Just got back from an overnight on the AT with Esther. We put in at Dahlgren Chapel late afternoon on Saturday, hiked to Rocky Run shelter and stayed one night. 
We met a dad and two other young hikers and Esther made instant friends. One of the first things the dad said to me was "it's not just you two is it?..." when i told him it was he said "i don't think my wife would ever consider taking the kids backpacking by herself". This simple statement (and the fact that i didn't see any other women alone or with other women or with their children) brought up the idea that maybe backpacking (like so much else) is a bit of a male heavy past time. You know what though? Esther didn't notice at all! She didn't seem to think it odd that just the two of us were out there or that there weren't any other moms about. I don't want my daughter to even notice when something doesn't necessarily include "her type". I want her to be oblivious and go for whatever her heart wants. AND if it's something my heart is passionate about, then bully for me!
Ok. enough philosophy and parenting mumbo-jumbo.
November is around the corner! I can't believe how quickly time is flying by. I did some preliminary research on Shenandoah and have narrowed down a route to a couple options. I'm trying to stick to the north end of the park to cut down on travel time for so many of us. I'm looking at routes that are about 15 miles max (about 7.5 miles per day). If that sounds like a lot to you, please let me know. I'm happy to look at less strenuous routes.
Friday?
Many folks can't take off work on Monday. Can any of you get out of work early on Friday? Do folks want to make it a friday night through Sunday afternoon weekend? I can look for a route so that we can hike in a mile friday night (easy enough to do in the dark if we have to) and that way we get two nights in the woods. And if folks have to come down saturday am they can hike in that mile and meet us early. Thoughts??
Here are some other things that struck me that we should start thinking about:
- tent buddies (who has tents/shelters who doesn't? who needs to partner up with someone who does?)
- stove/meal buddies (who has stoves and who doesn't? who has special dietary needs? who is a vegetarian, etc?)
- carpooling (i'm leaving this one to all of you to figure out. if you want me to hook you up with others in your area, let me know)
If you are in need of gear and warm clothing keep these things in mind:
- those noisy track pants with the snaps on the sides are usually made of nylon and are good as an over pant layer.
- ugly-ass wool dress pants are also a great over pant layer and WARM!
- Check out gabriel brothers for cheap athletic wear (there's one in york, pa and one in belair) they even have hiking boots and water bottles!
- Goodwill is rad. i've found patagonia half zips there before and some great wool sweaters
- oldnavy (though they may be questionable as far as decent labor goes) they do have cheap athletic wear
- and of course, craigslist
Other considerations:
- yes, i'll say it again - NO COTTON (not even jeans)
- consider buying hand and foot warmers (you can get them at hardware stores, walmart, amazon) - great to have in your sleeping bag especially if you tend to run cold like me.
- if you have never taken a shit in the woods before, read this article: http://www.
As always, here to answer questions, psych you up, gear you out, and jump up and down with glee!
-Libs
