I know why he designed me? And if I truly do, I am using those gifts for God’s glory? I can only hope and believe that I am!
Today, I am less than three weeks away from stepping away from comfort, and walking into the unknown. The Appalachian Trail is the means, the highway per-say, but it is only that. The lessons ahead, the discipleship that is waiting, will be the focus of this trek. My spirituality will only be magnified as I consider and place my focus on the Lord. This is His journey and I am along to share the love that really is God’s love to give others.
Here I go again. I am a wanna-be professional hiker. Starting back in Middle School, my friend asked me to hike with her illustrious family of misfits. Honestly, I had never backpacked a day in my life, yet I was heading to Colorado to hike the Purgatory Trail. Adorning a pack, was absolutely unheard of to me. With all the necessary gear on my back, off I went.
After ten days in the mountains, and the intense weather Mother Nature could throw at our motley group, I was hooked! This catapulted my lifelong passion of wandering off into the woods. I truly found something that I didn’t even know I was missing.
Wanderlust or Nomadic
Fast-forward some 40 plus years, I am still heading into the backwoods and disappearing for weeks, if not months at a time. There is something that calls me to wanderlust. As I took part in the Ancestory.com craze, I found an unknown link to Nomadic people. I relate as I am a bit odd, hairy, enjoy sleeping outdoors and traveling by foot. On top of that, my blood type is B Positive, which supposedly enables me to transport more oxygen. Bottom line, God designed me perfectly to backpack!
Why the Appalachian Trail
This is the year I am heading east. Being a California Girl, I have done the majority of my backpacking in the Western United States, hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, Wonderland Trail, John Muir Trail, Colorado Trail, West Coast Trail, Uinta Highline Trail, you get the picture. But this year, I am hitting the Appalachian Trail (AT). Why is a good question? Honestly I was avoiding the AT for many reasons. Mostly for the logistics; it’s a long ways from home. I don’t like snakes, and frankly tics freak me out! Yet there is something appealing about mud, muck, rain and a wilder side. I love weather of all sorts and actually look forward to a good soaking. No doubt I will eat those words, but for now, bring it on!
In Forty days, I will be stepping out on the longest “hiking only” footpath in the world! That’s remarkable, exciting, and downright nerve-racking. So the next few weeks will be a flurry of decisions. What will I pack, what can I eliminate and truly how much food do I really plan to eat? The list goes on and my mind is overwhelmed.
God is With Me
In reality, this is only done because my Lord, the same Jesus you know, is with me. I have deep desires, hopes and dreams and I tend to follow my passions! As my launch date approaches, I pray daily. I pray that this is His will and not just mine. I pray that He has a path planned for me ahead of time, so when I stumble, He will pick me up, dust me off and send me back down the trail. I pray that there are people along the way that will desire to hear of His glory, His marvelous and miraculous stories and that I can convey all the love that He has shown me. And I pray that when the rubber hits the road, that I will be mentally, physically and spiritually ready for this journey. In the end, this is truly what I was made for. Appalachian Trail here I come.
February 5-6, 2022. Carson Pass to Winnemuca Lake & Return 6 miles, more or less
Snow camping! When I think about donning on Snowshoes, lugging a very large backpack and heading to the mountains in the winter, it thrills me. It is something that you either love or not. My husband says I’m crazy but I’m just crazy about the mountains. And the reality is, this is not for everyone. A cabin with a fire roaring and a Hot Toddy sounds like an end to a perfect winters day. To me, well, I like hiking into the mountains so I can hear nothing but the sound of my snowshoes crushing across a winter blanket of snow, or gazing over the rocky precipices and knowing that most likely, I’m the only one out here.
Many years ago, I went Snow camping on Mt Jacinto. I was with a friend who knew much more than I and set me up for success. We had all the right gear, great food and a positive attitude. We rode the Aerial Tram just outside of Palm Springs to the Mt Jac Trailhead, then headed towards the peak. My friend had all the training, map and compass ready at hand, and we ventured over fields of snow all day. We made it to the base of the mountain, set up camp and then, the snow began falling. And it never stopped snowing, all night long. When we woke in the morning, it was a Winter Wonderland with about 2-3 feet of fresh snow. We never made the peak that day. We packed up and with no physical landmarks due to the continuous blinding snow, we followed a compass bearing. A few hours later, we arrived at the Tram and survived a Southern California winter storm! It was terrifying but also exhilarating. This was my introduction to Snow Camping 101.
Fast forward some thirty years, I knew with my desire for long distant hiking, I needed to be able to handle all elements that come my way. Snow, sleet, sideways rain, and all the wonders that Mother Nature can pack. I signed up with the Sierra Club Snow-Camping Division and learned that I really was clueless when it came to camping in the snow. There is much more to it than pitching a tent, and making it through the night alive! They taught me about trenching, snow caves and igloos, about cold wells that trap freezing air away from your shelter, and building walls that help mitigate wind blowing into your little abode. There was training in gear selection, deadman’s which are not what you think but actually securing your tents or tarps, without stakes, but to sticks and string, building a community kitchen so you can share meals, conversation and libations. It was a wealth of information by seasoned instructors, that I soaked up like a sponge. I take these pearls of wisdom with me as I head out yearly and camp on a snowfield.
Last weekend, a group of friends secured a permit and we snow camped near Carson Pass along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The weekend weather was idealistic. Blue skies, little wind and no snow in the immediate forecast. We snowshoed’ in a mighty mile or two. Yes, you read that right, not many miles but the beautiful part of snow camping, you don’t need to walk far to find the perfect camping spot! We headed into the trees looking for some flatter spots with protection from a random wind gust. We promptly pitched our tents, dug our trenches and built walls of snow around our sites. The guys worked on building a group kitchen and sawed blocks of snow for a table including suitable bench seats for our tushies, as the gals went hiking! We headed up the ridge line to Winnemuca Lake and were a bit taken back by the lack of snow. The lake was frozen, or it appeared to be anyways. I didn’t test it out as I had no plans of cryotherapy this day! The big rock outcroppings were bare of snow and lacked the dusting that I would hope it would have for the month of February. In Northern California, we had a banner December and accumulated much snow but January came, and not a drop of precipitation. Not a single snowflake and nothing in the future forecasts. Even with the lack of deep snow, it still is truly spectacular as you gaze up the passes and marvel at the grandeur of this area.
We headed back to camp and complimented the guys on their expert carpentry skills. We all pitched in with finding wood and started a fire that kept us toasty for the next few hours. When starting fire on snow there are a few rules. Start with a base of green pine needles, something that protects the dry wood from the icy snow. Then light a match and watch it burn. This keeps the fire roaring as it slowly melts into a large deep fire pit or hole in the snow. We shared hors d’oeuvres which was dinner and drank limoncello and spiced cider with Fireball. It was a splendid evening until the sunset and the temperature dropped to 15 degrees. That’s not a typo! It was frigid. By 7pm we were all in our respective tents snuggled for a cold winters nap.
My tent-mate Natalya was new to this snow camping business but she was an old hat to cold weather. She was born and raised in Russia and life was harsh when it compares to our warm soft upbringings in United States. But she knows there is no such thing as cold weather, just poor gear. She was a great partner; sleeps soundly, moves little and doesn’t complain, however cold it may be. I, on the other hand, tossed and turned all night long, slept poorly, but was toasty warm. I love my sleeping bag, my down pants and booties, my smartwool long johns, and my audio books. When you can’t sleep, put on a book and it will lull you to bed before you know it. We were in our tent for twelve hours! Luckily, there was much to talk about, share and plan for future trips. Natalya will be one of my friends who will hike a portion or two of the Appalachian Trail this spring with me. She loves the Lord and had actually prayed that God Almighty would bring her a friend that liked to hike. Answer to prayer for both of us! We have much in common, love the great outdoors and share an adventurous spirit. God brought me a great hiking partner indeed!
The following Sunday morning, we woke up before rigor mortis set in. We had our continuous cups of coffee and boiled much snow to make more water for coffee. The fire was lit again and we huddled around to thaw out from the morning temps. The sky was cloudless making the morning colder than ever but once the sun rose, we would have a picture perfect hike out. Everyone was in good spirits and started packing up for the hike back. We collapsed our tents, filled our holes and prepared our site for others incase they stumbled upon it. There is a golden rule: leave your place better than when you found it. Fill in your holes and pack out your trash. It doesn’t get much simpler than that! Just before leaving, we prayed for safety and thanksgiving for the beautiful weather and fellowship. We accomplished our mission, spending a cold winters night in the mountains and now it was time to moved out. On the way back, we ran into a few day hikers. Some with dogs, some on skies, and many with smiles from ear to ear. It takes a special person to spend the time to prepare themselves and walk into winter! But if you ever get the opportunity to embark in such a time, embrace it. The snow covered mountains are a blessing from heaven above and truly are magical! Such a place and time as this to travel the mountains and to taste it’s beauty.
As we returned to the comforts of our homes, we asked each other, why do we do this? Some agreed that it helps them to be more aware of Gods provisions. Their homes and careers, families and friends, our cushy lives. Others like me desire to disconnect, to hear and truly see Gods glory upfront and personal, to know Him deeper and respect His creation.
As I prepare for my trek this spring, I ask God for favor. To give me faith so that I may trust in the process, knowing that this will be difficult. Yet knowing that I can do all things as long as he allows me. In the weeks to come, please pray that I stay healthy and fit. That our Lord protects me as I persevere, to be all I can be, both physically, mentally and spiritually.
kellyhikes4god 