We're Back From Our "Hike"

We're Back From Our "Hike"

Holy Schnikes! as Chris Farley would say. Dan and I are back from the woods. I have to confess, the hike was rated as "moderately difficult" and I kind of poo-pooed that having been on the AT and PCT. What? This was just a trail along the Chattooga River. Yeah right.

Well, it was hard. Tons of switchbacks, steep climbs, trees across the trail, run-off coming across the trail, HUMID AS HELL, and the last third of the trail going in to the campground had overhanging branches from laurels in regular and repeated intervals. I kept having to bend, twist, kneel, step over, and otherwise negotiate these trees - all with 40+ pounds on my back.

At the end of the day on Friday I was drenched from head to toe with sweat from the humidity - so much different than backpacking out west where the humidity is so much less. Thankfully I had my polyester clothes that dried quickly on my body. The smell we won't discuss. After getting some freeze-dried chicken and rice I was feeling so much better.

Anyway, yesterday morning, Saturday, Dan and I decided to hike out the 13 miles that we had hiked in and get home Saturday evening instead of doing another day, and getting home on Sunday. 26 miles in two days was a good tune up for my trip next month. I was so hungry when I got home last night that I even at he hamburger helper that Jen had made - I usually stay away from the stuff but IT WAS SO GOOD. I was pretty wupped, but it wasn't anything a hot shower, a cold Corona, and a fat belly couldn't handle.

I'm sore but satisfied. I promise to never minimize a trail rating again. Oh, and the great surprise was that when I got home Jason was here - he bought a truck and drove from Camp LeJeune. He's in bed right now so we haven't spoken very much yet, and he has to go back today. But it is good to see him before he goes to Iraq next week.

WH