Just back from a hiking/back-pack trip with my son on the Appalachian Trail.
It was the most physically challenging thing I’ve done as an adult for years, and I even skipped one 6-mile hike from and back to our base camp (that my son noted was the most challenging of all).
The trails chosen were “only” rated as moderately difficult.
But between the 5-mile ascents/descents, uneven terrain, and carrying 40+ pounds of gear and food to set up our base camp on Shinning Rock, it was clear early on that my training prior was inadequate.
It was in the mid-to-high 30s and low 40s through the night and early am.
Fire-pits weren’t permitted.
Sunset was about 730 pm each day, and it remained dark until sunrise at approximately 7:30 am.
Trying to not urinate for the 12 hours wasn’t possible.
However, I significantly delayed venturing out from our two person tent the first night because 1). I was too scared of the dark and 2). I wasn’t even sure I could get up to stand!
It was also “interesting” trying to dig 6-inch holes in nearly frozen ground to poop each day.
I have nothing but respect for those that have done much longer portions of, or even completed, the Appy Trail.
Honestly, it was an adventure that I was glad to see end, but my son and I shared many great laughs/discussions along the way, and it will definitely be a life-long memory.
I plan to do some hikes in the future, but only from and back to my home, or a lodge.
It’s been years since I did any tent camping.
It won’t be years until I do again.
I won’t be doing it again 😂.
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