WHERE HAS TIME GONE?

I am not sure how time got away. It has been a while since my last blog.

Maybe it was the fact that the two weeks of staff training at the DCF Wilderness School were followed by four weeks shadowing the staff as they lead 5 day and 20 courses. Or maybe it was the fact that from Connecticut it was back to Ohio in time to pick up Rosemarie for an August vacation in Charleston, SC, to see Danielle and Douglas and prep our first grandson's baby room. Then back to Ohio drop off Rosemarie and back to Connecticut for the Wilderness School's September Reunion and more interviews, this time with Alumni. Then, back to Ohio, pick up Rosemarie and off to Charleston for Master Joseph Boone Palka birth. What a great summer!

While at the Wilderness School, the first time, I was constantly on the move, either checking in and helping out at the base camp's ropes course or running out to the 20 day courses with the Course Directors resupplying and talking with the field instructors as well as the students.

When at base Camp I got to sit in on the Officer of the Day daily briefings. The OD is a 24/7 job filled by staff rotation at base camp whenever crews are in the field. The designated OD is in charge of handling all calls from the field as well as parents/social workers. The OD gives the field staff a contact point for help as needed for interventions, medical follow-up, and resupply needs. Once the call is received and the need(s) defined the OD manages the situation to insure fulfillment. But it is not just the daily designated OD that gets involved. It starts as a team of three: the OD, the backup OD and a Course Director. But from there the job maybe directed to logistics, food services and/or the student's doctor.

There are two scheduled daily briefings where the on-going projects are updated. The morning briefing hands the duties to the new OD team and the afternoon briefing brings the team together to review. However, other meeting are held as the situation demands and its not just the three team members that attend. Other staff member will sit in and help work through the situations as they can.

Late one night during a particularly troublesome incident, I found the OD office filled with the OD on the phone talking to the field, a Course Director was kneeling on top of a desk checking out the route for a student pick-up. Meanwhile a staff member was reviewing the Instructor Manual, another was checking the Incident Flow Chart, and two more where off to the side discussing options. You can call it brainstorming or call it teamwork, they call it community.

I finished transcribing the last interview Saturday. Now I need to tear the interviews apart by categories and enter them into my database. So it one step down and another to start.

I promise to stay current. But first Ms Addy is calling for me to help.

Week Two Wilderness School Staff Training

The training finished Thursday night. What a filled two weeks it has been!!

We spent two day of this week on the water. For Monday we were on a relatively low rapid flow river as a tune up and refresher for the returning staff and a full introduction for the newbies. I had not canoed in years but it was like I never forgot how to do it. That stand-up paddle board adventure of April in SC helped a lot.

Wednesday got interesting as the release flow from the dam kicked the Greenfield River up several notches. It challenged the group's skills but was still within safety limits. We even got to run an unexpected Boat Over Drill when our canoe got caught broadside on a large rock and flipped. Cold water sure can wake you up.

Much of the week was built around procedures and policies workshops. It has been interesting to see the staff come together as they discussed and planned responses to the leaders questions. It is interesting how much experience is contained in this staff when you consider that they are all seasonal. There are multi-year veterans on hand.

At the close of staff training, Aaron opened the Appreciation Box. Staff members contribute words of appreciation for fellow staff members. A book could be written just from these comments. It is a testament to the fact that kinds acts, words, deeds do not go unseen.

Week One Wilderness School Staff Training

Wonders never cease...I survived the first week. It was very insightful, thought provoking, educational, good food, and the staff is incredible.

All of Tuesday's hike was uphill in the hot sun and I cooked in my tick prevention attire. I got better as I unzipped my pant leggings, rolled up my sleeves and cooled down.

Wednesday was, like my skiing, all downhill. Actually, downhill hiking, if one is not careful as in hiking when carrying a full pack, can create problems for the knees. Many long distance hikers report knee problems which are not a pleasure.

Week One starts the process of bringing new staff up to speed, refreshing the returning staff, building a working team for the coming season. Field instructors, logistics personnel, and course directors are mixed together to learn and share. I was impressed by the work done by the returning seasonal staff to prepare and conduct workshops.

A very important element is the use of rituals. The group is called to "Circle" as a way of preparing for the next event, deciding how to proceed, reminding all of how to act and what to do. We circled at the van, for morning stretch, before and after each meal, for workshops, at day's end.

This is important for consistency and structure to a child who has little or none in his current surroundings. It is a way of keeping the group focused on the task at hand and the responsibility each has to themselves and the group.

The circle is formed with all standing shoulder to shoulder, arms crossed in front and holding each neighbor's hand. The discussion ends with a moment of silence while the pulse, a slight squeeze of the hand, is passed.

May the Circle Be Unbroken.

Tick Follow-up

Three things that I have learned since my encounter with the Virginia ticks:

1. Even though you may promptly drop the living specimens off to the local heath board they forward them to a central lab. By the time the lab report is back you may well be into the ailments. It is best to see your doctor immediately and let me make the call on steps to take.
2. The Tick Key does work on the smallest of buggers but you may need help getting the proper purchase angle. Things like hair and bony protrusions may get in the way of your attack angle but maybe overcomed by a helper.
3. Too much long clothing seals you from the ticks but turns you into a furnace. Last Tuesday I hiked in 80 degree weather with long pants, long sleeve shirt, floppy hat, gaiters over the pant legs and boot tops and I sweat like I was in a native hot stone tent.

But no new ticks.

Wilderness Staff Training

Will be spending the next two weeks training with the incoming seasonal staff for the Connecticut Wilderness School. It will be interesting to see how well this old body stands up to learning new tricks. I am not sure of the exact format but I know it will be outdoors and hands-on. More details to follow.

The good thing about being in Connecticut is the state's secret food...Drake's Coffee Cakes. I am talking the big round cakes with "Natural Cinnamon Streusel Topping." Just add cold whole milk and it is heaven on earth.

The Give Back

Recently while vising Adventure Links of Loudoun County Virginia, I met one of their field instructors with a very personal therapeutic wilderness experience.

Seems one night when he was 17 years old he awoke to find two escorts at his bed preparing to transport him to a program in Colorado. His family had decided a crisis intervention was needed. They were tired of his acting out, his poor school performance, his drugs, his abuse of himself and those that loved him, it was time to face and fight the devil.

At first he was oppositional as was his normal reaction to anything his folks offered. But in three weeks he found a sense of control he did not think he had previously. He no longer was lost and unable to cope but now found a sense of control over his life that gave him an opportunity to change.

In five weeks time he was the happiest he had ever been. He finished the course and returned to his family with a renewed sense of purpose.

Today he gives back by helping other youth learn from nature that the powers to control their lives are already in place within themselves but just hidden.

Addyson Elizabeth Pierce

Introducing our first grandchild ...... Addyson Elizabeth Pierce

7# 15 oz. and 20-3/4" long with a very healthly set of lungs.

That's Rosemarie, my wife, on the right with the big smile holding our first grandchild.

Life is Spectacular!

Ticks, Ticks, & More Ticks

I just returned from visiting a program in Loudoun County Virgina. I returned with eight ticks, that I found, having a feast on this old body. I did not use Deet Insect Repellent, but did wear lightweight hiking pants. They were removed and deposited with the local health department to find out what variety they were. Seems each variety carries a different possible problem.

I thought I was careful. Obviously not careful enough. The little buggers were found on my back, legs and groin area. Removal was quite simple. I tried the Tick Key which removed all but the really small one. For those I used the tweezers. The trick was lifting straight up and not squeezing them too tightly so that the head remained on me.

Now it is wait and see what happens. Even though I have bathed, the body and mind are in cahoots urging me to scratch continuously.

Next trip I will be more prepared: Deet, gaiters, long pants and long sleeve shirt!

Why Hike The AT

There seems to be more of an understanding of my wanting to write the book than my desire to hike the Trail. I am still being asked "Why hike now?" Maybe this will help clarify.

People ask how the idea to hike the Appalachian Trail at 65, married, and part owner of a business, ever originated. While my explanation seems perfectly reasonable to other married individuals especially the married men, it does seem to leave the singles clueless. I guess that just has to do with the maturity one develops through the years of shared life experiences in a Venus-Mars, Ying-Yang sort of way.

Ideas do not just happen. They develop over time waiting for a trigger to set them off. And for that I have Rosemarie, my wife, to thank. She said “Take a Hike” and it all came to be. Actually she claims she said “Retire and do something else”. Retire – Take a Hike …. But of course.

Let me explain something about my wife. Rosemarie is an elementary school special ed teacher with a Masters in Special Education - Behavioral Problems. Our families, friends, and neighbors recognize that after 39 years of marriage to me she has earned a Practical Doctorate in Behavioral Problems, if such existed. Besides, everyone knows that a great teacher motivates the student to make his own proper decisions. So we all know that she was leading me to the only conclusion I could make…Retire – Take A Hike.

I always wanted to hike the AT and especially to do it with my family. But life in general, raising kids, job demands consumed our focus. Even though we were outdoors people hiking / camping was not really big when faced with the demands of three women with high sanitary standards. Sailing, swimming, even snow skiing were ok because restrooms were close by; but, in the woods?? Only now are my girls into camping, so the chance to hike with them makes this decision even more exciting. And besides they can explain it better to Rosemarie who is still trying to understand how “Retire” became “Take a hike”!

TAPG Conference - Things I Learned

Recently, I attended the Association of Experiential Educators' Therapeutic Adventure Professionals Group's Best Practices Conference in Columbus, OH. In attendance were therapists, psychologists, social workers, university professors, researchers, as well as undergraduate and graduate students considering this field as a career. Additionally, I met program operators from across the country including as far away as Alaska. This is a group of very dedicated people sharing information, techniques and concerns regarding the therapeutic use of adventure. As a group they defined therapeutic as "moving toward healthy change with intentional interventions."

One of the workshops I attended was on trauma. I learned that the degree of trauma that a child experiences can be reduced or increased based on the reactions of the adults caring for the child. For example if the adults react minimally the effects of the trauma can be reduced, but if the adults are running around, screaming, acting frantic then the child will realize or internalize a greater degree of psychological trauma.

Another issue regarding trauma is Survivor Guilt. A child that witnesses abuse of another, like the mom being abused by the father, may initially hide from the abuser. At the same time, the child may feel compelled to help stop the abuse. But being unable to do so will often times cause the child to feel a greater degree of guilt and thus traumatized to a greater degree than the person actually receiving the abuse.

Over the years, my factories have held sales meetings to teach us how to properly use their new products. These were basically hands-on training sessions or in some instances maybe some role-playing as to how to properly present and sell the product to the buyer. But I have never attended a meeting so focused on play activities in order to bring about change. As I participated in what initially appeared to be "just kid games" I began to see how effective such a tool can be in getting people to respond. A big part of therapy is the ability of the participant(s) to process the experience. As someone mentioned in the conference. we don't learn by the experience, but by the ability to intentionally do something different the next time. In other words, if we do the same thing over and over the same way each time, we've never really learned anything different. However, if we have an experience that shows us a different and better way of doing the same thing, we must internalize that difference and use it in that process in order for it to be considered learned.

I also attended a workshop that reviewed a group of students that participated in a 10 day hike basically 25 years ago. The researchers were able to connect with four of the 20 children that participated in those hikes. There was general agreement that it was a great benefit and that even their children should participate and enjoy such an experience. But at the same time each person internalize the experience different than the others. For one it was the sense of accomplishment. While for another, it was specifically standing on top of a rock looking out over the night sky and thinking he could touch the stars. For another it was journaling during the trip, and then using it in later years.

Also, I heard the history of how the Alaskan natives were forced to give up their language and with it their culture. How whole generations were not allowed to speak in their native tongue and perform their rituals. Now that is being corrected. Slowly language and culture are being restored. The hard part is that much was never written down so it is up to the elders that are left to pass this along. Language and culture very important to who one is.

Sponsor - Fed Ex

As it is impossible to carry all that one needs for the entire hike it becomes important to plan resupply points along the way. You can buy locally, beg (which is known on the Trail as "Yogi Bear") and/or you can have the family back home ship packages to you at predetermined spots along the way. It is not unusual to have 20 to 30 or more resupply shipments.

There are plenty of places that will hold resupply packs for you: post offices (general delivery), outfitter stores, YMCA's, hostels and hotels, even country stores.

Also, many hikers use a "bounce box" to push ahead of themselves items not needed daily but often or later. For example, extra pair of boots, or if they started with a light weight sleeping bag and, because of the weather, bought a warmer one they may bounce the lighter one ahead to about where th weather will be more agreeable.

All in all that can be a large expenditure over the five to six months on the Trail.

The Foundation is pleased that Fed Ex stepped up as a sponsor to cover the cost and handling of the packages. Shipments have been timely and on-line process is a snap.

Fed Ex seems to be a very community oriented company. The Memphis Catholic high schools were closed under the previous archbishop. Then Mr Smith, President of Fed Ex, offered to help the schools reopen because he knew the education received there would provide his company with the properly educated workers needed to do the job.

Like-wise the lady who is coordinating our involvement spends one week a year at a camp for kids in Colorado. It's all about giving back.

Thanks again to Fed EX and please consider using them for your shipping and office needs.

Best Practices Conference this weekend.

In my travels, it was suggested that I attend the Association for Experiential Educators' Best Practices Conference. It is being held in Columbus, Oh, this weekend. It will give me a chance to continue my networking with folks in the know about troubled kids in the Wilderness.

In attendance will be both hands-on operators / field instructors of programs as well as consultants, researchers and professional educators from various colleges and universities. In fact the keynote speaker is Dr. Lee Gillis of Georgia College and State University. Danielle studied with Lee and his wife, Dr. Jude Hirsch, while working on her masters.

Also presenting is Dr. Sandy Newes who I interviewed while in Asheville, NC. She is a Clinical First Responder which is a relatively new field. It is designed to provide the clinical expertise to field staff operations.

On another issue I have been asked not to announce in advance when I will be at a particular school. This is for privacy and security reasons. Thus as I head back out to visit a school/camp/program I will only be telling you were I was and not where I am going or am at presently. When programs are in the field they strive to be "alone." After all it is the wilderness that they are trying to experience.

What I learned about hiking the AT

Pack Weight:

Ultralight thru-hikers carry 18 pounds or less including food and water

Regular hikers should carry no more than 30 - 35 pounds including food and water

Shoes:

Full leather boots are not necessary on the AT unless you have really weak ankles and, in time, they will get stronger allowing you to switch

High or low cut soft sided hiking boots are fine on the AT and easy to break-in

Trail runner type sneakers work on the AT as well

WaldiesTM Clogs protect the toes from being stubbed and are light-weight and cushioned

Foot Care:

Carry three pairs of SmartwoolTM or comparable hiking socks:

Use two pairs to switch during the day to keep feet dry

Keep third pair as dry for use on a cold night in sleeping bag.

At first sign of a sore point stop and treat (duct tape) before blister develops

Also salt bath works well at hostel

Jury is still out on liners

Stoves:

Nothing boils water faster than a Jetboil Stove

Nothing weights less than a alcohol stove but nothing slower boiling water

Water:

Carry two liters and refill often

Gravity feed filter bladders & pump filters connected to a bladder are slick

Sources are amply available along the trail just manage your supply

Community:

There is a whole world of long distance hikers reconnecting along the trail each year

Even without cell phones word travels fast on the trail

Mountain Crossings Outfitters @ Neels Gap is a great source of help for Northbounders as it is the first outfitter and only outfitter the Trail passes through

Ms. Janet is a real pro at running a hostel and offering insights of the hike, make sure to stop at her place. In 2010 she ran the hostel at Mt. Crossings at Neels Gap or she maybe back home in Erwin, TN

Bears:

Are very resourceful at acquiring your food bag if you

• hang it too low to the ground,
• too close to the tree trunk
• too open in the back of your truck
• leave food/candy in your tent or pack

Are known to run away unless you come between a cub and it's mother. Also, based on wind direction, bear spray maybe unless or possibly spray back at you, and it weights a lot.

The fences in front of the shelters are being torn down as folks were feeding the bears through the links. Naturally that drew the bears back each night for an encore. In the words of Jerry Lee Lewis, there was "a whole lot of shaking going on."

If I had only known!

The main reason for hiking the AT this season was the realization that if either Danielle &/or Amy got pregnant I would be GRANDFATHERED. That meant it would be a loooooong time before I got to hike the Trail, if ever. All current Granddads know what I mean.

In September Amy announced she was pregnant and due in late June.

Today Danielle is announcing she is due in early November.

If all it would take to get the girls pregnant was for me to hike the Trail, I would have done this five years ago!!

It is going to be one terrific year!! Life is good.

How did I get to this point?

Looking back over the past month I find it incredible how many people I have met with life experiences about working with youth outdoors. And these are people I did not schedule to meet; they just happened. If you have been on the Foundation's website you now there is a AT map with green triangles indicating scheduled appointments. Well before I got to the first triangle I had over 4 hours of notes and taped interviews already "in the can." Now try that and Hike the Trail at he same time.

It all started on Monday with the four person shuttle to the Springer Mtn. parking lot to start the hike. One of the others was Jerry H. who has 31 years as a youth minister; I never did get his whole story. At Springer Mt.n we ran into a group of Ole Miss Students, we chatted a little but it was not until later that day, when we met again, that I had a chance to meet Riley K, their student leader (see earlier blog). But it wasn't until Tuesday that he and I got a chance to sit down after lunch to talk.

Tuesday afternoon while standing in the middle of US Forest Service Road 42 at Coopers Gap I met Quartz when a shuttle stopped to pick me up. Later that night I got her story which is in a previous blog. But what I did not tell in the blog is that she asked me a question which had an unbelievable result.

(Note: Quartz is from Tennessee and we are in Georgia on the AT.)

She asked how a tool salesman got into writing about troubled kids. I explained how Rosemarie is a teacher and I loved the outdoors. Then I mentioned how my two oldest got into working with kids. I casually mentioned how my oldest was working for Charleston County Park Rec in South Carolina. She asked for her last name. I said PALKA. Then this woman for out of nowhere says: Are You Danielle's father??????? How small can this world get!

Wednesday morning I got a shuttle ride attempting to get back to Cincinnati to check on Amy. I found out that the driver's wife was getting into this work. Still have to get her story.

Then I came back out April 3, in time for the Franklin Hiker Bash. That is where I met

• BAG-"O"-TRICKS and heard about his work in our reach to kids
• SKYWATCHER - a Cincinnati scout master

By the 4th I was at the hostel at Mountain Crossings at Neels Gap on the AT. I actually worked for room & board for three days and met

1. GRIZ - a store employee who worked previously for Eckerd Youth Alternatives
2. SLINGSHOT - see previous blog
3. GRAY WANDERER - 40 years as an educator and taught me about John Dewey
4. Eric J - going back to school to finish his studies in outdoor ed
5. RAZOR - ridgerunner and how the Trail is serviced
6. Ms Janet - hostel manager and Trail savvy

The following weekend (4/8-12) I was in Asheville NC where I had appointments:

1. Ed Raiola, Outdoor Leadership Department Head Warren Wilson College
2. Jason Michaels - Outing Club Director
3. Morning Naughton - WWC Admissions Officer
4. Erin Sommer - NC Outward Bound
5. Travis Herbert - NC Outward Bound

But there also happened to be the Assoc. of Experiential Educators Southeast Regional Conference. So I hung out, passed out my cards and networked. Interviewed

1. Sandy Newes - Clinical First Responder
2. Jon Rousseau - rites of passage
3. Amy Pine - attended CT Wilderness School and graduated Warren Wilson now working in Asheville and back at CWS
4. Jeremy Poore - Stone Mt. School

Now I have always wanted to visit Danielle during her park's big East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival. So I headed down to Charleston for the 4/15 -19 weekend. I volunteered to pickup a guest speaker from the airport. Wayne H 25 years experience as head of UC Santa Barbara's outdoor program and gave a great interview on wilderness.

Also during the weekend I met Katie Coley head of USC outdoor rec dept and heard about her outdoor experience.

I also got a chance to stand up paddle. One is suppose to stand up on what looks like a surf board and with a very long handle paddle. I am told it is the hottest new sport. It may be hot but I got wet. Seems the first board I used was not my size. I was everywhere but on it; as in: under, off, below, & alongside. Then we switched to a beamer model and I was a pro. I believe they call that unit the Yorktown after the beamy aircraft carrier tied up in Charleston harbor.

By April 22 I was back in Asheville for a graduation ceremony at Woodson Wilderness Challenge for adjudicated youth; means they are in the court system/ jail. More instructor interviews with

1. Jason - classroom treacher
2. Tex - director
3. Bill - staff social worker
4. Ms Janie - instructor
5. Ms Becky - instructor
6. Ms Jenna - instructor Warren Wilson grad
7. Ms Jenny - instructor
8. Dane N - instructor
9. Dave C - instructor - 26 years exp.
10. Noel - instructor Warren Wilson grad knew Jason
11. R. Randolph - NC Dept Justice Chaplain
12. Abe - instructor

Currently I am in Cincinnati, downloading tapes and reading notes. I will be heading out again to get to VA, PA, CT, & MA appointments. But after I attend a conference in Columbus mid May. I will do some section hikes near my scheduled visits. If you want to join me let me know.

I will keepposting.

Sponsor - Enertia Trail Foods

Like the old adage about an army moving on its stomach, the key to a successful hike is to maximize calories per ounce. Food weight is critical. I found ETF offers a full line of meals with a high ratio benefit and the food taste great!

Granola breakfasts and pasta dinners can be re-hydrated and served hot or cold. The Little Rock Trail Mix is a meal in itself. Also I used two desserts: Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding and No-Bake Power Cookie (try adding a extra packet of honey, hmmm, hmmm).

I like my cereals, sauces, and soups on the thick side. So I have experimented using less water/milk than what the directions recommend. It definitely makes for a thicker/creamier meal. Also don't rush, once you mix the liquid with the dry ingredients let the meals rest as instructed to maximize the re-constitution.

I eat directly from the resealable food pouch. Also, especially in cold weather, use the Enertia Wrap - an insulated pouch which keeps the food hot while it is cooking. Then, use the wrap to hold your hot meal pouch as you eat.

Also, the pouches are marked in ounces to aid in measuring. They are resealable which means they can be used for storage as needed.

We appreciate Enertia Trail Foods for their sponsorship. In planning your trail meals select from their broad menu and Bon Aperitif.

Sponsor - Jetboil Stove

The Jetboil Stove is fast...boils water in two minutes. On a cold morning or after an long day of hiking why wait to build a wood fire or wait for alcohol to reach temperature?

This is a very compact design as the fuel cannister and heating element store inside the pot. A cozy wrap keeps the pot safe to touch and to use as a drinking mug. In fact my meal pouches fit inside the pot for ease of eating. Thus, I boil water, pour hot water into the meal pouch, let stand, place entire pouch in pot and eat from the pot without holding hot meal pouch. "Cool" idea!!

We appreciate Jetboil support and ask that you check them out when looking for a lightweight, portable, and compact camping stove.

Sponsor - Nemo Equipment

Today's equipment is incredible. The Nemo META 1P tent that I have been using is a one person lightweight side entry tent. It weights less than 2 pounds and is supported by one of my hiking poles. That means I do not have to carry separate poles just for the tent. It is over 100 inches long so there is plenty of room for myself and gear. Plus there is has a vestibule where I can stow my backpack and muddy shoes out of the rain.

If you look closely at the photo taken through the trees I sleep left to right. The black fat vertical line in the center is my bug netting pulled back to allow entry into the sleeping area. Just to the right of the pulled netting is my hiking pole (in yellow/gold) supporting the tent. Along the left edge of the tent opening is a pulled front flap which is one of two that zipper together out in front to make the vestibule.

In the second photo the vestibule extends from the Nemo Logo to the left. The person who designed the side entry tent is a genius. The old front entry design forced you to either back in or contort yourself to turn around.

There is a large sheltered vent on the backside and a small exhaust vent on the top of the panel with the Nemo Logo. Also either or both of the vestibule flaps can be adjusted as well.

If you have to have a pillow then you need Nemo's Fillo* Backpacking Pillow. It comes in its own storage pouch and is the size of a grapefruit. It self inflates with lacing is provided to stuff clothing, etc., on the backside to increase bulk.

We greatly appreciate Nemo's Sponsorship in donating these items. If you are in the market check out their full line up.

SLINGSHOT - Ohio Student

This 17 year old high school senior is section hiking the trail as part of his senior project. Once his hike is completed he will return to Columbus, Ohio, in time to help coach a middle school soccer team.

All of this is part of his schooling at The Graham School an experiential school in Columbus. As he explained to me he choose this school because of its hands-on approach to education: "experiential learning opportunities through research, teaching, and service learning experiences in community organizations and businesses as well as in the classroom." (quote from The Graham School Website)

He realized he was not learning in a normal school setting. The formalized book approach was too rigid and non-conducive for him. But, in a hands on approach it became easier to learn, gave him a base to grow and improved his total self.

Enjoy the journey SLINGSHOT...

QUARTZ - Tenessee Nurse

I met QUARTZ on the Hiker's Hostel's shuttle coming off the Trail. She mentioned she had worked for 22 years as a nurse in a TN State Psychiatric Hospital for adults. She was involved with a program designed to move patients to off-site, independent family group living. It usually took a patient about three years to reach that level of proficiency.

After dinner we sat down and she told me this experience.....

Tony, a young lad of about 20, was committed to the hospital after his adopted parents decided they could no longer handle him and that he was not what they wanted to handle. He was acting out, not performing in school, and in general not developing.

Once in their care the staff decided to invite him on a camping trip as it is a great way to assess skills. See, a hospital/institution setting teaches the patients to be dependent on the staff. But, taking them outdoors forces the patients to act for themselves.

He was told he could bring once special item. While setting up camp Quartz was surprised to see what he brought. "Tony, what are those?", she asked. "Books" he replied. "What do you plan to do with them?" she inquired further. "Read them." he replied

The entire staff was stunned...who knew he could read? Not his adopted parents and not the institution. Eventually Tony was able to leave the hospital and function on his own as a contributing adult.

Unfortunately the program, Fair Weather Community Lodge Program, did not survive. As some TN legislators complained, it was too much fun.

Riley K - Ole Miss Outdoors Club

Instead of reporting a daily journal, I am going to give you glimpses of the people I have met along the way. Each has a story about the outdoors.

While hiking Monday, the first day, we met a group of students from University of Mississippi. In its own words Ole Miss Outdoors "emphasizes adventure, environmental awareness, challenge, education, personal development, safety, and fun with a variety of exciting outdoor activities and opportunities."

This group of 10 students was lead by Riley K, a senior who is studying in the Park Rec Management Program. We chatted initially during a break along the Trail. We reconnected at the Hawk Mt. Shelter that night but only to confirm that we would talk the next day. There was too much to do before dark as some of his group still had wet equipment from the rain storm the night before. Finally on Tuesday, as my foursome was finishing lunch and getting ready to head on out Riley showed up with his group. I stayed behind for the interview.

When not in school Riley is a raft guide. In his outdoor work he has seen how the outdoors affected people for the good. He immediately saw a double benefit..being outdoors and helping people.

As a leader he is trained in Wilderness First Responder(WFR)and and crisis management
He plans to continue as a guide and travel by way of working in adventure travel programs. In fact this summer, he will be able to use his guide work as his internship.

As he said, "What is more fun than the outdoors? I am paid to do what I love. I can help people learn new skills. And I get to share with them good times and the variety of the outdoors."

Good travels Riley in your future.

LOON Exists

For those of you who have read my AT web page you may remember the quote from LOON about the hikers' major mistakes of: too fast, too soon, too far, and too much.

While at the hostel at Mountain Crossing (Neels Gap)I met LOON. He is hiking this year having formed a group called the Geezer Hikers. He leads a group of senior citizens who "slack pack" between hostels. When necessary due to road closings or other irregularities they will overnight on the Trail. Their plan is to take their time and get to Maine.

He is part of this amazing AT Community who move up and down the Trail yearly. Each one contributing a piece to this vibrant growing mosaic.

Sack Packing means to day hike. They hike with a small backpack or fanny pack. They carry water, snacks, rain gear; but, no heavy pack, no sleeping bag, tent, etc. The purist might call a foul but so what!

Let me breakdown what he said and meant:
TOO FAST: Traveling too fast blows out your legs, frustrates you psychologically, saps your enthusiasm, and tires you to the point of wanting to quit. Slow down, view and enjoy the surroundings.

TOO SOON, No one can remember a through hiker making it all the way who left in January/February. Weather can ruin the hike. The Smokies, when I stared March 15thy, were covered in ice and drifts of snow 5 feet deep.By Easter the ice shroud was gone and most of the snow vanished as well. But snow can happen in April and May. Starting April 1 offers longer sunlight days, lessens the chance of snow and cold, and brings spring to your hike faster.

TOO FAR: In the beginning, it is best to shorten the daily miles to a reasonable five to eight miles. 15 mile days can wait unless you are experienced in hiking the AT itself. No other trail is like it and Georgia is challenging.

TOO MUCH:Think 30 pounds max; fight to get to 30 pounds. Include water (two liters) and food for each day out in that 30 pounds. 45, 50, 60 pound packs are common on the Trail but their owners scream for help. That is where Mountain Crossing comes in. Their pack shakedowns are legendary. As the only store the Trail passes through this outfitter ships six tons of goods back home each seasons. Located at the 30.7 mile marker they are the fist outfitter since starting. Some make the hike from Springer in three days others four. For many blisters are already causing problems.

Also, initially, your body will burn off existing fat supplies so you do not need to carry 4000 calories menus. In fact your body will not want to eat that much as it adjusts to the Trail. You will only carry it as extra cargo.

There compelling desire among novice hikers to "hike the shelters." In the North Bound Start Season (March - April) the shelters fill up fast as does the surrounding area. Forget the shelters initially and pace yourself for five to eight mile days. There is good water all along the Trail and not just at the shelters. Stop often, refill often, snack often and enjoy the day.

Back Out

I am heading for Franklin, NC, and their April Fools Hiker Festival. I want to see if I can reconnect with some hikers I met originally. Also, I am hoping some programs will be passing through I can meet.

Also, Ron Haven runs several motels in town and is a big hiker friend. In his past life he was masked wrestler #2. Now that is an interesting story.

First Update

This update is coming from Cincinnati.

We started on Springer Mountain Monday morning. Then, Monday night I called home from Hawk Mtn Shelter. Rosemarie told me that Amy, our daughter, was hospitalized. She had pain that was yet of an undetermined nature. As she is pregnant I was very concerned. It took me three shuttles and a rental car but I got home Wednesday night. She was released just before I got home but was readmitted Thursday afternoon. As I write this Friday morning ,I am here with her in the hospital. The baby is fine and it apppears to be bladder infection &/or kidney stone related. But still nothing is defined.

Of the hike.........My First Trail Lesson:


The AT is an incredible place for unplanned happenings - (read that as not coincidences).

I can not thru hike and write a book about programs along the way as both tasks require separate focuses that conflict. Thru-hikers write "I" books: I climbed, I walked, I eat the half gallon, I was cold, etc. Very challenging individual efforts. While I would experience all of that it is not where this book needs to be. The book is about others making great things happen with those that need help

In the 1-1/2 days on the Trail I met three incredible individuals with great OEE stories for the book and fell behind in the hike. I filled four pages of notes on just two of those folks and need to find the third, if I can. All three were unplanned meetings and I quickly realized my mind was working in two different directions.

So at this point I am planning to section hike around the schools I have already scheduled to visit without changing the original scheduled dates. Plus I will meet others by doing some casual Trail loafing and also through some contacts I am developing.......like Trail Days in Damascus (May 18th) and camping at other spots along the Trail.

Even the shuttle drivers were giving me leads.. a wife that wants to go back to school for training in OEE, a program up the road. a videographer, and on.

In short the book is more important than the thru-hike. And I need to rearrange my plans.


But first there is Amy.

Pictures will be posted on www.jwhf.org soon.

I will let you know when I am back on the Trail.

Getting Ready

Hikers burn 4,000 to 8,000 calories a day while on the Trail. The challenge is to replenish properly. It is practically impossible to carry that weight in food for three to five days, plus water, plus camping gear. Therefore we ship to selected outfitters, hostels, campgrounds, YMCAs, and friends along the way boxes containing daily foods supplies.

Thursday and Friday Jerry (pictured)and I are sorting the food supplies into day packs and then boxing them into resupply boxes for shipment.