View from Standing Indian Mountain Summit

shake·down (shāk′doun′) n. A test or period of appraisal followed by adjustments to improve efficiency or functioning.

A few changes have taken place since my last hike. My back problems are much, much better, I have lightened my backpack weight quite a bit, and I have a new philosophy on mileage.

The lighter pack weight is due to several gear changes. The first of which is a new pack itself. My new ULA pack is almost a pound lighter than my old Gregory. I also purchased an Enlightened Equipment down quilt to replace my down sleeping bag which saves me over 10 oz. I’m going with fewer clothes this time, which helps with weight (poor people who will be smelling my stench from afar). I replaced both my down coat and my raincoat with lighter ones. I also am getting rid of a few stuff sacks and using ziploc bags instead. Oh yeah, can’t forget, I even bought a new tent to save half-a-pound. So…as you can see, I’ll be using a good bit of new, untested gear.

As far as my new mileage philosophy goes, I’m going to hike each day until I feel like stopping. Yep–that could be 20 miles or 2 miles. When I get ready, I’ll set up camp and be done for the day. In the past, I’ve had a set amount of miles each day to hike (ranging from 10 to 26 miles, usually in the 17-20 mile range) and was quite burdened by my self-made, high-mileage schedule. This time around, I plan to try to get a lot of miles in, but not be on a set daily schedule–“go with the flow”.

It has taken me quite a while, but I have learned that when you think you have everything figured out and perfectly taken care of, you’d better get your mitt ready to catch a curve ball. In an attempt not to be hit upside the head with a curve ball, I decided to take this “shakedown” hike.

The “shakedown” took place on a short overnight trip from Mooney Gap to Deep Gap in NC (hiking southbound, or SOBO in AT lingo). In this short hike, I got practice in setting up my new tent; packing, unpacking, and repacking my new pack; checking that my quilt would be warm enough and not too drafty; and tried out some new clothes. Another big test was to see how my back would feel after a day of carrying the pack and a night of sleeping on the ground. Then, after this “test period of appraisal”, I was able to know what adjustments and/or improvements needed to be made before hitting the trail.

There were a few kinks. My stove is malfunctioning, my shoulder strap on my pack needs serious adjustment, and my bear bagging system needs a little tweaking; but, for the most part, everything went well.

I had a great time and I enjoyed the company of my hubby, Danny (a.k.a. Toe Jam). He’s a great sport, not to mention a great hiker too.

I’ve hopefully caught the curve ball, striking a future trail crisis out. I think I’ll call the “shakedown” a success. Time and days on the trail will tell.

Danny on the summit of Standing Indian Mtn.

Wild mushrooms

New tent set up.

Beautiful Mountains