Hiking

Day #175 Trail Dames and a Bee at Stone Mountain

Post excerpt from Fran Stewart

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Day #175 Trail Dames and a Bee at Stone Mountain

Now that I have pictures to include, I can tell you about the hike I went on, around the base of Stone Mountain, with the Trail Dames.
I found out about Trail Dames last year, when Susan Larson, a columnist with the Gwinnett Daily Post, wrote about the founder of the group.
What can I say . . . it’s for women who—like yours truly—are out of shape. I went on one hike last fall and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. The trail was one fairly easy mile to a gorgeous waterfall, then about a quarter-mile straight up. Well, maybe not straight up, but I did have to crawl part of the way and clamber over fallen trees. Half the group had stayed behind to swim at the waterfall (brrr!) and the rest of us tackled the trek to the upper falls.
I slept very well that night.
Two days ago, at 8 a.m., I met up with the group again. Twenty-two people, most of them decked out in real hiking boots and toting real backpacks, some with hoses attached to inner water reservoirs so they could sip as they went along. Two dogs — Molly, shown above, and Buster, who led the trek. Then there was Frannie. I wore a comfortable old pair of tennis, carried a walking stick with a carved turtle at the top (I’d bought it at Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center last year), and lugged along my granddaughter’s old book-bag from fourth grade. I figured if I got left behind, they could spot the bright turquoise bag strapped to my back. Here I am (in the green shirt) at the rear end as some of us posed on one of the bridges.
You see, I’d volunteered for the “sweep” position—bringing up the rear to be sure nobody got left behind. I was concerned, though, that I’d lag so far behind, they’d forget about me. Not to worry. There were a few others as slow as I, and we dawdled along quite happily, enjoying the imposing bulk of Stone Mountain (seen here behind a tracery of bare tree branches), the gorgeous azaleas, and a bunch of wildflowers.
Did I mention the trek wasfive and a half miles? That’s a long way, for somebody who hasn’t walked that far in, oh, about 40 years. Who am I kidding? I’ve never walked that far before. But, I did it, and saw some wonderful sights along the way, as you can see from all these pictures that Cheryl Bharath and Laura James took. I copied them (with permission) from the Trail Dames website. If you look at this picture very carefully, you can see a bee in there.
Check out the Trail Dames www.traildames.com and come join us on an upcoming hike. I survived this one. The next one will be a breeze.
BEEattitude for Day # 175:
       Blessed are those who prepare a lovely home for us, for we shall be content and make lots of honey.
One thing Fran is grateful for right now:
       Joan, who carried my pack for me the last quarter mile.    

Shoe’s April AT hike 2010

Late Trip Report from April – Part 1

by shoe

Shoe

The first week of April brought a week long trip with my friend from North Carolina Sweet Pea. It was kind of a strange trip in that we did Dick’s Creek Gap to Winding Stair Gap then flipped and did Springer to Woody Gap. For a total of about 60 miles.

This won’t be an extensive trip report for no reason other than I don’t feel like writing alot about it right now. :) When I find my journals I will write more.

Day 1: April 5th – Dick’s Creek Gap to Bly Gap – 9 miles

Tough day overall. Alot of longish uphill walking.Ran into a super snobby thru hiker. When she found out we weren’t thrus she turned her nose and kept walking. Later when I got the Bly Gap she informed me that we could camp up top (away from where she was I am sure). I bet she’s off the trail now. Camped on the upper portion near the “famous” tree. Great view of the stars.

Day 2: April 6th – Bly Gap to Standing Indian Mountain – 9.2 miles
This was an awesome day for me. This was the strongest I have ever felt while hiking. Even the last climb of the day didn’t put me in a mood. I guess working out can make a difference. Camping atop Standing Indian has so far been my favorite place. The sky was clear, a beautiful sunset and then the stars came out. What else could one ask for? Except for maybe a closer water source.

Day 3: April 7th – Standing Indian to campsite before Albert Mountain – 11.8ish miles

Another great day. At first I didn’t thinnk North Carolina wanted us to visit. The trail was actually quite steep for the first part of they day. The NC decides that “hey, you’re ok” and gives us the most amazing trail ever. Nice, without alot of up and downs. Our friend Kellye met us at Mooney Gap and brought us trail magic. Oranges and Reese’s and ice cold Diet Coke.

Day 4: April 8th – Albert to Winding Stair – 10.2 miles
Otherwise known as the day of the torential downpour. We made it up to the top of Albert without any rain but no views from the top. This was my second time with no view. We made it to Big Spring Shelter and took a break and the rain just let loose. We hung around trying to wait for the rain to stop but no such luck. So we had to hike about 9 miles in the pouring rain. There goes my record of never having to have hiked in any major rain. I think we made it the 9 miles in about 3 hours. I ain’t ever hiked that fast in my life.

We stayed at Kellye’s place this night and washed our gear and ate at Longhorn’s and played Wii Fit (which is the most hilarious thing ever). And decided to hike Springer to Woody since SweetPea had never hiked that section

How Hemlock Found the Dames

Monday, January 4, 2010

How I found the Trail Dames

I moved to Georgia in fall of 2008, not knowing anyone in the whole state. The first Saturday after I moved, I hiked up Blood Mountain with one women’s hiking club. They were nice and I had a good time, but I could tell this wasn’t the group for me. On my way home, I stopped at Mountain Crossing (at Neels Gap) and asked them if they knew about any hiking groups. The guy at the desk gave me a card for the Trail Dames and said he wasn’t sure if I’d fit in with this group, but this group has the most fun and laughs the most and to give them a try. I went and looked at their website, and found out it was a hiking club for “curvy” women who hike slow. I’m average size but the thing is, I do hike fast. I put the card away.

In the next four months I hiked with nearly a dozen other hiking groups (and random people I met on the internet). I hiked with botanists, college kids, athletic guys who flew up mountains, a firefighter, a lady who talked nonstop, and many other wonderful, fascinating people. I learned to be open. I learned to look beyond superficial differences and connect with people from different backgrounds. I kept searching for my tribe. I was looking for people that would be more than just people to hike with. I wanted friendship and community.

When I showed up at Woody Gap on an early spring day for my first hike with the Trail Dames, I was filled with uncertainty. What would they think of me? Could I hike at my own pace? Would I be accepted? It turned out that I smiled and laughed the whole time and felt more relaxed with them than I had in a very long time. It wasn’t my typical hiking pace, but I was eager to join them again.

View from Blood Mountain, my first AT hike in Georgia

Weather Forecasting for Hikes

Ever noticed that the forecast for the nearest town to a hike may be vastly different from the conditions up in the mountains?  You can get the forecast for any location in the mountains or in the middle of no-where using the NOAA website.  They have an interactive map that provides the “point forecast” for your hiking destination using a Google Map locator.

Here is an example for Tray Mountain:

Here is how I get this forecast:

1. Go to the main NOAA website and the left box labeled “Local forecast by “city, St.” Enter in the nearest town to the hike.

2. Scroll down to the middle of the page, and on the right side, locate a box with a google map labeled “Click Map for Forecast”. Move the map by dragging your mouse on the map and zooming in and out to locate where you will be hiking. Double click on the location to select the location of interest. It will then become highlighted by a green box. NOTE: I find it helpful to consult my National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map (#777 and #778 for our area) which shows detailed trail/town and road locations on a topo map so I can orient myself on the google map (which doesn’t always show trails but does have contours).

3. This will provide a forecast of the exact location of the hike. I take the forecast for the highest elevation I will be at for the day.

Here is more information if you have trouble or want to learn more.

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The Curvy Chicks Guide To Hiking- Part 2


This is a re-post of an article that I wrote for The More of Me To Love Website.  For more info, check out www.moreormetolove.com

TD fun2

(Continued from part 1)

As I said in part 1………..

First, remember the basic tenants to responsible hiking.  

  • Always tell someone where you are going
  • Research the trail
  • Take a friend
  • Never leave your car without the 10 Essentials. 

    Simply put- food, water, rain gear, warm clothes, fire starter,   compass and map, first aid kit, head lamp, knife, and emergency contact info. 

A simple Google search will list the 10 Essentials in more details for you. Just remember that being prepared on the trail is the best way to assure a pleasant trip.

 

    Physical Challenges  

The physical challenges that rounder hikers face can be easily compensated for.  These fall into several different categories:

 

    Managing your pace-When you hike, the first thing to remember is to enjoy yourself.  It is not a race or a competition.  The best thing about being out on the trail is experiencing the smells and sounds of nature, which you cannot do if you are rushing.

    If you are gasping for breath, slow down.  I have done trails that required me to take a step….stop and breathe…take a step…..stop and breathe.  In the end, you will still get to the top of the mountain; it will just be a much more pleasant journey if you respect your body’s natural pace.

    Along these lines, chose your hiking partner with care.  You want someone that has a similar walking style and speed.  Finally, taking rest stops frequently will help you to not only enjoy the hike, but to take in your surroundings.   

 

    Knee Health– While all hikers need to take care of their feet and knees, the curvy hiker has to be even more aware.  The majority of stress that we are asking our bodies to support can be alleviated in two simple words.  Hiking poles.  Hiking poles are a girl’s best friend!  Not only do they help protect your knees, they also improve your balance.  They make crossing a stream on rocks much easier and even give you something to lean on when you get tired. 

    However, be aware that not all hiking poles are the same.  The cheap hiking poles available at many big box stores are fairly worthless.  I have seen many cheap poles break under pressure and that could lead to an ugly spill.  Good hiking poles tend to start around $80, but the health of your body is certainly worth that, wouldn’t you say?     

 

    Foot Health– This is one place where shoe fit is very important.  Poorly fit shoes or boots can lead not only to blisters, but to more lingering problems like plantar fascitis and Achilles tendonitis.  Many trails can be hiked in a good pair of running shoes.  If you decide that you love hiking and would like to move up to a pair of boots, go to a specialty hiking store and have them professionally fit.  Again, the health and comfort of your feet are more than worth it.

    Also, carry blister treatment and prevention with you on all hikes.  If you feel a hot spot coming on, sit down on the trail and take care of it.  Don’t make the mistake of saying, “It is only a mile back to the car”.  A mile on a hiking trail is longer and harder than a mile on a road.  Go ahead and treat the hot spot and you will be on your way before you know it.

 

    Sweating and Chafing – On a little more personal note, sweating and chafing are a major concern.  Again, they are concerns for most hikers, but they seem to be a larger source of discomfort, both physically and mentally, for curvy hikers.

    When it comes to sweating, I say enjoy it!  Revel in the fact that you are moving your body…. exercising it and stretching it.  You are doing something athletic and you should be sweating.  In terms of keeping yourself comfortable, pin a bandana to the strap of your day pack and let it hang down as you hike. This keeps it handy so that you can wipe off your face as you walk. 

    Also, remember that light jacket in your pack?  The one from the list of 10 Essentials?  When you stop for a break, throw it on.  Your damp clothing will cause you to get chilled very quickly and that can be dangerous. 

    Finally, don’t hike in cotton.  It absorbs all of that sweat and lets all of your body heat out.  Look for performance materials that allow your body to stay warm when they are wet.

   

    Chafing– chafing takes place wherever moisture and rubbing meet. Anywhere you have skin rubbing on skin, chafing can become an issue.  This can be the crotch or groin, under your arms, and under your breasts. Chafing can become very painful if not treated. 

    The best way to avoid chafing is to stay dry.  Hmmmm…..not so easy when you are hiking!!  Luckily, there are several products you can use to combat chafing.  My favorite is Body Glide.  It can be found at most sporting goods stores.  It looks like a deodorant stick and can be applied anywhere chafing is a potential problem.  I truly never leave home without it.

    You can also apply Vaseline or petroleum jelly to affected areas.  This both prevents and treats chafing.  Slather it on before you leave home.  A little prevention will go a long way to helping you have a wonderful trail experience!

   What is your personal challenge?  Comment below and we will visit the topics in a follow up post!

Anna aka Mud Butt