Taran finishing the hike. He lost 27 pounds on this trip..
Awake the last day, feeling nauseated, we head out for the last eleven miles. Downhill. We hiked down to the Virginia Creeper trail, which is an old railroad bed turned into a trail, and took that into town. We skipped the last hill.
Yes, we were exhausted. We feasted on milkshakes at an ice cream store. Taran drank Gatorade. I drank sodas. We called for our ride---and took a blessed shower back at Taran's lovely house. Taran weighed himself: he had lost 27 pounds in 6 days! The poor kid suffered, yet, he wants to join me on the Pacific Crest Trail next year. His words: "Next year I'm gonna train for it!"
Success!
Miles: 11. Total miles: 54--plus side trips for water...
7 comments:
Sounds like this one was kind of a chore. But interesting trail folks, and I could really use a week of that diet.
The Appy Trail is a fun experience. What I didn't like is that you never really see where you are headed. And it is quite civilized with the shelters and the biffies with composting toilets. The trail itself either goes up, or down. Not many long level patches...at least the section I did.
But I prefer the west. Give me the danger of mountain lions, no toilets and a view that stretches on for miles. Give me dry air. Sparse foliage. The east is just too humid and green for me...
The Appy Trail is a fun experience. What I didn't like is that you never really see where you are headed. And it is quite civilized with the shelters and the biffies with composting toilets. The trail itself either goes up, or down. Not many long level patches...at least the section I did.
But I prefer the west. Give me the danger of mountain lions, no toilets and a view that stretches on for miles. Give me dry air. Sparse foliage. The east is just too humid and green for me...
But a nice level hike across Nebraska might be interesting. :)
The views in Virginia are obstructed by foliage, humidity, and having to watch your steps over ankle-twisting rocks. Winter is better - no foliage, humidity, or nats buzzin in your ears.
Thanks for posting the details of your eastern adventure.
TK
Kia ora Allan,
Well done to you both. A tough trip but I am sure what you both have learned in terms of fitness, equipment, food,ect., will hold you in good stead for the next trip.
I am pretty fortunate here in New Zealand in the mountains I tramp in to still be able to drink the water directly from the rivers, streams, or the tarns up top. I sweat like a pig so I carry the individual packets of gatorade powder which can be put into a water bottle before drinking. Great for rehydration on the go.
It is cool your son was invgorated by the experience and looking forward to more. As time goes goes by you forget about the tough slogs uphill, the blisters, the rain, the thirsr, and all that stuff, and all the good things, the camaradarie, the being outdoors in nature, and the memories start flowing through like the water through those rocks. Congratulations and a great write up.
Cheers,
Robb
Thanks Tim, it was fun to be in your neck of the woods...
Robb, I look forward to a ramble with you someday...
allan
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