Saturday, December 13, 2008
Randomness From Today's Hike
Seth, Hannah, Chris, Dereck and I took a hike in the Cohutta Wilderness today. Here’s some random thoughts from the hike.
- It was COLD when we started hiking (25 degrees).
- I have never cared to use trekking poles, but after my knee injury in August I bought a pair. Today was the first time I used them and I’m sold. They made a huge difference.
- I put a hunter orange vest on top of my backpack. Even though deer, wild boar and bear season is closed where we were hiking, I didn’t trust the Georgia rednecks.
- There has been so much rain lately that the river crossings today were somewhat dangerous. Add the ice all over the rocks and logs and the crossings were quite intense.
- Dereck tested the temperature of the first river by slipping in up to his knees (not good in sub-freezing temperatures).
- I was pleased with how my new backpack performed. It’s a Granite Gear Meridian Vapor.
- We couldn’t make it all the way to our destination (waterfalls), due to a river that was impossible to cross due to all the recent flooding.
- Dereck got his feet wet again, soaking his backup pair of socks.
- While stopped for lunch, we built a fire for Dereck to warm up.
- We went Survivorman on the fire, starting it without matches or a lighter, and the wood was all wet from recent downpour.
- We saw a lot of wild boar sign, including hearing one about 30 yards away while we were stopped to eat.
- Chris and Seth both carried large knives and were ready to jump on a wild boar if it came nearby. I was ready to jump into a tree if it came nearby.
- Someone packed a Peanut Butter & Honey sandwich (I won’t say who) into bear country, thus getting the nickname “Honey Bear” today.
- We were in an area that normally has a lot of hikers, but saw no one today.
- We laughed a lot.
- My legs are sore.
- I’m ready to go again.
After the hike.
