10 Things Learned on the Appalachian Trail
Posted in Appalachian Trail, Uncategorized on November 19, 2008
When my husband returned from the Appalachian Trail, I asked him to give me a list of things he learned. Consider this his guest post. In three days time, he, his brother, sister-in-law and a few close friends hiked over 17 miles of the AT. The section they chose to hike has the most elevation changes in Georgia. They started at Dick’s Creek Gap and ended at Unicoi Gap, Georgia. We will be making a trip up that way to hike a different section together in March. He learned many things and here are a few of them:
1. Hey, the privy doesn’t have TP…or a roof!
2. Dehydrated chili mac is “da bomb”…pad thai is not.
3. What the heck is GORP?
4. Synthetic underwear are a sweaty man’s best friend.
5. Let the buyer beware…waterproof does not always mean repels water!
6. Water sources are near all shelters. Near is a relative term.
7. It is not a good idea to sleep with said chili mac. Put it in a bear bag.
8. Layers, layers, and more layers.
9. After a long day of hiking, an AT shelter = 4 star hotel!
10. If you are cold in the morning, follow these three steps to generate well needed heat: 1. Put your cold clothes on; 2. Put your cold pack on; 3. Start walking!
Congratulations on beginning to section hike the AT. We hiked 500 miles (GA, NC, TN, VA) a few years ago, starting at the southern terminus. My favorite food was cheesey baco-spuds. I also grew surprisingly fond of ramen noodles.
Everyone’s GORP is different. My quick version has cashews, m&m’s & raisins. For healthy GORP, I include a variety of dried fruits and additional nuts. I actually prefer my quick version.
#6 reminds me of the humor we found in our guide book. We are hiking hundreds of miles and the book advises that something is within walking distance.
Well, of course.