My Hiking Story

For me hiking is about unique experiences. I believe there are certain things that can’t be captured, and the only way to experience them is to place yourself right in the middle of it. And there are certain experiences that only happen for a brief moment and then it’s gone. Yes, there are times that I’m cold, tired, sore and lonely for the comforts of home, but the high points always outshine the lows.

One of the best examples happened to me while in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It was my second day into the Whites and it was a day that I had been looking forward to for some time, the hike across Franconia Ridge. This includes a 2.5 miles stretch of ridge walking above tree line, providing some of the best views in the Whites. The only problem was that it had been raining since the moment I woke up and the closer I got to the ridge, the deeper the realization became that this iconic section of the Appalachian Trail (Also referred to as the "AT") was going to be covered in cloud. As I trekked across the ridge line I simply stared down at my feet, carefully placing each step between rocks.

A foggy hike across Franconia Ridge.

It was during this section that I noticed my shadow, I had not seen it all day, and now I was staring down at it. When I looked towards the west the clouds broke apart for a moment revealing such a beautiful sight. When I saw this happening I was instantly overwhelmed with joy forgetting all of the cold rain and challenges of the day. I yelled out to the the mountains with a triumphant shout, rejoicing in the surrounding beauty! During this moment I realized it would be short lived so I scrambled for my camera to capture the last few moments of that experience.

The clouds break on Franconia revealing a great view!

The Decision
The decision for me to start hiking long distanced began in May of 2006 when I went for a 3 day hike on the Appalachian Trail. At the time I had no idea what I was doing, I had a heavy external frame pack that I had outgrown from my Boy Scout days and it was filled with a lot of unnecessary gear, including what I thought would be enough water for 3 days of hiking. I started early that first day, and by that afternoon I found myself lying on my back, worn out and almost out of water... but I was happy! I was experiencing a sense of freedom and adventure that I had never felt before! I was alone in the woods, but I had everything I needed to support myself(besides the dwindling water supply) and I loved it! When I got off the trail at Neal’s Gap I looked North up the trail and knew that I wanted to continue all the way to Maine. I wanted to continue right then and there, but it wasn’t time yet, and ever since then it has been an ongoing learning experience and adventure.
One of the things I find interesting is that everybody on the trail has a different story about how they got there, but almost everybody has the same goal. To get to Finish!

Continue reading after the break for info on planning, challenges, rewards and lessons learned!

Pacific Crest Trail Documentary: "Walking the West"

This video about the Pacific Crest Trail(PCT) was an inspiration to me during my early hiking days. It's great to watch the guys in this film transform from their city life into dirty thru hikers. While I have not yet walked the PCT this film always makes me want to get up and go!

"Winner California Independent Film Festival (Best Documentary) and Vancouver Mountain Film Fest (Jury Award)"Walking the West" is an adventure Documentary about a New Zealander and an Irishman who quit their jobs, cash in their savings and walk 2626 miles from Mexico to Canada along one of the longest foot trails in the world, the Pacific Crest Trail. Walking a challenging pace of 21 miles a day for 4.5 months, they must cross the Canadian border before winter storms hit the Cascades.
see www.walkingthewest.com"

Line Creek Nature Area

While there are many trails I dream about traveling too the one I visit most often is the one closest to home, Line Creek. The Line Creek Nature Area is a 70-acre public preserve along the eastern side of Line Creek. The creek forms  the border between Peachtree City and Coweta County. There are two main trails, the Ridge Trail(0.8 miles) and the Creek Trail(1.2 miles). The preserve also has a small pond, dock and council circle(similar to a amphitheater)

The thing I like most about Line Creek is that it feels so out of place in Peachtree City. No paved golf cart path, just dirt, rock and roots. As you leave the parking area heading towards the creek the sound of cars on 54 begin to drown out. Walking along the trail you can almost forget that you are in Peachtree City and begin to imagine you are in North Georgia. Although a few times you can see homes from Planterra Ridge and that spoils the illusion a little.

I had the opportunity to go for a short walk one morning before work and enjoy some freshly fallen snow. It was the perfect way to start the day, enjoy the photos!