Hiking in Running Shoes

So, Straight Leg and I have been hiking in running shoes instead of boots and I have to tell you it has been a terrific experiment. Absolutely the only issue I have run into is wet grass, because they are simply running shoes they do not keep water out.

We used to hike in boots and there is much to be said for the ankle support and the sole protection of the boot. However, with the lightness of the running shoes and the overall comfort, our feet feel so much better upon arriving at camp.

My plan is to transition to a water-resistant or water-proof trail runner or low top hiker very soon. Probably after the winter season.

Croc

Virginia AT 09-2009: Punchbowl Shelter to US 60 -- Mile 783.9 to 795.2

Day 2 was beautiful, we packed up and headed down the trail. We were feeling the previous days hike but it really was a terrific hike. There was lots of water (something absent from day 1), bridges, educational signs, and wildlife.


There is something about waterfalls and rushing water that really speaks to me, I just love it. This was a neat area with a few camping spots.



I love educational/informational signs, there were two on this leg of the trail.


Towards the end of the trail (roughly 2 miles from our pickup point), we met up with Bike. He usually hikes in a ways and waits for us, we often are in conversation and walk right up on him before we realize it. Bike is sneaky (and quiet) like that.

I know, I know....I said wildlife earlier, but I took this picture because my oldest daughter looooooooooooooves caterpillars. She goes around the yard making "homes" for them and even knows which ones she can touch and which ones she cannot touch. This picture is for her.

Croc

Virginia AT 09-2009: James River to Punchbowl Shelter -- Mile 773.2 to 783.9

The James river is quite impressive, as is the footbridge crossing the James. Bike returned for support on the trip and let me tell you, it is so much easier when you have support. We were able to drive straight to our drop off point and head straight home from our pickup point.


The trail was wonderful and the day was beautiful. We started out about 10 with no real worry about making it to shelter before dark so we just enjoyed the hike.


There were a few vistas, however early in the day they mostly were obscured by overcast conditions and fog.


However, by midday the fog had lifted and the views looked more like this.


We also found a place to sit and enjoy the view on top of Bluff Mountain. It always amazes me how they get the building materials up on top of some of these places.

Croc

Virginia AT 09-2009: Guessing Game

At the Punchbowl Shelter - in the picture Darth Vader, Top Dog, Thunderbird, Listener

One of the games Straight Leg and I like to play while on the trail is guessing how many people we will meet along the total hike. There are many factors that contribute to our guesses (or that is what I would like to think), where we are, what time of year it is, what direction we are heading, what is the weather forecast, how far are we hiking, and how many days are we hiking? Is this a popular weekend hike? We only count hikers with packs (not daypacks), we do not try and separate the thru-hikers from the section hikers or the weekend hikers.

I think what it probably all boils down to is; what does my gut tell me? I have found out that my gut is almost always wrong! This hike Straight Leg guessed (and I do mean guessed not estimated) that we would meet 7 hikers, I expertly guessed (and once again I do mean guessed) that we would meet 10 hikers.

When we arrived at camp on Friday I was feeling pretty good about my guess, we had met 5 hikers throughout the day and I was certain that we would meet at least 5 on Saturday. When 2 more showed up at camp bringing our total up to 7 I was not feeling so good about my guess any longer. Sure, I was certain that I would beat Straight Leg but it also meant that I had probably guessed too low like the person that guesses $1 on the price is right....just feels like cheating.

The next day we did not pass anyone for quite some time, then out of the blue groups of 2 and 3 started coming. We ended up passing 18 hikers when all was said and done, almost twice what I had expected. Most appeared to be thru-hikers heading South to Georgia, some were section hikers checking off yet another few miles of the trail. We got to chat with a few, exchanging trail names and hearing little bits of their stories....it was a good time.

Croc

Virginia AT 09/2009 - US501 (James River) to US60

Just the Three of us at the James River -- Bike, Croc, and Straight Leg


Bluff Mountain - Just two quick observations about this picture...
#1 Straight Leg looks really upset about something
#2 my hair is really out of control

I love educational opportunities -- a 300 year old Chestnut Oak!


More educational opportunities

Just thought it was cool

We love fires

Some of Straight Leg's Ink

Hiking with Croc's Family

Did I mention that we really enjoy hiking as a family? I love hiking with my beautiful wife, she does day hikes with me and shorter weekend hikes when we can find someone to watch the girls. We also love to get out and have a lazy afternoon hiking with the girls and just enjoy some--often much needed--family time.


Morgan is a trooper and loves to sing while she is hiking, she is tireless...for the most part. Addie rides in the kidpack and seems to really enjoy the outdoors, she relishes the opportunity to get down and hike too.


Did I mention that I have absolutely adorable girls!

AT the Top

Views at the top are breathtaking, is there a better place to stop and take a breather?