New York- The Open Road, A.T. Thruhike 2012

     Waking up in my lone campsite, I rose, packed and ate my breakfast quickly. I was excited and anticipating the interesting trail ahead.
     After passing over Black Mountain, I crossed over a four lane highway, and then climbed Bear Mountain.
     Bear Mountain was fairly tall with many steps. In fact, they are working on creating more steps on the northern slope, due to the heavy traffic this area gets. It still amazes me how much volunteer work goes into this trail.
     The mountaintop opened up to expansive views, and I could even make out NYC in the hazy blue skyline. There was a stone monumental tower, which I walked to the top of. Many people were here, and one can even drive to the top.
     The descent was long, and I came out near a lake, by a park. It was strange being around so many people, after being in the woods so much. I felt a little out of place. I even caught a few people snapping my picture, probably amused at the novelty of a thruhiker in their presence. I don't blame anyone; I was always fascinated by the concept prior to this trip.
     The trail at this point actually passes through a small zoo. Thruhikers are allowed free admission as they are walking the trail. The zoo was interesting, and its focus is on plants and animals that are native to the area. When I entered, workers were introducing an orphaned coyote cub to the current adult coyote residents. It was an interesting sight.
     There is a Walt Whitman statue in the center of the zoo. It was very inspiring, and felt very relevant to my journey! There was a passage carved in stone:
"The Song of the Open RoadAfoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.
Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune,
Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing,
Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms,
Strong and content I travel the open road.
Camerado, I give you my hand!
I give you my love more precious than money,
I give you myself before preaching or law;
Will you give me yourself? Will you come travel with me?
Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?"

     I passed the lowest point in the trail elevation-wise, which happened to be just in front of the bear den area. It gave me a strange feeling, Seeing these bears in captivity. To me, the bears I have been so lucky to witness along the trail have signified just how wild and free it was in this wilderness. To see them in captivity now before me disposed the significance I had felt.
     After the zoo, I went into the town of Fort Montgomery to retrieve a package at the post office, containing food my brother graciously mailed me to aid in my journey. I then crossed the Hudson River via Bear Mountain Bridge. When Earl Schaffer, the first thruhiker, crossed this bridge he was required to pay a nickel. It is now free to cross for those on foot.

Hudson River

     The trail reentered the forest, and I then took a side trail to Anthony's Nose. The trail once passed over this feature, but they closed the area during the second World War due to its proximity to the city, and a military base. It normally offers views of the city in the skyline, but had become to hazy by the late afternoon to offer much views.
     I arrived at Peekskill, NY and stopped in at a small convenience store for a snack. I met a hiking couple here, known as the Lion Killers. we sat down to eat, when a former thruhiker pulled up beside us, introducing himself as Bud Heavy.
     Bud Heavy had hiked last year, and told us of how the experience was life changing. He insisted he needed to offer us some form of support, but we didn't need a ride anywhere, and didn't need anything from the store, so he gave us a little money. He insisted, because he had received so much love from people on the trail, and was compelled to "give back". He was a very cool and generous person. He plans on attempting the Pacific Crest Trail next year, and I am sure he will succeed.
     I camped that night in a field provided by a monastery. It was a large gathering of thruhikers, and I was happy to see some of the friends I have made, but haven't seen in a while. The camaraderie on the trail amongst hikers is amazing.
     The next day I hiked over some small mountains. It began to rain by the afternoon, and I equipped some rain gear and continued along. I camped that night at the Morgan Stewart Shelter with a few other hikers, Q...Man, Jackrabbit and WhiteWater.
     The next day, I hiked past Nuclear Lake, called so because it was the site of a nuclear fuels processing facility. they say it is safe now... i still chose to pass through with a quick pace.
     I crossed train tracks, arriving at the official "Appalachian Trail Train Stop". A hiker could theoretically take the train into the city from here on weekends! It was a nice spot for a quick break.

A.T. Train Stop

     The road just passed the tracks had a little pizza stand, where i enjoyed a slice (or 3) of NY pizza, my last chance to do so. It was an early celebration, because I was just a few miles from the state border.
     I also hit up the garden center there. The owners are very hiker friendly, and they provided me with a free shower. I don't pass up free showers often, because they are easily one of the most pleasant experiences along the trail. They also gave me some good, clean water before I pressed on.

Garden Center

     I crossed Hoyt Road, and officially entered Connecticut. I walked just a few more miles, and stopped at Ten Mile River Shelter. I was accompanied by White Water.

Connecticut!

     I sat at the shelter, and ate a special dinner given to me by my brother, for crossing the border. I then relaxed in my sleeping bag, and looked out into the field before me; I was blown away by an unbelievable display. Before me was the most dazzling firefly display I have ever witnessed before in my life. I cannot express to you how I feel in these moments. I can only try to describe it: It feels, at times, like I am truly alive for the first time.
     So, I had hiked since Georgia, and now stood in New England. I am doing this.... living this, and I appreciate every minute more than any words can express. I am Walking Home.

Unaka Mountain, A.T. Thruhike 2012

     The forests of the Southern Appalachians thus far have been a very unique experience for me. Having never hiked in some of these states previously, I was pleasantly surprised at how new and exciting the little things would be to me.
     In Georgia, the ground was not the Earth I am used to in the Northeast. Nor is it similar to that of the West. No, here the soil itself was a clay. A dark red clay that managed to stand out in contrast vividly to the greens and brownish-greys of the forest.
      Georgia also gave an affect of a jungle setting at times. With thick vines, vines that often outnumbered the trees; and waxy green leaves, thick and dominant.
     Since breaking into North Carolina, the vines and jungle characteristics gave way to thick forest of poplar trees and many small flowers and brush.
     An interesting feature once north of the Smokies is the American history lost to the woods... These forests are dotted with old grave stones, foundations, and many old fences just hanging precariously amongst young regrowth.
     What I have noticed thus far in Tennessee alone is an abundance of water. Falls, cascades, rivers and large streams have been a constant since walking through this fine state.
    
     There was a different feeling one day, a unique moment in these southern forests.
     I began climbing up Unaka mountain. A typical day, one where I sweat and push myself steadily uphill, reminding myself there will be a less exhausting yet joint-punishing downhill in the near future.
     As I close in on the top, a change begins to take place. The bare trees begin to form needles. The crunching leaves below begin to fade, along with the small brush plants and flowers; in their wake, a brown floor of needles take their place.
     I have walked into a red spruce forest. This is not a place typical of the south, it is instead a sky island of a forest more at home in the Northeast. A place more like what I have called home in recent years.
     The trail grows darker under the cover of branches thick with needles. The air grows moist. The air chills, and an icey breeze follows. Moss, thick and deep green, becomes dominant around tree roots and anywhere the brown needles on the ground give space. The birds sing different tunes.
     I have this to myself; nobody in front or behind me. I slow down, to take this experience in.
     I breathe deep, letting the cool, moist air caress my lungs. The scent of pine sap in the air.
     I close my eyes.
     I am walking an autumn afternoon, breathing deep the cool crisp air. I enjoy the act of hiking, the steady pace and constant changing scenery. The sound of the soft ground beneath my feet, a bed of needles and moss.
     I am in Maine, in the Maine woods. It is a beautiful afternoon, spent hiking as I often would. I am sore, and naturally tired; it has been a long day of hiking.
     But I am just here for the weekend, and my weekend is coming to a close. I will soon hop in my truck, my faithful little Chevy I have babied. I will have a pleasant drive, through the town of Monson and down winding scenic back roads. I will play my music I love.
     The dog will be so excited to see me, jumping and wagging her tale. I will crack open an ice cold drink, and put some meat on the grill.
     Checking on my vegetables, darn squash beetles on my cucumbers again. I will have to do something about them. I pick some lettuce, mustard, and some ripe tomatoes for a salad.
     I stop to grab any eggs out of the coop.
     Tomorrow is work. I dread the alarm, the monotony; but I do look forward to talking to friends and being productive.
     A warm bed tonight. A warm fire. A good book. Riding bicycles with friends after work, then laughing over some drinks downtown.
     I open my eyes.
     As I begin to descend Unaka, the branches grow increasingly bare, the sun beginning to warm the air. The soft ground slithers away, and I hear the crunch of dead leaves once again.
     The moss gives way to small stemmed plants. The moisture in the air leaves, and so does the cool breeze.
     I am in a typical forest of the Southern Appalachians once again.
     I walk, walking everyday. Every day. I wake in my tent, eat my oatmeal, brush my teeth, and proceed North. There is no truck, no dog. These woods are where I rest my eyes, and where I spend my days.
     I have many miles to go, and many experiences ahead.
     Both physically, and also within.

What's In A Name? A.T. Thruhike 2012

     Sort of a right of passage, or maybe just more of a tradition...
     It has become a standard that a thruhiker be given a new, nontraditional name on the trail. It has been so for some time, and continues so every year.
     It is fitting. In a way, life on the trail is a whole different existence from life in general. You live differently, think differently; you make perfect sense to others out here in the woods, but become completely lost when you step back into society when you first arrive in town.
     For many, this may be a step away from "normal". For others, this is a whole new beginning. Thus it is fitting that we go by new names, at least while we walk the trail.
     Some people come to the trail with a new name already decided. I met "Bird Man", he goes by the name due to his love of birds, and his hobby is owning large birds. He goes so far as to carry a bird hat, and leaves bird stickers at shelters.
     "Runner" is called so because for many years he was a runner.
     Some of the best and most creative names come from the trail itself. Many thruhikers will just walk the trail, and let the others, who are a part of the experience, name them. "The Flash" got his name from heading to a tree to do his business at night, but forgeting to turn off his headlamp.
     "Steps" got hers because she was counting her steps for the first week or two.
     "Sleeping Beauty" got his name because he snoozed for 18 hours on a zero day.
     I walked onto the trail open to what would come for my name. I did write "Wanderer" initially, as I feel like that describes my outdoor personality. But when people asked my name, I used my real name, and said the trail hasn't named me, yet.
     Over the course of a few weeks on the trail, I have been given four names already.
     The first one was mentioned by K-Doe, who refered to me as "Main Man", in reference both to my home state of Maine and my being a friend. It was only mentioned that once, though, and did not stick.
     "Mainiac" was my handle for a little while. I do not recall who initiated it, but it was in reference once again to my home, and also my ability to hike far and fast.
     It was my name for a little while, but I did not care much for it. I didn't feel like a Maniac, it didn't sound right to introduce myself as Maniac, and also another person was being called by the same name this year.
     Runner, a great thruhiker whom I've had the pleasure of running in to a few times on the trail, coined the name "Walking Home". Since then, it has become my common trail name.
     I like it. It has a nice sound to it. And it is fitting, I think. It is also a nice conversation starter, since upon learning my name, one also has a sense I am probably from near the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
     At the Norris Hostel in Hot Springs, a discussion came up about my name.
"I like it." said one.
"But wait, what if you decide to hike the Pacific Crest Trail someday? You would have to change your name." Said the other.
"You can't change a trail name! It stays with you forever!" Said the first.
     I ended the conversation abruptly. "Guys! How about I finish THIS trail before I even consider worrying about ANOTHER long trail??!!"
    
     And so, as I continue up and down these great mountains every day, I am known to those who walk with me as "Walking Home". With trekking poles in hand and a smile on my face, it feels right.

Sincerely,
Walking Home

A.T. Weather App

Check out "ATSheltercast"
     So a fellow 2012 thruhiker has turned me on to this nice little weather app designed specifically for the trail. After playing around with it, I think this will be a go-to app for quick weather updates. Very simple and to the point, I simply enter in my mileage, or what shelter I am near, and I will get the forcasted weather for that spot. This will prove handy for quick and easy weather without burning up my battery.
     Thank you Shutter for putting this together!

Hello from Atlanta, Georgia!

     So here it is, I have traveled to Georgia. There is no turning back now...
     I arrived this afternoon via plane to Atlanta. I was immediately greeted by nice warm weather. Taking the train gave me a quick tour of the city. It seems exciting and fresh to me!
     I had a chance to walk around a bit today, and to soak in some of Atlanta. I figure I might as well make the most of the city while I am here. Soon I will be seeing very little pavement or billboards. Before I know it I will be taking a long, long walk through the "green tunnel".
     I have the privilege of staying with an awesome and generous friend here in Atlanta. I look forward to seeing him when he has some free time from work. He may even walk the first couple days with me on the trail!
     At the least, he has offered me a place to stay, and even a ride to the trail. It means a lot to me, I can't think of a better way to start off than with a friend.
     I did a little research, and I see that there is a good outfitters not more than a 40 minute walk from here, and a few grocery choices just minutes away. At some point I will probably hit these up for fuel, supply, and first couple days of food.
     My gear should arrive soon, either today or tomorrow. I shipped it through UPS, because it was cheaper and also easier than bringing it on the plane. Hopefully it all arrives in one piece!
     So, I have to say, I have all sorts of mixed feelings right now. It was so hard to say goodbye to everyone in Maine, and just a few days later, to loved ones in Mass. I know what I am in for, this will be a very testing journey. It just all seems to be hitting me now. I have dreamed of this chance for many years. And that chance has come.
     No matter how far I make it, or what happens, this is a privilege I will not take for granted. I will walk the trail as best I can, and the trail will in turn give me a journey I will not soon forget.
     For now, I am looking forward to seeing a good friend and hopefully checking out Atlanta a bit. Live life to the fullest, because today only happens once!

Hiking the Appalachian Trail This Year! -2012-

     So let it be known, this shall be a year I will not soon forget. I will soon be setting forth on a long and challenging adventure. This will surely be one of the most challenging, yet also most rewarding, things I will have ever done.

     In just a few short weeks, I will be making an attempt at thruhiking the Appalachian Trail. I will be starting on Springer Mountain in Georgia, and heading northbound, following the white-blazed Appalachian Trail all the way to Mount Katahdin in Maine.

     This journey will have me walking over 2,184 miles of trail, not including the approach to the start, descent from the end, nor the miles of side trails I may decide to embark. 

     By the end of the trip, I will have taken over 5 million steps. This journey may take me 4 to 7 months to complete. I have a deadline, so I will be attempting to complete the trail in under 6 months.

     In the course of this trip, I will hike through the following states:

GEORGIA 75 miles

NORTH CAROLINA 88 miles

TENNESSEE 71 miles

VIRGINIA 550 miles

WEST VIRGINIA 4 miles

MARYLAND 41 miles

PENNSYLVANIA 229 miles

NEW JERSEY 72 miles

NEW YORK 88 miles

CONNECTICUT 52 miles

MASSACHUSETTS 90 miles

VERMONT 150 miles

NEW HAMPSHIRE 161 miles 

MAINE 281 miles

     The trail itself is a strenuous one in most places. Following the Appalachian Mountain Range, the trail ascends and descends many major peaks over very steep and rocky terrain. 

     The demands of the trail will include the physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Physically, the trail may prove to be very brutal at times. I expect many difficulties, since it will require great stamina and will. There is also the risk of injury. I expect my feet to take a beating, but I will do my best to take extra preventive care. There is also risk of stress to ankles, knees, back, and other areas. I am taking a very light load to help prevent this.

     Mentally, I feel I am prepared. This has been a dream of mine for some time, and I am well aware of the rigors involved. However, it will certainly be a huge undertaking, and should I succeed in maintaining that focus on my goals, I will prove my abilities to myself in the face of adversities.

     The trail will also present emotional challenges. There is no denying that my enthusiasm may suffer to a degree when I am faced with being cold, dealing with days and days of bad weather, being sore, and so on. There will be bad days. I must accept this, but hopefully I can remain positive, and never lose faith in my own abilities.

      I will also face homesickness, I am sure. I love my friends and family. There are many things I am going to miss out on while on the trail. Granted, I will not be alone in a sense. For one, it is a popular trail. I will see many other hikers, and probably meet some really great characters out there. I also have good friends who hope to join me on the trail here and there. But, there will be long stretches of hiking where I will be alone, and while that sounds inviting to an extent, I will miss those I care about and that will pose yet another challenge I must overcome.

 

     I do intend on updating this site from time to time, so feel free to follow along. I feel this will be an adventure like no other I have experienced, and I look forward to sharing my thoughts and experiences here!

    

     This will be my longest, hardest challenge to date. It is a dream come true. At the end of next week, I will leave my home in Maine. A few days later, and I will be checking out Atlanta. Soon after that, I will begin walking, one foot in front of the other, all the way to Maine.

Hiking In The Southwest

   
     Flipping through some pictures today, I came across some really nice images I took during the time I resided in Arizona. Arizona, and the Southwest in general, is very exciting to me. Having originally lived in New England, my time in Arizona felt very exotic.
     The land in the Southwest is very diverse. you have various desert scenarios it is so well known for, of course. But a short drive in almost any direction, and I could find myself in unique forest, atop tall mountains, and many more.

The sun rises over Superstition Mountains

     Beauty abound, the Southwest provided me with some incredible outdoor adventures over the years. An overnight in the Superstition Mountains still remains one of my favorite hiking experiences. Sedona area was beyond breathtaking. I had a great time tubing the Salt River. Hiking and fishing the Molgion Rim was a great experience. I enjoyed exploring unique landscapes, studying the amazing and abundant wildlife, and taking on the great challenges offered.
     After looking through some of these pictures, I was thinking I might do a few recaps of some past adventures on here. I have had some great experiences, and took some nice pictures. I think it would be nice for me to relive the experience by writing a little about some of them, and sharing my thoughts and some decent pictures. I think if I do this, I will keep them short and sweet, since some time has passed, I wouldn't want to miss any of the finer details.

Steep descent on Camelback Mountain

     Thinking and talking about the Southwest, and all the enjoyment the outdoors there brings me, has me doing more than just reliving past experiences. It has me very excited for the future. I am planning to return there to experience much more of what the region has to offer.
     While my Summer is already booked with a very exciting adventure, I hope in the not to distant future to engage in some great experiences out there. For one, I am planning to do an extended backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon. After a few visits there, I am convinced that I could make a truly epic trip through this beautiful natural wonder.
     Another example of something i would like to experience, is the newly completed Arizona Trail. This trail expands over the entire state of Arizona, and runs over 800 miles! This could be a future thru-hike for me. I would love the experience for sure, but it would be a challenge. I think water would be the biggest difficulty. We shall see, in time and planning.

     Thank you for reading along as I spill my thoughts about the great outdoors here on The Outdoor Wanderer. I can only hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy writing it!
     Until next time, Happy Trails!

Hiking in Sedona

Odd Winter Weather

 
  So here I am, I have the next few days off, some new equipment to try, and an itch to head into the woods. If there is one thing Maine is not shy on, it's places to hike. I am trying to figure out an ideal place for an adventure for the next few days, that fit my current agenda.
     Normally at this time of year in Maine, I would require snowshoes and gear to take me down to sub-zero temps. But as I look out the window now, it looks like Spring is practically upon us. It's a wet one, but that is a fine trade-off for the absence of cold.
     I need to take advantage of this weather. I would love to just go out there now, and get an early start, but alas responsibilities require tending to. However I could utilize this eve, and take advantage of the next few days. Oh, the possibilities!
     Looking ahead at the forecast for the next few days, it does appear the temperature will drop a bit, but it shouldn't be real cold at all in the next few days. Also it appears there won't be much chance of precipitation. Sounds perfect to me.

     Well, the spirit that is Mother Nature has spoken, and has successfully convinced me that an escape into the wilderness is just what I need right now. I am still working on the details of exactly when and where, but I look forward to writing about my experience on here afterwords, and I hope you will care to read it.
     Happy trails and cheers to a good adventure!

The Outdoor Wanderer continues...

     Greetings, and Happy Holidays from The Outdoor Wanderer! As 2011 is coming to its end, I want to say it was exciting to begin this site, as a way to share my writings on the adventures and journeys into the wilds.
     I want to apologize for the large gap that lacks entries. I did not give up on this site, or my passions for writing and the outdoor world. No, it certainly was not the case, in fact I feel like I need my passions now more than ever.
     My life has taken some rather interesting turns in these last few months, certainly unexpected and largely very overwhelming. My time became very occupied with my involvement in some important dealings, while my personal life was simultaneously turned upside down. I am still figuring myself out, still sorting out my new directions in life. But I am going to return to and continue the things that are so near and dear to my heart.
     2012 and on should prove to be an exciting time. I am equipping myself with some new gear, and I am looking forward to testing my limits. I also plan to undertake a very serious thruhike in the very near future, one that will take some serious will and dedication. I will discuss this more very soon.
     I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays, thank you for reading, and I hope to see you on the trails in 2012!!!

-Ray

Welcome to The Outdoor Wanderer!

Hello and welcome to this new blog, "The Outdoor Wanderer"! My name is Ray, and I will be out adventuring and exploring the natural world, and sharing my experiences on this site. My goal with this is to expand on several of my passions, outdoor activities and writing, to combine them and hopefully take them to new heights. I also hope that this blog will inspire me to spend more time outdoors, and to continually be active.
I will try and update this blog as frequently as possible. Hopefully I will have a new adventure to share every week or two at least, and in between I hope to write articles about gear, skills, news, and maybe just general writings on the topic of the outdoors.
I plan on connecting with you all on a continual basis... whether it be from my kayak, snowshoes, or boots on the top of a mountain.
Thank you for joining me and Happy Trails!

-Ray