Harpers Ferry

 We got out on the AT for the first time this season!

We started our weekend by traveling a few hours to the nearest REI for gear that has specific fit. My husband found a pair of used hiking shoes for a great price! I chose Brooks trail runners for now but will probably switch between trail runners and hiking shoes, depending on terrain. I got Injinji socks to help prevent blisters and hot spots. I also chose a pair of trekking poles. I figured between the variation in elevation on the trail and my lack of both balance and coordination, they will be really helpful! 



We also got fitted for backpacks but plan to hold off purchasing them until the REI sale next month. Perfect timing for our first weekend trip! John just got measured, but I tried on two models, including walking around with the packs weighted. The first pack was a Deuter Aircontact Lite 45 +10 SL. This fit really nicely and it was comfortable wandering around the store for a good 30 minutes. It fit snug to my back, the straps were comfortable, and the hip belt fit my phone easily. Plenty of room for up to a week at a time (hello resupply!) and the 10 L expansion will be handy, too. I liked that I could cinch it down smaller for our shorter excursions. The color seems a bit boring, though and could be difficult to find in the dark.

The next pack was an Osprey Aura AG 65. I liked the Gamma Red color and it will be more than roomy for a long trek. And although it was comfortable enough, it didn't feel as natural to me as the Deuter. I think the gap for the mesh panel made me feel like I was being pulled backwards. The hip belt is also formed in an arc instead of being loose like the Deuter, so it was more challenging to put on. It might be too big for our shorter excursions.


On Saturday, we traveled to Harpers Ferry, WV. We got a bit of a late start, but still plenty of time to get in a good 8 miles or so hike. The personnel at Appalachian Trail Conservatory was very informative and helpful. We parked there for the afternoon and hiked down the stone steps to the AT and headed south across the Shenandoah. 

After crossed the river, the 1 mile steep ascent to the ridge started. We crossed a small stream a few times and got slightly off-trail but realized it quickly. Good thing GPS and trail blazes are available! My poles were handy to keep my balance on some of the larger rocks and steep steps. We reached the ridge fairly quickly and hiked along the top a few miles. I was so proud of the dogs! They kept up with us easily and didn't bother people or wildlife. We even saw a deer run off into the brush, and both boys just stayed on the trail and watched it. We stopped for lunch before turning around just before the descent into Key Gap. My shoes and poles were comfortable and I was pleasantly surprised that my arms and legs weren't overly sore on Sunday! John got a bit of a hotspot on his heal, but I think some Injinji socks will help him, too.

  

Gear Checklist to date:

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