Lesson 1 -Know How To Use Your Gear Before Leaving Home

This lesson seems obvious, but it is well worth repeating. I have used a Garcia bear canister in the past where required, such as in the Adirondacks and on the John Muir Trail. This year, I purchased a Bare Boxer, which is light weight and small. At home, I opened and closed the three locks multiple times. I thought I had the locking mechanism down.

My first night on the trail, I got two of the locks opened, but couldn’t get the third. I had no idea what I did to open the two and why I couldn’t open the third. I was frustrated and hungry. No one else had a bear canister;  and no one offered advice.

Trying to unlock the lid, I was using the larger screw driver on my Swiss Army knife. In desperation, I used a knife blade and promptly cut myself. Finally, I used the smaller screw driver. Presto! It worked. The next morning, I was still uncertain about which way to turn the mechanisms to unlock, but I soon was able to open and close the canister with no difficulty.

One of my early hiking friends did not know how to use her pocket rocket stove. She had been cold soaking all her food.

In her first attempt to use the stove,  she didn’t place it and the pot in a stable place. When the meal came to a boil, the pot tipped over and everything spilled out. Later she unscrewed the stove from the fuel canister slowly, causing a lot of liquid fuel to escape. I hope she now has the hang of it and is preparing hot meals and beverages.

Lesson 2 – Tighten The Guy Lines Before Going To Bed

The first night, I set up my Zpack Duplex with a good pitch. But I didn’t re-check the guy lines, which hold the tent taut.

It rained that night. Although I didn’t get wet, in the morning I realized I had taken in some water and that the guy lines were loose.? Check the pitch and guy lines before bed.

Lesson 3 – Take Good Care Of Your Feet

I was unable to find a trail runner that provided my feet and legs with the support and comfort I needed. So I am hiking in Keen Voyager shoes, which model I wore last August while backpacking.

I typically take a two to three week backpacking trip in August, after my feet have had several months to toughen up. It didn’t occur to me just how tender my feet would be this early in the season.

I have learned over the years that my feet sweat while hiking. To prevent blisters, I typically take off my boots and socks at rest breaks. I have even changed  into dry socks at times.

Since this trip began, I have soaked my feet in streams twice and perhaps aired out my feet another time or two. I also used moleskin and second skin (blister band aids)  a few times.   Unfortunately,  I developed blisters on the pads of my baby toes and  on the sides of my big toes. Ouch!

The past few days, I have paid serious attention to my feet. I have had to drain blisters multiple times. Since I am spending a few nights indoors (that’s  another lesson), I have been able to soak my feet in Epsom  salt, which is very helpful.

Over the  years, I have gone from wearing Smartwool socks to Darn Tough to Fitts. Yesterday I tried injinji, which worked well, as they are toe socks. Despite my preference for Fitts, am mailing them home and hiking in injinji from now on.

Lesson 4 – Carry Less Water

For many years, I drank out of a Camelback or similar water reservoir. Last year, I returned to using bottles, which hold 650 ml. I also have a one liter Be Free Katydn filter and a two liter bladder, which I like to fill up when getting to camp. This way, I don’t have to return to the water source, which is sometimes 1/4  mile  away. And  I have plenty of water for dinner, breakfast, and to fill my water bottles for the next day.

However, I have been hiking with the two water bottles and at least another liter of water. I realized it is not necessary since water is flowing abundantly, often across the trail. Carry less water. Lower pack weight makes for an easier hike.

Lesson 5 – Take Neros Or Zeros Regularly

I had not spent a night in a hostel or town until several days of rain was in the forecast. Since I had a mail resupply box waiting for me at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, I decided to get a shuttle there and then slack pack the trail for two days in the rain.

Most hikers have already spent two to three nights (or more?) at hostels where they could get to restaurants to eat large meals and to stores to resupply. One hiker’s pack weighs only 14 pounds because she is resupplying frequently and is sleeping in shelters. My pack weighs about 24 – 26 pounds because I am carrying 5 -6 days of food. The old adage is that one’s pack gains 10 pounds on the uphills. I sure do feel the weight. I am reconsidering my options.

Lesson 6 – Take Photos of  People I Meet On The Trail

My friend Sherri, who bicycled cross country years ago, reminded me to photograph people I meet. I have taken photos of people, such as day hikers or a Trail Ambassador I met more than once, and some of the people who provided trail magic, but I have not photographed other thru hikers.

I wish I had a photograph of Michelle and TJ, my first trail sisters. TJ had to get off the trail for family reasons. I hope Michelle is not too far behind me and that we meet again.

At Albert Mountain, Mouse Bait asked Josh to take a photo of the two of us. Then he took a photo of me and Josh. I wish I had thought to take photos of them as we all had different plans for dealing with the rain and a resupply.

Tonight at the restaurant, Marmou asked whether he could take my photo.I then took a photo of him, Crane, and Miller. My new practice has begun!

Lesson 7 -Take a Sponge Bath Every Night

I sleep so much more comfortably when I don’t feel sweaty and grimy. Even when it is cold outside, I am going to try to wipe down in my tent. One night I heated up water for my sponge bath, which was delightful!

Lesson 8 – Stretch Every Day

I know I should stretch in the morning and at night, even for a few minutes, but I rarely do. I am hereby taking the stretch pledge!  Go to it!