Wednesday, April 27, 2011
I"m Off
I don't know about this guys. It might be an omen of things to come, but it hasn't been the best of starts this morning. Double checked my pack loaded it in the car headed for the airport, no problem. Checked in and headed for the mother of all security checks. I take it they don't see many backpackers head through their security checks. Needless to say they stopped me to ask about the items i was to take on board. First, it took a few minutes to assure them that yes that is an actual water filter. Then on to my $120 Leatherman. They didn't care that is was a tool, can opener, scissors, screw driver, etc.... Flight leaves at 7:15 with doors closing at 7:05 for boarding. TSA had me from 6:15am. No matter how much i begged they were steadfast in there assertion that my Leatherman posed a national security risk. Just go check it in they said. So i ran to check it in. Luckily there wasn't a line. "No you can't check it in. It has to be in a bag sir." Ugghhh. I run back to TSA to surrender my $120 Leatherman and get to my flight thinking i'll pick up another one when i get to Atlanta. I approach the agent who searched and interrogated me. These guys are trained well, or intoxicated with the power of being the most important person in the lives of thousands of travelers herded past them on a daily basis. "You have to go through security check again sir". "But i just did that 5 minutes ago. Surely i can just pass through with glance at my butt back." At this point i glanced at the line and i my heart sank knowing ill be watching my ride taxi down the runway without me. I was past the panic and anxiety stage and shuffled back in line. Lo and behold they escorted me again to the side to asking me again about my water filter. The planets are aligned against me today. God is sending me a message. This does not portend of good things ahead. Well, i get a seat a seat on the next flight to Charlotte and head for 5 Guys for a hamburger. Screw this, if things are falling apart at least i'll indulge in a hamburger. It really hit the spot. Now as i type this i have to endure the guy next to me talk to someone on his cell about his meeting with his boss. Not a problem in itself, but does he have to talk as if he's addressing the entire airport. Boarding now. Onward. I'll keep you posted.
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Reflections of 2018 AT section hike: Before too many memories fade from this trip I wanted to share a few experiences, lessons, and frien...
9 comments:
hi Mr.Tom this is grace saras friend from around the corner sara has told me a lot about you and they were all nice things
Hi Tom! I'm optimistic things are going much better already and am checking into your blog every time I get on the pc, waiting to read your next post. So tell us something more!Sorry to hear about your TSA experiences at RDU - hey, try looking at the bright side - you got through the screening without them giving you their final test, the exam glove test. Your text was interesting enough already. Whatever, it's a new sunrise, new day, and I hope you're refreshed following the flights and in great spirits following your travel. So what's going on presently?
Lou
hi daddy i hope you are having a great time on your trip on the Appalachian trail.
p.s. do u remember when u said we might go to Atlantis i was wondering if my friend grace could come along with us on our journey to Atlantis
Great to hear from your today! I am so glad you didn't get caught up in the storms and were able to travel safe. Please post pictures so we can all enjoy your adventure.
Oh, yes, Cooper is doing just fine. He's sleeping in his bed right now. Hard to beleive, huh? Two long walks and ball tossing outings. He's pooped.
Keep on moving! I'm proud of your accomplishment thus far! Rock on!
Hi Tom - we met you this afternoon at the top of Wildcat Mt - you know that little hill just past Tesnatee Gap that had you all panting with your tongues hanging out with saliva dripping off it when you finally got to the top? Oh yea, figured you would have remembered that hill. Sorry for the reminder. It was great talking to you. Now remember, LIGHTEN THAT LOAD. You only get one set of joints, ligaments and tendons, etc and they have got to be happy for the next 2130+ miles. (Ops, another reminder...sorry). We were talking really fast d/t the short time, so here's some thoughts on lightening your load:
1) Go cookless. Get rid of the stove, pot, fuel and fuel bottle. Doing so saved us about 3 pounds and we even were carrying a sub-ounce stove. It's the fuel that is heavy, as well as the pot. Eat out of a baggie (or a lightweight cup if you must) or the wrapper that the food comes in - such as mashed potatoes or stuffing. Eat the same stuff you eat now, just don't cook it. Oatmeal, mashed potatoes, stuffing, coffee can all be eaten immediately by just adding water. Mac&cheese and couscous dinners require soaking in water for about 15 minutes before eating.
2) Only carry as much water as you need. It's heavy. Most people carry 2 pounds at least of extra unnecessary water. Stop at water sources rather than hauling it. Nagene bottles? They are heavy. When they need replaced, just replace them with lighter (and cheaper) Gatoraid bottles from the grocery store.
3) Aqua Mira water treatment is lighter than filters by 1/2 pound or more. Learn when you really need to treat your water and when you can skip doing so - such as a springs.
4) Clothes - not sure what you are carrying, but you need one hiking outfit and 2 pairs of hiking socks. If you are carrying "spare" hiking clothes they really are not needed. If they get wet during the day d/t sweat or rain, you just put them back on the next day. It won't kill you, honest. Make sure you keep a separate set of sleeping clothes that can always be kept dry. Camp shoes? Ditch them. Save another pound. Just loosen your hiking shoe laces around camp.
5) Look through the rest of your pack. Got any items you have not used yet? If so, you've already been out there a week...chances are you don't need it. Carrying a 1 pound first aid kit - too much...reduce it.
6) All the above items can be done with no additional expense/purchases. To get even lighter, it might mean swapping out one of your "big 4" - backpack, sleeping bag, tent and sleeping pad.
Remember, you pack for your fears. Your muscles and joints which have to do all the work would prefer you to pack for the duration and comfort of the trip, not your not-so-really-rational fears (if you have any). Have fun thinking of things you can send home at your next town stop.
The book I mentioned to you was by Ray Jardine, called Beyond Backpacking. I don't necessarily like all of his ideas or his homemade quilts/packs, but it sure does set the brain wheels in motion. The packs we showed you today, by the way, were by Gossamer Gear and ULA, both cottage industries by previous serious hikers.
Great meeting you all today. That looked like a fun bunch to be hiking with! Looking forward to following you up the trail. Wish we had more time to chat. Best of luck! Enjoy the journey.
Brakeman & Grasshopper
GAME 2008
trailjournals dot com slash brakeman
Tom,
Congrats on the 16 miles in one day with pack.
Look for Sport Legs capsules at outfitters or a bike shop in your next town. Take 2 an hour before you hit the trail, 2 more mid day and 2 more when you quit for the day to recover. You'll feel so much better. It is all natural and safe.
We rode 40 miles on Sunday in 3 hours and took them and felt great during and after. Every time we ride a distance we can't believe how much better we feel compared to not taking them.
Call and post soon. Pics please.
Hi Tom,
Did you by any chance catch the name of the 89-year old hiker you were hiking with yesterday? And do you know if he has a blog or an online trail journal? May we all be hiking as well as him at that age!
Grasshopper
Tom,
Great reports and pics, thanks for doing it. I'll bet you're stronger everyday and the lighter load is easier to manage.
Have you asked about Sport Legs capsules? They really work.
Call soon.
Great pics.
Having climbed Mt. Mitchell from the bottom, which took us 5 hours, and Grandfather Mt. from the mile high bridge to the actual top, we know how tough it can be, and you're doing it day after day.
You'll be in great shape upon your return.
We'll be checking in. Stay safe.
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