Gear check and book updates

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  I know this blog has been quiet as of late. I never updated or posted pictures from a lot of the hikes I've done in the last month or so, but I did them and will hopefully post about them soon. But first, just an update on the gear I used for the 30 mile hike:

First, I decided to get a water reservoir. I didn't really need one, as I'm pretty used to just filling up water bottles and carrying those in my pack. But once we got going on a lot of the longer hikes, stopping and starting to get bottles out of my pack because there aren;t any outside water pockets was getting annoying and slowing me down. Also, peer pressure, since everyone else on the CureSearch St. Louis team had some sort of hydration pack they used. The daypack I was already using had water reservoir capabilities already, so instead of spending a lot of money on a new fancy Camelback (which I would like one day, admittedly), I got a $10 Clyclone Hydro Reservoir from Walmart that cost $10. I really wanted a 3 liter, but they didn't have one in the store and I didn't have the time to risk ordering something online. The differences in price between the Walmart 2 liter and the REI 3 liters were so huge, that I figured if the Clyclone Hydro Reservoir fell apart and died on me, and least it had made it through the 30 mile hike and I would only be out $10. It worked out great, though. It was simple enough to attach the hose to and fit well into my daypack. The nozzle and pack didn't leak or break on me, held up well in the refrigerator, and kept me nice and hyrdated  on the 30 mile hike (and a few of the previous practice hikes, like the Berryman). The only issue was that it wasn't super easy to fill on my own (maybe none of them are) and I felt like the tube was just a TAD too long and cumbersome... I wish it had been a bit shorter. Other than that though, I was really glad I got it.

I also got a headlamp I found clearance at REI, the Black Diamond Moxie headlamp. I needed a headlamp because my group left the trailhead for the 30 mile hike at 4:15am, so the first 7 or 8 miles maybe were in darkness. I'd never done a night-hike before, and was really nervous. This headlamp which worked great expect that it is SUPER hard to open to get batteries in... seriously, I jacked up my thumb trying to open it and for awhile was afraid I wouldn't get it open before I left for Indiana. Luckily a hiking buddy managed to open it easily, so maybe it is just me. The light was bright enough for me to find the trail markers in the pitch darkness of the woods, was comfortable, and light. I didn't use any of the other features (the dimmer or strobe), but it was nice to know they were there. I even LED the group for awhile in the dark, and felt sercure knowing that my headlamp was the one finding the path and trail markers for those behind me!

I also made sure to make use of the trick of changing socks as often as possible. I started out with a thinner pair of hiking socks, then  changed socks at mile 10 and mile 20, ending with the thickest pair of socks I have.  It worked WONDERS. I know taking off your boots is not always recommended because your feet are swollen and hurting and it takes a lot to get them back on, but starting back on the trail with a fresh pair of socks feels AMAZING. I'm not sure exactly what brand of socks all of them are, but one of them is probably Wigwam and another is the REI brand of merino wool socks (the third I bought elsewhere and don't remember, and nobody wants pictures of my dirty socks so I'll leave them out).

I also used one Leki hiking pole that was given to me by a friend (the second pole was having trouble locking, so I left it at home). Because I couldn't figure out how to make it collapse all the way (I'm not sure it did), I left the hiking pole for myself at the last aid station to help me through the last 7 miles to the finish line. It was great.


On a slightly unrelated note, I've been reading too. I don't know if it was to gear myself up for the 30 mile hike, or to tell myself I could do it, or just because I'm still obsessed with the idea of doing the Appalachian Trail and other long-distance hikes one day in the future.

The Cactus Eaters: How I Lost My Mind -- and Almost Found Myself -- on the Pacific Crest Trail
by Dan White

Becoming Odyssa: Adventures on the Appalachian Trail
by Jennifer Pharr Davis

Currently reading:
Zero Days: The Real Life Adventure of Captain Bligh, Nellie Bly, and 10-Year Old Scrambler on the Pacific Crest Trail
by Barbara Egbert

Pickle Springs and lots of wine...

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     This weekend I was supposed to help celebrate my friend Molly's birthday with an overnight float trip/camping trip, but storms due to leftover hurricane Issac hitting us in the Midwest killed those plans pretty quickly (not to mention a previous fireban because of the drought made a campfire a no-no).  But we still managed to have a pretty good time. We went down to Pickle Springs for a quick 2-mile hike despite the rain that went between drizzle, a light downpour, and non-existant, and the very sticky humidity. This all made the trail feel a bit longer than it actually was, but didn't hinder the beauty of Pickle Springs, always one of my favorites despite not being very close or long. It was especially alive in the rain, with all the springs rushing and full of water and the leaves dripping and turtles crawling over logs at every turn. Absolutely gorgeous, as usual.

    The rest of the day was spent at the Cave Winery in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Which is, as it sounds, a place to drink lots of wine in a cave. You buy the wine at the top of a hill, along with biscotti from their biscotti bar (oh yes, this is a fact. The goat cheese and herb one is delicious), fresh baked bread, cheese, and grapes. You are also allowed to bring your own picnic basket of food, so we had quite an amazing spread to share amongst the group! I got the   Then you walk or get a ride down the hill to Saltpeter Cave, where there are picnic benches galore, live music, and cool air.  I got a pitcher of Sangria instead of wine, and it was fruity and delicious. Definitely worthwhile way to spend a long summer afternoon... even if we didn't get to camp or hike as much as we wanted.


Also, been reading The Cactus Eaters by Dan White.

Kayaking and training continued!

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I had to skip this weekend's hike because I managed to get a summer cold from the kiddos at work, but I have been busy busy busy lately! But taking NO pictures... I need to start bringing my camera again!

On the less physical side, I've been reading A Blistered Kind of Love by Angela and Duffy Ballard about a couple's thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. I was excited to find another hiking memoir at my local library... some of those books are really hard to find!
 



    I am still training for the 30-mile hike fundraiser for CureSearch for Children's Cancer. You can still donate to my fundraising effort HERE: I've raised about $650 and still have a ways to go! We are working up our miles slowly. On the 18th, we went to Greensfelder where we hiked about 11 miles.  This was a gorgeous little place I'd never been to before. Parts of it were very rocky and a little dangerous for a clumsy ankle-twisting person like me, but I survived. There were parts of the trails we were on that were absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Some more trafficked than others, with bike riders (as usual), but other parts of the trail felt very isolated and peaceful.

I can't remember exactly which trails we did, but I think we did the Dogwood, and maybe parts of the Declue and/or Green Rock trails.  For the first 7 or 8 miles, I really booked it keeping up with the hiking group. It's not my favorite way to hike, but I feel like it is a work-out and as much as I hate to admit it, that's part of what I need to do. But the last trail we did I fell back and walked the trail more at my own pace. I was able to walk in peace and silence and enjoy the surroundings. It allowed me to clear my mind and take a deep breath and think about what I'm doing and why. I absolutely love hiking for a cause that is important to me, and I love meeting new people who share my passion. The people doing the hike are interesting, fun people that I'm really glad I met! Sometimes I just need to remember to slow down and that I'm not in a race.

Sunday of last week, I also had a new experience of kayaking for the very first time! Aside from getting incredibly lost of the way there, it was an amazing and insanely challenging experience for me! We did about 7-9 miles on the Illinois River, starting out near Pere Marquette State Park. The wind was headlong most of the way, the current strong and felt like it was pulling me in the opposite direction I needed to go, and I spent most of my time trying to go in a straight line. I got blisters on both my thumbs, my arms and shoulders were screaming by the end of the trip.... but it was BEAUTIFUL.  Not to mention I felt really proud of myself once I finished. It was interesting to try something new and really challenge myself in territory I don't feel 100% comfortable with. The scenery was gorgeous, the breeze on the water invigorating, and my muscles were screaming for mercy. :)

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Took a hike on June 3rd, my father's birthday. We did the 8.3 miles at Lewis and Clark. Which apparently I have done more than any other trail.  Other than that, I haven't hiked since Israel. It makes me sad and I feel the difference in both my body and mind.  I can't wait to get back out there again.  St. Louis is suffering through weather in the 100s (it hit 108 this past week) and it is putting a damper on pretty much any outdoor plans.

Taking my break from my usual single-minded reading of Appalachian Trail memoirs, I am instead reading this:

Wild by Cheryl Strayed, about a woman's solo trip on the PCT (the author's website [and photocredit] is HERE ). Though I've usually been focused on the AT, I've heard quite a bit about the PCT as well (a married couple I saw give a talk at REI had hiked both and showed pictures and stories of their experiences on both trails) and it has caught my interest quite a bit. It looks beautiful and challenging in ways that are both similar and completely different from the Appalachian Trail. One day maybe I'll hike BOTH. I wish sometimes I could just walk away from my life here for just awhile and immerse myself in a thru-hike. Hopefully one day I'll see what life brings.

Laziness and Lectures

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So clearly I have not hiked or updated since my return from Israel (which was still amazingly mind blowing it is hard to realize I was there only a month ago). Returning to real life is always a hard reality. Teaching, parent-teacher conferences, paperwork (times a million), class, writing my final paper, moving to a new apartment, celebrating my 27th birthday... normal life seems to have taken over.

My allergies were pretty bad through most of April after returning, possibly because I was in Israel where my allergies were amazing and then flew back into the midst of terrible strong allergy season. They are still pretty bad,  but should be mostly gone (hopefully) by the end of May. I have so much hiking I want to do. Hiking still helps me de-stress, and I need that so very badly. Not to mention that stress makes me feel very unhealthy as I'm spending a lot of time sitting in front of the computer doing homework, not eating well, etc. Can't wait to get back out there.

On a side note, I was able to see Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder (which I've read) as well as many other books which I haven't read yet (I've recently added his new book The Nature Principle: Reconnection with Nature in a Virtual Age to my reading list). He was speaking here in St. Louis thanks to the LUME Institute and other sponsers, and listening to him talk was fascinating. He had a lot of advice on what the educational world can do to bring children back to a sense of wonder with nature, as well as reminding us that children can learn math, science, social, and other developmental skills in nature as they could in a classroom. Very worth getting to see, a great opportunity. Made me really excited to start a nature group with families in my own class and bring my love of hiking and the outdoors to my students.

Updating materials and meeting the author who started it all...

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    REI always has some really interesting opportunities in the classes and talks they offer. I recently attended a talk and slide show about the best hiking and camping in Illinois and Missouri, with authors John Schirle (author of The Best in Tent Camping: Illinois: A Guide for Car Campers Who Hate RVs, Concrete Slabs, and Loud Portable Stereos) and Steve Henry, who I have mentioned and referenced on this blog probably a hundred times, author of the book that got it all started for me, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of St. Louis: Including Sullivan, Potosi, and Farmington (as well as a book about tent camping in Missouri and mountain biking in the Ozarks).

    While it may sound somewhat ridiculous to be excited to meet Steve Henry, I really, really was. I am the kind of person who gets excited about meeting authors in general-- I am a reading nerd, and books play a huge part in my life. Hiking is a strangely recent thing in my life. While I've always since childhood been obsessed with the idea of nature, living in it, and climbing mountains (I wanted to be Heidi when I was 4 years old, even though I never climbed ANY mountains), actually getting out and hiking was a rare occurence.   I graduated from college over 4 years ago, and about 40 pounds heavier than I am now. Hiking started a change for me. I didn't do it to lose weight, but it helped keep me active, gave me peace of mind and an escape from the work week, a place where my brain could finally relax and wander and stop worrying. The book helped me start easy and slowly start to challenge myself more and more.

Needless to say, both authors were really interesting and informative. I bought two books (pictures posted below (both books put out by Menasha Ridge Press), and hope to use them both a LOT (even though I haven't been hiking in awhile, whoops).  I met Mr. Henry after the lecture so he could sign my NEW updated copy of 60 Hikes, which I've been meaning to buy for awhile. He was very friendly and I told him about this blog and how much the book had helped me in my hiking experiences. He seemed very interested and willing to let me ramble, and even said he may have crossed this blog a couple times while researching the last edition for the book, because it sounded really familiar to him!!!!! While maybe he was just being kind, if that is true, that would be SO AWESOME.

Yes, I geek out sometimes.

Getting out there, Doing things.

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Recently, in my latest attempts to test out my allergies/asthma in the spring weather, I went to Creve Coeur Lake. Despite the crowds, it was wonderful. I did the lake trail plus a side trail for a total of maybe 5 or 6 miles. It was cathartic and even though my muscles were stiff afterwards, it was exactly what I needed. Fresh air, sunshine, and exercise! The day after, I took my nephew on a long evening walk through the neighborhoods near our house just to get him (and me) out, and it calculated out to just under two miles. I could get used to that kind of weekend!

I recently joined a hiking/outdoors group through Meetup.com in hopes of getting myself out of the house more when I don't go hiking on my own, and having a good outlet in which to meet new people and try some new things. I had joined a different group through the same website but somehow never made it to any outings (though now I might actually try).

This Wednesday, I actually joined the group for an evening hike at Castlewood. Hiking with a large group of people had never really appealed to me, as I tend to like hiking on my own, or with one or two people. But determined to meet some people and push myself out of my comfort zone, I went regardless. Because of getting off work late and rush hour traffic, I was actually late and did not meet the group at the starting point. But I figured why quit? I would just have to deal with traffic again if I left right away. So I decided to hike the trail anyway; if I caught up with the group, all the better. If not, oh well! At least I had done a nice hike!

Hiking in the evening is also new for me. The sounds, the light, it is very different than my usual morning/afternoon hikes. It was kind of peaceful. There were a few serious trail runners out there, but mostly I had some quiet peace while hiking. About a third of the way through I actually caught up with the group. While trying to get to know a bunch of new people in the middle of a hike is kind of awkward, as is hiking with that many people when you're not used to it, I still had a surprisingly good time. Most of the people were very welcoming, and I talked to a couple people while walking along the river and climbing up the debris on the trail. I can't make it this week, but I will definitely try it again. I also really liked the idea of an after-work hike. Some exercise was both calming and made me feel like I had a definitive finish to my day.

Over all, group hiking may take some getting used to, but I am kind of excited to see what kind of events the group plans, and start going on some hikes. Hiking with others is always safer, after all, and I might see some places I might not travel to on my own.

On a slightly related, but mostly not, note, I am currently reading: Running on Empty: An Ultramarathoner's Story of Love, Loss, and a Record Setting Run Across America by Marshall Ulrich. I won a copy of the book from a  friend's fitness/food blog, and promised to do a review. Even though I don't run, the book fascinated me and I couldn't wait to read it. Can't run, but I do want to do my own Great Walks one day in the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails!

Weekend outdoors

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Today it almost 70 degrees, and even though it was extremely windy I couldn't let another good day go to waste. Took a 4.5 mile walk at Queeny Park, doing the main trail again as usual except this time I went counter-clockwise to change things up a bit. The park was crowded with children and families and dogs and people flying kites, but it was really nice. The park is really appealing even in winter, and it felt really good to just get out and walk.

Also am about a third through my newest Appalachian Trail memoir, "In Beauty May She Walk: Hiking the Appalachian Trail at 60" by Leslie Mass.

Plans...

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This weekend is looking great for some possible hiking, with Saturday in the 40s and Sunday maybe even hitting 50 degrees! My father expressed interest in hiking Pickle Springs ever since I hiked it a year ago and I figure as long as we are there, we might want to hike Hickory Canyons as well, which is nearby and only about a mile and a half long. I even picked up a copy of the 3rd edition of Steve Henry's 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of St. Louis that I've been wanting to take a look at to see how much one edition change really matters, so maybe I'll go Saturday too (though I have an allergy appointment in the morning, so I don't know how likely that is).


In the meantime, been devouring books about the Appalachian Trail. I already finished There Are Mountains To Climb by Jean Deeds, which was really interesting to hear from a female's perspective. I also finished reading As Far as the Eye Can See by David Brill, and began reading On the Beaten Path by Robert Alden Rubin. The only thing I wish is that more of these books had pictures from the author's hike. So far only the first book had any photographs from the Appalachian Trail.

(photos from Goodreads.com)

Winter Weather hiatus (or, how I am too lame and cold to go outside)

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I haven't been doing ANY hiking recently, due to a number of reasons. I became an Aunt in early December when my nephew was born. The holidays came quickly after that, along with running around trying to see all my friends who have moved away from St. Louis and were home for the holidays. Then this January, we've been bombarded with bad weather. First a winter storm that dumped over 8 inches, and just the last few days a huge ice storm (we were also supposed to get nearly a foot of snow, but it missed us and we got mostly ice and a bit of snow). I would actually LIKE to start some winter hiking, but a combination of a lack of proper winter clothing, pure laziness, and a fear of not being able to stay on a trail kept me in. I'm pretty ashamed of this actually. I HAVE been trying to go to the gym here and there though. It's not part of my routine yet, but I'm getting better. I'm hoping that while I'm not hiking, at least getting to the gym a couple times a week will keep me in some kind of shape. Unfortunately I'm not always making it once or twice a week... I have a lot of work to do!

Hiking has never been far from my mind in these last few months. I got my very own set of hiking poles for Christmas from my parents and a cute hiking kit from my aunt and uncle for Hanukkah including hand warmers, a Shenandoah National Park water bottle and an Appalachian Trail bumper sticker. I attended an REI class on winter weather hiking, where I learned a bit about proper winter clothing and winter hiking safety measures (I also bought a wicking layer of silk there, because the smart wool underclothes were WAY out of my price range). I am signed up for another class at REI about preparing to hike the Appalachian Trail-- even though I'm not actually planning on hiking it any time soon, I think this class will get me in the mindset and give me a chance to meet and talk to interesting people preparing to take on this feat.

currently reading: There Are Mountains to Climb: An Inspirational Journey by Jean Deeds

                                                          photo source: http://www.goodreads.com/
The holiday hiking themed haul:
(be reminded that I am not being paid to show the brands in the pictures below, nor have I even tried any of my holiday haul yet, so cannot endorse one brand over another)

Future Goals: Appalachian Trail

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I remember reading A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson nearly ten years ago, before I had ever heard of the Appalachian Trail or really knew what it was. This was far before I had ever really gotten into hiking (though as I've mentioned, mountains and hiking have always held kind of a draw for me since childhood). But in the recent years, hiking has become a saving grace for me. Long weekend hikes prepare me for the long, draining work week ahead. It is a time to appreciate the beauty around me, learn about Missouri, and get lost in my own thoughts (or have no thoughts at all!).

I have a lot of short term goals in hiking. I have never done a hike longer than 9 miles, and those have been tough for me. I have never backpacked or camped or done an overnight hike. I am still terribly out of shape and would like to lose another 20 pounds. All of these goals need to be met and conquered before I attempt my ultimate goal: The Appalachian Trail. This is an incredible commitment, and I know not attempted lightly. I would need to take 6 months off of work, be in good physical condition, and have a wealth of knowledge in backpacking, camping, and wilderness safety. But I don't think it is unobtainable. I just have to be realistic that this goal might not be met until years in the future, when I am ready. But to hike this trail from start to finish would be amazing, and a real challenge. I hope that one day, I will actually do it, and not just dream about it.

I need to find and talk to people who have actually done the trail. I need to find some good books about the Appalachian Trail hike. And when it comes time to do the trail myself, I hope I will have someone to do the trail with!

Happy New Year!

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Very cold weather and busy holidays have kept me indoors for over a month now, it seems, which I am really ashamed of. I had sworn that I would try to keep this up in the winter months, but have slacked off. One of my New Year's resolutions will be to continue to keep up hiking all year round, for both pleasure and health. I can't wait to continue exploring new hikes around Missouri, as well as revisiting old ones, especially in the spring. I'm even currently convincing my father to take a trip with me this summer to Arkansas to hike Mt. Magazine! Hopefully I'll start getting out there again soon now that all the holiday bustle is over with, even if it means braving a bit of cold to do so.

I got this book, Hiking St. Louis by Evie P. Harris from my sister  for Christmas! It is very short and sweet, with hand-drawn maps (which I'm a little unsure of). I'm really excited because it has new hikes in it that aren't in the 60 Hikes in 60 Miles book. I am also excited because my sister and I haven't had a chance to hike together yet, so I'm looking forward to that.

A relative of mine lent me these really fantastically awesome hiking poles to try out next time I go hiking. While over at the house for Christmas Eve dinner, I got into a conversation with him about hiking, finding that he shares my interest, and I was really excited when he told me I should give these a try. They even adjust to fit my height! I remember seeing people in Austria use these while hiking, but have never tried them myself. It's also exciting to find someone new to discuss hiking with, and he gave me some neat ideas of trails to try in the area.

My relative also lent me this book, Everyday Wisdom: 1001 Expert Tips for Hikers by Karen Berger, during the same visit. I haven't had a chance to explore it much yet, but it seems to have everything from basic survival tips to more expert backpacking tips-- one day I would really love to be able to be experienced enough to go on a backpacking trip (though not alone, since my directional and map-reading skills are severely lacking).