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.