Day 8 - Feb 29
It was supposed to stop snowing last night. It did not.
Woke up with a few inches on the ground, maybe around 4. I checked my phone and the temp was 12 degrees with windchill, surprised it was even that high.
We had decided to sleep into 730 this morning, but even so, we were the first ones to leave camp. Vermont was soon behind us but the real surprise was in front of us. 4 inches of snow is not awful to walk in. However, when mother nature creatures two foot snow drifts, then walking is a challenge.
Instead of getting angry, which trust me, was almost my response on several occasions of thigh high snow, we simply laughed it off and kept going. Part of the adventure is making the most of everything and negativity doesn't really help with that.
After climbing a few ridges in these conditions, we reached the base of our first 5000 foot mountain in NC, standing Indian mountain. The view from up top was spectacular, but completely impossible to capture on a phone.
We ended up hiking 16 miles today and even with our late start we made it to camp around 430. We hiked from 81.1 to 97.2. My hips felt fine today and my ankle feels somewhat better. My feet were actually the most sore part of my body today. It does seem like every day there Is some new pain, funny how that is. Tomorrow I think we are going to attempt our first 20 mile day, but we may cut it short at 18. We will see how it feels. Also tomorrow, we hit the 100 mile mark. Just another thing to look forward too.
Still having a great time, and thank goodness its not supposed to almost be in the single digits
Goodnight,
Tyler M.
Woke up with a few inches on the ground, maybe around 4. I checked my phone and the temp was 12 degrees with windchill, surprised it was even that high.
We had decided to sleep into 730 this morning, but even so, we were the first ones to leave camp. Vermont was soon behind us but the real surprise was in front of us. 4 inches of snow is not awful to walk in. However, when mother nature creatures two foot snow drifts, then walking is a challenge.
Instead of getting angry, which trust me, was almost my response on several occasions of thigh high snow, we simply laughed it off and kept going. Part of the adventure is making the most of everything and negativity doesn't really help with that.
After climbing a few ridges in these conditions, we reached the base of our first 5000 foot mountain in NC, standing Indian mountain. The view from up top was spectacular, but completely impossible to capture on a phone.
We ended up hiking 16 miles today and even with our late start we made it to camp around 430. We hiked from 81.1 to 97.2. My hips felt fine today and my ankle feels somewhat better. My feet were actually the most sore part of my body today. It does seem like every day there Is some new pain, funny how that is. Tomorrow I think we are going to attempt our first 20 mile day, but we may cut it short at 18. We will see how it feels. Also tomorrow, we hit the 100 mile mark. Just another thing to look forward too.
Still having a great time, and thank goodness its not supposed to almost be in the single digits
Goodnight,
Tyler M.
My goodness! That is some deep snow! Who would have thought you'd need snow shoes! It must have been beautiful even if terribly difficult to walk in.
ReplyDeletePositive attitude is everything.
You guys are doing great. Hope your aches begin to lessen and u r able to have a great hike today. Hope the sun is out for you.
Mom
Got worried after 2 days of no posts, glad you're moving again. Cold and snow should disappear in the next couple weeks then you'll have the heat and bugs to contend with. Safe hiking guys ... 1 state down...a few more to go!!
ReplyDeleteTyler, I am so happy you and Walker are both blogging! We are enjoying following your trek from different points of view. You are both great writers, and I am sure that you will appreciate this documentation of your daily thrills and challenges for years to come. Thank you for putting in the effort to post. I am watching your progress on my app and hoping that you make your 20 mile goal.
ReplyDeleteMrs. K.
Think I know why everyone was sleeping in... they wanted you to cut the trail through the snow drifts. Lol. 16 miles in those conditions and at elevation is amazing. The experiences Walker and you have had in just your first week are remarkable. You are quickly becoming experienced outdoorsmen. Awesome job on hitting 20.5 miles today!
ReplyDelete