Sunday, November 1, 2009

Through Hiker!

A week ago I completed the remaining 46+ miles of the Foothills Trail (from Table Rock State Park to Upper Whitewater Falls). Last Year, I did the western section (Upper Whitewater Falls to Oconee State Park) with Paul and Kyle, but this year I finished it up with my pal, Tom. It was a rough 5-day trip, with rain all day on Friday and into the night, but otherwise beautiful. We finished safely and on schedule.


I always learn some things that help me fine tune my technique. Here are some of the things I learned (or re-learned) this trip:
  1. Beef Jerky is really just not that good.
  2. Pack and dress in layers. Don't bring a 2lb Goretex pull-over, unless it's snowing. A rain shell and a fleece is better.
  3. Mountain House dehydrated lasagna is awesome.
  4. You can't pack too many M&M's.
  5. 1 pair of gloves is enough.
  6. 2 pairs of underwear are NOT enough.
  7. Trekking poles are awesome after you've had a high ankle sprain.
  8. Alcohol stoves are too slow when you're hungry.
  9. Wet socks take forever to dry in the rain forests of NC/SC.
  10. If backpacking during bear hunting season, DON'T wear black!

5 comments:

Charlotte said...

Awesome! Congratulations - that's a great accomplishment!

Mhbutbar!

James said...

cool

smooth said...

Good job, and some really great pics! BTW, my word verification matches one of your pictures (phiesse)

Ferdlings said...

Good job! Wish I had been there (no, not really)

Tim O'Keefe said...

Dude! You are a stud. Truly. Gives clarity to the phrase, "GO TAKE A HIKE!"