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Time to Bail, Rethink, Replan, and Maybe Restart
The road goes ever on and on
down from the door where it began,
and I must follow if I can,
pursuing it with weary feet until it joins some larger way,
and whither then? I cannot say.
—Bilbo’s song of the road as sung by Frodo setting out with the ring
I started the approach trail to Springer Mountain on Tuesday afternoon, February 1. The past six days have been a most humbling experience.
Above the Clouds Hostel
What I wrote in the register at the Above the Clouds Hostel:
Saturday, 5 February Steven Tryon / Pearwood
I did the approach trail with 55 pounds on my back. Even with my brother slack-packing me to the top of the falls, this is the toughest physical challenge I have undertaken in my 71 years. And that includes my time in the Army. Pack and trail broke me.
Thank God, I got rescued half a mile shy of the Springer Mountain summit by a pack of six trail angels out for a quick walk up Springer. Double thru-hikers all!
They slacked me over Springer to the parking lot and drove me to Above the Clouds for warmth and food and rest. I was exhausted. I was in serious trouble by time they picked me up, but I did not realize how serious.
Started on Tuesday the first. Tented a few miles in, made it late—in the dark and pouring rain—to Black Gap Shelter. Zeroed on Thursday. Headed for Springer in the afternoon {Friday}. Got rescued.
Today my brother is picking me up for a re-think, replan and, maybe, restart. My back surgery two and a half years ago destroyed my stamina.
Soli deo gloria.
Steve
Tuesday
Photograph by Charles Tryon
The weather Tuesday was stunning—bright and clear and relatively warm. I knew the 600 steps up to the top of the falls stairway would be significant, but I’ve done steps before.
The steps were challenging, as expected, but oh, what a view. I was glad I had not skipped the Approach Trail and started at the Springer Mountain parking lot. I also took photographs with my Argus C3 but we won’t see those for a while.
My brother was waiting at the top, busy with his sketchbook. I retrieved the monster pack from his car and started up the trail. What a change. That thing was heavy. Walking was hard work. At least the weather was pretty. I wasn’t planning to go far as it was already mid-afternoon. The trail was steep. I set up camp on a flat spot a couple hours in. It was the first time I had set up my little REI tent outside of my backyard. It went up easily enough even in the fading light and chilly breeze. It is a fine little tent but definitely designed for warmer weather. But that’s why I had a zero-degree Kelty bag and Sea to Summit mattress with me. I slept warm and dry.
Wednesday
I shove stuff aside in the morning to clear a spot to set up my home-built alcohol stove in the tent for my oatmeal and tea. That little stove burns hot. The piezoelectric lighter that worked so well on my desk at home did not cooperate so I resorted to matches.
I broke camp and was on my way about 10:00. The weather was grey and chilly versus Tuesday’s sunshine. I figured I had about six hours on the trail to get to the Black Gap shelter. Ten hours later I was there, well after sunset and in the pouring rain. My last drink had been from picking up some leftover snow along the trail. I collapsed into the shelter. The shelter is an open lean-to, dry and solid. I ate half a protein bar. The rest got flung out into the darkness. The bear canister had already been sent rolling off the front ledge of the shelter. I slept warm and dry.
Thursday
It was lovely outside, but cold and windy and raining hard. I understood why the trail maintainers (may their name be blessed) had carefully dug all the water runoffs along the trail. Georgia does rain with a passion.
I posted:
Black Mountain Shelter, a mile short of Springer Mountain. The approach trail is hard. Got in well after dark in the pouring rain and out of water. I was exhausted. I may a zero or at least NERO and wait out the weather. We’ll see after I get some hot food and tea.
The walk down to the spring convinced me I wasn’t going anywhere that day. The trail was treacherous. I did not want to attempt it with the monster on my back. I felt considerably better for oatmeal and tea. I settled back in my bag for more sleep.
Another couple arrived at the shelter mid-afternoon. Watching them made clear to me just how unready I was. They were packing light but had everything they needed. They had all their gear organized into bags. They knew where things were. The last couple of months had been frazzled for me with way too much other stuff to deal with. Packing had been a last-minute job and it showed. I did not have either my stuff or my head together. My approach was not working and was not going to work. I sent an email to my brother and my wife.
I am carrying far too much. Nickel and diming it is not going to work. I need to rethink my approach and restart, otherwise these old bones are not going to make it.
Chuck and Suzy,
Can you meet me at the Springer Mountain parking lot on Saturday?
I’m taking a zero today at the Black Mountain Shelter due to exhaustion and the heavy rain weather tomorrow looks iffy too.
Corky,
Please send to Chuck –
{assorted stuff, including my wonderful REI Flash 55 pack}
Thursday
I figured I had two miles to get to the Springer Mountain shelter or about four hours at my pace. The other couple started off briskly mid-morning. I made it out just after noon. The trail wasn’t too awfully steep, certainly not like the start of the Approach Trail, but it was relentless, and I was already exhausted, even after the zero day. I was stopping for a lot of lean-on-the-trekking-poles breaks. My back hurt all over, though my feet and legs were not sore. (Thank you, Leslie and Linda, my Pilates and yoga instructors!) It was the lack of stamina that was killing me. My pace kept slowing but what else was there to do except to keep on plodding forward. I got to thinking of Frodo on Mount Doom. Thank God for the flock of trail angels he sent to rescue this idiot.
For me, this photograph by one of my rescuers says it all. It is a far cry from the happy, confident me starting out on Tuesday. Several hours later I posted:
This is me at Springer Mountain. The approach trail broke me. Thank God, I got rescued me half a mile short of the summit by a troop of trail angels who slack packed me to the summit and the parking lot and brought me to the Above the Clouds hostel.
We got to Above the Clouds in time for dinner. I was much better for warmth and food and dry socks. But I couldn’t even make through my second Yuengling Lager before I had to retreat to my bunk.
Friday
And just for good measure, I had one more photograph that had to be taken before we headed out the door to meet my brother.
“Happiness is a warm shitter.”
Something I learned in my Army aviation days in Alaska yea many decades ago.
Blessings,
Steve / pearwood
Soli Deo Gloria
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Comments 61
I want you to have a strong sympathetic arm-punch from this Army vet. The AT is hard. You also need to think of your gear in a totally different way- sounds to me like you need a real shake-down of your gear so you know you are carrying the absolute minimum (I know it’s a contentious subject, but a bear cannister weighs a heck of a lot more than skill, discipline and some orange Walmart paracord- can you afford it?). You’ve started so early, you can definitely reset and go back in.
You’ve been so excited for this hike on the Trek, I’ve really enjoyed seeing your enthusiasm and your support for other hikers, I would hate for you not to jump back in and be successful.
In the meantime, maybe break down the hike a bit; more than 2000 miles is a big goal- I personally think ‘I hiked all the way across X state’ is also an amazing achievement and will give you plenty of bar room stories. Be kind to yourself, and perhaps set those stateline goals for now, now you’ve got a taste of how the rain and the hills and the gear can be? (I personally never felt like I needed to do the whole thing to get the idea and have the adventure- you do hike your own hike!)
Good luck, and stay strong!
Giraffe (NOBO TN-WV LASH-er 2019)
Thanks, Giraffe,
I had already decided that my milestones were going to be one more day hiked and one more shelter reached.
Blessings,
Steve
Thu hiking the Appalachian trail
Sometimes not making the next shelter is ok…
Oh, yes. I’m no stranger to tent camping.
I second the have a shake down of your pack.
All studies show the lighter the pack the greater chance to complete the hike. There is no set rule about weight but something to shoot for is 20% of your bodyweight.
I know how hard the trail gets as we age. In 2018 when I did my through hike I was 75 and it was the hardest thing I had done.
If you decide to restart and it is next year maybe we can hook up. I plan on doing a through hike again.
Richard,
Thanks. Let’s stay in touch. I may yet go that route.
Steve
Pearwood!
I hope you are warm and safe at your brothers’ house by now. I’ve been following your journey on here and instagram the past few days.
This sounds like an incredibly humbling experience, though also fraught with hard-lessons learnt.
I’m positive, as it seems you already have, that you will be able to take this experience and turn it into success. Success in that you tried, in that you learnt something, in that you were able to walk away knowing more than you did previously.
I’m looking forward to your next move.
Sending you warm and happy thoughts.
Thanks, Zach!
You can consider the Approach Trail a shakedown hike…you can reset and restart…you can still do this if you choose to…Blessings
Thanks, Paul!
Pearwood. Even as a section hiker I have been “overrun” by the trail. Being retired Army, I remember ALICE large with frame and attached shelf. Being half way to 73 now I am at the crossroads. I still have a huge need to walk those mountains. My family is dubious however. I am glad to hear your were supported by your brother and an assortment of trail angles.
Im recovering from a shoulder surgery in January. PT until early April so my trail time will be limited.
Take care of yourself, go slow, enjoy the earth. Best of trail luck to you
Thank, Russ,
And shelter halves! I don’t want to even think about carrying that much heavy, wet canvass!
Blessings,
Steve
Enjoy. Your story . love hiking. Would love to chat or meet for a hiking.
David richmond va
Stay tuned!
Pearwood, the AT is such a humbling journey all around. I sincerely hope you can get back to it, you have such a vibrant personality and you are clearly so in touch with the AT community. It sounds like a shakedown is in order, perhaps you can get back out there in a few weeks or even a month.
If you need any pointers, I am sort of obsessed with gear and would love to help. Reach out if you need anything. You got this
Thanks, Avery.
Any thoughts on bear cansisters versus the new and supposedly bear-proof bear bags?
Steve
Pearwood, not much I can say that already hasn’t been said. Glad to see you knew your limitations and decided to step back and regroup. I’ve seen and read many of your posts as well as comments on other posts. You are humble and have the right attitude, YOU WILL BE BACK….looking forward to reading more and seeing the beautiful photography.
Good luck and God Bless
Thanks, Reindeer!
Blessings,
Steve
Enjoy. Your story . love hiking. Would love to chat or meet for a hiking.
David richmo
Look at this time as an opportunity to re-evaluate. Though you may feel some disappointment you should also feel good in your choices. Only you know what your body is capable of…this is a success for you! We only fail when we don’t try.
Lynn
Thanks, Lynn.
I keep reminding myself of that. And I did haul that monster most of the way up the approach trail in challenging weather.
Blessings,
Steve
This ole army vet says get your butt in gear and redo your whole list so that you’re down to 10 pounds base weight . Start doing some leg and ab exercises along with back exercises. I also have chronic low back pain and physical therapy has helped tremendously.
Thanks, Ron,
I have blessed my Pilates and yoga instructors over and over. My core is in good shape. The sore back faded as soon as I got rid of the monster and I wasn’t particularly sore the next morning.
I don’t think I’ll get down to a ten-pound base weight, but it does need to be a whole lot lighter than what it is now.
Blessings,
Steve
Just fyi pearwood, I’m starting on the trail march 29th p.m. or 30th a.m.. 11 years sober from the devil “ OxyContin “ and walking/hiking has been my savior.I’m back now loving and living my life freely again. I have learned my limitations and no longer letting my pain define who I am. I can tell your an amazingly tough individual and will get back out there once recovered. Give it 110% and you will succeed, I’m praying for ya!
I know Oxycontin well from my two rounds of back problems. Thankfully I had a fine nurse practitioner keeping tabs on me all the way through. I was very glad to have it when I needed it and even more glad to get off it.
Thanks for the prayers.
Blessings,
Steve
I’m learning more and more thanks to your writings. I’ve followed you for a year plus and always look forward to reading your articles and your kind comments and thoughts on other’s articles. You’re living the life of “never stop doing and learning”. I look forward to reading how you regroup and future adventures. We all know Pearwood will have lots more adventures!
Thank you, Julie! :hug:
Pearwood, I could feel your excitement about your hike in your own posts and in response to others over the past couple of years. Don’t give up. A Feb 1 start in a cold year with a 55 lb pack would be tough for someone half your age. My husband and I (both 59 years at the time) hiked NOBO, starting in mid-February, in 2018, also a cold year. Between us we carried less than 55 lbs. And it was still freaking brutal for the first 6 weeks. I remember, just like you, leaning on my poles and gasping on the uphills. At my age that thru-hike is still the coolest thing I’ve ever done. I (and I’m sure most readers) hope you rest and recover for as long as you need to and resolve to try again. But please listen to everyone’s advice about that pack weight, and perhaps start next time with a partner for support while you get your hiking legs.
Thanks, Lucky,
I’m not going anywhere without a much lighter pack. I’ve been out snowshoeing in deep snow with the Flash 55 and about 30 pounds. So I know where my target is.
Steve
55 lbs on the AT is crazy at any age. Regrouping will help on multiple levels – the weather will slowly improve. And with improving weather maybe you’ll less Winter supplies which should help with your pack weight. Think about getting it under 30 lbs, preferably less. Also think about pushing your start date back to March if at possible. You can still get Winter in the Smokies of course but you’ll have more daylight and typically warmer days. Good luck from this Navy Veteran.
Thanks, Jerky,
I was hoping to let the main bubble catch up with me. I’ve camped in the winter, but that was a long time ago and with the proper gear. (Sierra Designs Glacier Tent – loved it!) This cold weather camping with moderate weather gear is for the birds.
Hello, Bubble!
Steve
I did that approach trail, with less than half your weight, at less than half your age, in perfect weather and it still wrecked me, toughest first day on trail so far.
That exact trail section was a bit of a wakeup call for me too(aspiring future PCT Thruhike’er). I have since had all kinds of shakedowns, dropped some weight, added some skills and trained my body. In a few weeks I am headed back for another shakedown hike from Amicalola-kneels gap and let me tell ya, I am still scared of that upcoming start on the approach trail.
What you have accomplished just by going only that far, is much farther and harder than you might realize, your pretty tough to have made it that far in those conditions. Thanks for the humbling words, looking forward to your next update, whenever that may be : ).
Thanks, Chris,
Much appreciated. Yes, getting that monster pack as far as I did was an accomplishment in itself.
Steve
Looks like you’ve gotten the advice on weight so let me give you other thoughts.
You may be the kind of person that needs to restart — I get that mentality! — but you’ve done some miles and the AT recognizes a thru hiker as someone who does all the miles, in any order, within 1 calendar year.
To that end, let me say that you will get strong as you hike. If you can do smaller days, maybe six or eight per day for the next month, you can still finish by doing a non-traditional hike. Wait a month and start mid-march in Virginia, which is not flat but is probably easier than Georgia and the Smokies. Hike for two or three months then go up to Katahdin and flip flop. That will let you keep hiking late into the fall, which is good if you’re doing fewer miles. You can even finish next year if you need to do some miles down south in Georgia or North Carolina that you didn’t get to this year. Finish within 1 calendar year and you’re golden.
Another thought: I’ve met at least a dozen small groups of hikers that were knocking out the whole trail over a period of years (usually 5, 10, or 20) because they couldn’t take all the time off of work. If you do the whole trail over two years or three, who’s to say your sense of pride in finishing will be less?
From now until the time you go out, spend more time per day standing. Time on your feet is good. Eat standing in your kitchen. Stay on your feet most of the day doing those odd jobs around the house you’ve been meaning to get to for years. Wear your pack if you want to. And stretch for 1 minute 30 times per day. Stretch your calves before you walk out the front door. Try to touch your toes before and after your shower. Stretch your quads in bed. Put your feet up on your kitchen counter (1 at a time!) to stretch the hamstrings while you eat. Your body will learn to do what you make it do.
Finally, and most importantly, drop the heaviest weight of all — the mental burden. It’s hard to do, but if you can stop thinking about your back surgery, your age, your lost stamina, etc. and bring yourself to the incredible “here and now” experience, it will help. You’re a badass just for being on the trail. Most people of any age lack the courage to even try. Don’t think about what you use to have. Think about the memories you’re making right f-ing now.
I’ll look for you on the trail, as I’m doing a NOBO this year myself.
Thanks, Brett.
I blessed my Pilates and yoga instructors many times. I’ve read the stories from folks about how at the end of the day *everything* hurt and the next morning *everything* still hurt. I experienced exhausion, but very little soreness. All that work on the core muscles made a difference. When I told my Pilates instructor of my thru-hike plans a few years ago, her response was, “Now I am going to teach you how to walk.”
I’ll see how light I can get my pack and talk to you again!
Blessings,
Steve / pearwood
The AT kicked my butt in 1979. A week long back pack trip was the PE requirement for my tiny environmental college. Everything possible that could go wrong did. I did not even stay to attend the college.
Now, I am 60. Being humbled is really normal at this age. I am so proud of you. You are brave and strong. You will decide what works for you. And sharing your experience helps all of us.
Take a deep breath. Be patient with your body. Take your time.
Goddess Bless,
Kelli
Thanks, Kelli.
55 lb is heavy when your 31.. got you by 6 years and look at adventures like the one you attempted and remember those days when all things were possible. Today the reality of the body grips me and reminds my why I fly fish. Your fortunate to have a brother like that. Just get some rest and resize the adventure to fit your reality with 10,000 other doable hikes, angle hikers and many Yuinglings out there . Keep squeezing that orange.
Thanks, Bruce,
I figured out in my twenties that if I got over forty pounds I wasn’t having much fun anymore. Amazing the things we pretend have changed.
Blessings,
Steve
Pearwood – I was following your plans and was more than a little sad to hear of your change of plans. Sounds like you have the mind set to persevere and make it happen. I know you’re reevaluating both your gear and physical limitations (neither of us is 18 anymore).
I’m planning to start SOBO in September (retiring July 31) and hope to hike for a few weeks until winter stops me, then pick up in the spring.
Your story is a reality check for all of us “old guys” and I appreciate you sharing just how challenging this can be!
Thanks, Greg!
You probably aren’t cut out for this. Maybe quit
This may very well be true.
Wow ! Would?!?!? Is that what you tell yourself when things get difficult ? He just has to regroup and loose half of his base weight, thats all. He’s a tough ole army vet like myself. We never quit. We adapt and overcome.
Thanks, Ron.
I have learned that “This may very well be true” is a fine and utterly non-committal way to answer negative comments.
Of course, this tough ole army vet is 71. Jump school and flight school were a long time ago.
Ironically, the best condition I have ever been in was at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, for the Chaplain Officer Basic course. I was in seminary and considering going back on active duty as a chaplain. We had a pair of field grade combat arms officers teaching the general military subjects. They ran a rigorous PT program by the book. I maxed the PT test at the end of the course with no great difficulty difficulty. But even that was almost forty years ago. How time does march on.
My REI Flash 55 pack arrived from my wife this afternoon. Just switching packs gains me four pounds.
Blessings,
Steve
Tried the AT back in March 2018 when I was 65. Did the approach trail and eventually got as far as Woody Gap but blew a hernia. The weather was terrible – rain, sleet, snow, wind, cold. The pack could have been lighter too. Restarted at the end of April in Harper’s Ferry but realized I wasn’t having fun after two weeks. Bothered me mentally to give up but I have since hiked several sections of the trail. I find it helps to have a buddy to hike with and a much lighter pack. I still consider hiking the AT but maybe 2 weeks at a time with a friend. Don’t give up but lighten the pack. I used a bear canister at the time but I’ve since settled for a waterproof hang bag. Good luck and more power to you.
Thank you. I think I will try again, but with considerably less on my back. A day at a time.
Blessings,
Steve
You have been on this site replying for years.Did you learn nothing? What did you carry in a 55 lb pack?Seriously ? You COULD do this but if you refuse to learn no one can help you. A little tough love is what you need! To quote Yoda ” Don’ t try do!
Btw 66 years old Did a LASH last year 730 miles to Daleville Virginia Age is no excuse! Had the privilege of climbing Rocky Top with Nimblewood Nomad!
Pearwood,
I know exactly what just happened to you. Wrote about in blog. My advice is drop the canister and get the bag. Evaluate the big 3 weights and I see one has been changed. Here is where my weight got me…food and last minute crap. I packed for hiker hunger that won’t even start for maybe a week or two. And the little things that I saw last minute that would be nice to have but not use but once or twice and the little things that just fit in a pocket or pouch unnoticed. I dropped a total of 12 pounds doing that and can skip with my pack on now…well not really but you get the idea. Hope that will help you some and hope you can get back on the trail. I was really looking forward to you “old school” pictures.
Chris
Thanks, Chris. I ordered a bear sack from REI. The reviews looked good. With a later start I may be able to switch to a a lighter sleeping bag, though I was glad for the warm one on the approach trail!
I’ll be able to start putting things together next week.
Blessings,
Steve
You’re awesome you’re not going to complete the AT in 1 season you’re going to do things that inspire and keep you young. Do 4-5 day treks that give you crazy hunger then eat and enjoy and heal then plan the next tell us about it thanks for the adventure you shared with us
Thanks, Smitty!
Thu hiking the Appalachian trail, I hope to take this hike at 72 also. My brother put this adventure in my brain so I’m up for the challenge. Hope to start in early March till the end of August. I love hiking boots and rubber boots and can even sleep with them on. No tent only a tarp and hammock for me. I will have my xs energy drinks to keep my b-12 up, 4900% last me 12 hours. Wish me a successful trip.
Go for it!
I did look at that weight and thought it was WAY to high.
I thought you would probably drop a lot of things, after working it out, wasn’t expecting a bail out.
You should be able to lose more than half that weight.
Then get back out, you have done the first 9 miles, so start from there.
BUT seem to be very slow, so maybe plan on doing in more than 1 year.
Hopefully I start in about 1.5 weeks, depending on the Covid gauntlet, SEE YOU THERE.
Thanks, Taffy.
In order to drop weight I needed to switch pack. And I needed time off-trail to get my head together. I was not ready to go on the first. Waiting for a bit warmer weather may let me switch out some of the winter gear.
Then I’ll see how far I can get.
A day at a time.
Blessings,
Steve
hey pear wood. trail far harder than many realize. all the tough blue collar, military types, fitness freaks, disciplined academics etc. better be humble because that’s what’s coming. you’re wonderfully honest. Persist, because you are a voice worth hearing. the longer you’re out there the more you learn. Easy does it…and you value the experience. Make the adjustments.
Thanks, Joe! My lighter pack should be here Monday. Then I start figuring out what I can reasonably carry.
Blessings,
Steve