wandering chardonnay

Pushing through the tough parts

So I had this whole post about how much I hate shelters. And I do, they are claustrophobic, dark, creepy and then there’s the mice. I’ve been avoiding them, and hoping the Ridge Runners didn’t catch me tenting.

See yesterday was a really long day. It started with me encountering 2 wild boar! I thought they were bears at first till it turned and growled in my direction. I back peddled up the hill so fast ( with a little motivation I can move uphill pretty fast). It kind of had me jumping for the rest of the day. Even jumped when I saw a turkey. After a couple of long climbs in the rain, I was pretty bummed to stay in a shelter. Everyone at the shelter was super nice and a father and son even got me water and hung my bear bag. I was still grumpy.

In the morning I grab my pack headed out in a huff. When I got to the top of Clingmans Dome it was all fogged in, no view. I wanted to be mad but I didn’t have the energy so I just sat there under the dripping trees. That’s when it hit me, even without a “view” it was so quiet and peaceful…..and perfect. Then why so grumpy?

Lately when people asked me about the PCT I would say how great it was. I guess I’ve kind of been waiting for this to be that. But that’s just silly. The AT is a whole different adventure. The shelters, the climbing, even the scary giant boars are all part of the journey. But this just seems tougher right now.

When I finally hiked down out of the fog I got some great trail magic from a local church group. It really made me feel better. Hopefully after a shower I’ll be able to look at everything differently.

Makin miles & a name

AT, Hiking

Fontana Dam, gateway to the Smokey Mountains. I’ve increased my mileage so I should make it through the Smokeys in about 3 days, if the weather cooperates!

Seems I’ve already made a name for myself. People keep going “oh, your chardonnay, we heard about you.” I guess being the only black girl around for miles and pushing 20+ miles gets you noticed and talked about. Also the fact I’ve done the PCT too.

A guy called me fast, ha!! Not even, I’m totally slow crawlin up these hills. I do scrambled down pretty quickly to make up time. But I’m only doing 20+ days because I hike ALL day.

I had a fun time at the NOC, watched some kayaking and had some beers with other hikers. I didn’t want to stay in the bunkhouse (tight budget), so I hiked out all tipsy! Made the climb outta there interesting. By 9pm I still wasn’t at the shelter. So I just camped at the first spot I could find. Turns out I was only like 2 miles away! But I woke to a beautiful sunrise!

Shout out to Eagle! He is 69 and thru hiked the AT in 2012. He is back on the trail section hiking Springer to Hot Springs, NC.

Purple Rain

AT, Hiking

It’s raining, but more on that later…. So made it to Franklin, North Carolina 109 miles on the trail. Stayed at the Muskrat shelter with a fun group Plodding Bison (from Ohio) & Dig Deep (from New Orleans) two great ladies. Another lady told me I was the only person of color shes ever seen on the trail, she was from Jackson, MS…gotta love the south, we had a lovely conversation over dinner. Met a guy Endless he was on the PCT last year too, he has a great blog, check it out here! He is really moving, wish I could keep up.

With rain in the forecast I set out for my biggest day yet 25 miles, it was a really good hike with a rock scramble up to a fire tower and then it was downhill coast. I made it to the shelter without getting wet but then it poured all night.. In the morning five of us tried hitching to town in the rain. Luckily after an hour a free shuttle came by. Now I’m in town drying out, listening to the sad news about Prince.

Will soon be entering the Smokey Mountains. Don’t really have a resupply plan for that yet, guess I’ll just keep winging it. I’m hoping to get through there in about 5 days. But then ya never know what’s ahead, right?

****Special Note***
I’m dedicating the next 100 miles to my nephew, Jordan Walker Polk! He recently got a heart transplant and is fighting his way back to 100%! Jordan you are in my heart & thoughts every step. I love you, stay strong.

The climb

AT, Hiking

“There’s always gonna be another mountain
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose
Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s waitin’ on the other side
It’s the climb”

What have I been doing? Climbing mountains. The Georgia mountains are no joke. You’re always going up out here unless you’re going down to get water and then you get your water and come back up. Even though the climbs are tough it is very beautiful. It’s warming up and the flowers are sprouting! But tomorrow I get to head into North Carolina! One state down 13 more to go! Gonna have to step up my mileage if I’m going to make it to Trail Days!

Blood Mtn 1 Me 0

AT, Hiking

Day one was great! Did the Approach Trail up the bizillon steps, 8 miles later I was at the start of the AT. The falls were beautiful. Camped at Hawk Mtn shelter with a fun group.

After a 17 mile first day I was set to do 22 to get to Neel Gap. Only one other guy was planning the same miles. Headed out feeling good, got over Sassafras Mtn still thought t I could make it. Unfortunately by the time I got to Woody Gap I realized I was behind and had a choice to make. See the last 5 miles into Neel Gap a bear canister is required (to camp). I don’t have one & there is a $300 fine if you get caught. So I would HAVE to push all the way over Blood Mtn, possibly night making it til 9pm.

Or hike only 4 miles, camp get the next morning. I really hated not making it and figured the other guy was well ahead of me. But then the guy walks up while I’m sulking. Oh he says glad to see ya, I was sure you were up ahead!

Turns out neither of us had it in us to make that push over Blood Mtn. Oh well we found a great camp spot and are resting up to tackle it tomorrow. On the AT it’s not the miles that get ya, it’s the mountains!

For my first trail magic today! A while bags of mini Snickers, Twix and rice krispy treats from a guy named Dr Pepper with the outdoors ministries! Also talked to some Army Rangers who were training. Later when I saw them at their base camp they flagged me down. One the guys says I got something for ya. He says it’s not alcohol (we had talked about doing shots earlier). He have me some fruity hand sanitizer! Didn’t make Neel Gap but it was a good day!

Thanks to everyone that helped me get to the trail! My sister for driving out from Mississippi and grabbing me at the airport. Thanks to my old friend JD for taking me out for a tasty lunch before dropping me at the transit center to catch the shuttle to the hostel.

Logistics

AT, Life

So flying over the length of the PCT to get to the AT was an interesting route. Stirred up a lot of emotions reflecting on that journey.

In a year so much has changed but so much is the same. Looking forward to a couple of months of trail therapy. The trail is a good place to work through some “stuff”. Talk it out with a fellow hiker you may never see again, talk it out with yourself as you struggle up a mountain. Sing it out while listening to Pearl Jam on a summit! Experience is wasted if you don’t learn or grow from it.

I performed a poem for the XSL Poetry Slam/Cookoff last weekend. It was a great lesson in facing my fears and speakin from the heart. Nervously i stepped on the stage…I had to start over once…but when looked into the crowd…. (no I did not picture them in their undies, granted that might be fun ..wait i digress), what I saw in that crowd was friends wanting me to succeed!

Man that was just was the confidence builder I needed. (Oh and the bacon/mac&cheese, egg rolls, specialty drinks & desserts….well I’m about to live on ramen for 4 months…. that was the bomb..all of it !) I’ve said it before but my friends are crazy talented, generous, and supportive. I am one lucky badass hiker.

**special shout out**
Thank you Dan & Kimmie for watchin my wheels at the last minute! This trail I got Dr. Bronners soap, hand sanitizer, coconut oil……I’m ready, AT bring it!

Again

AT, Hiking

Let me just say I can’t believe I’m doing another thru hike. Seriously, I clearly remember on the PCT last year saying to myself and sore feet “if I can just get to Canada I will not be doing this again”. Yea something like that with a sprinkling of colorful words I’d never use in front of my mom. But here I go again, my crazy knows no bounds.

One year ago (April 12th, 2015) I started walking from the Mexican border to Canada on the PCT. The whole way I was saying ‘attempting a thru hike’, because finishing was well, never guaranteed. But I did. It was an extraordinary adventure, I am a thru hiker.

On April 15th, 2016 I will attempt to thru hike the Appalachian Trail.

Side note: the logistics of getting to the trail are stressing me out! No I will not check my precious backpack and why can’t I take my pocket knife, sleeping pad, and poles on the plane? The trail is how far from the airport? Good thing I learned how to hitchhike on the PCT……kidding, kidding, everything will work out just fine. But I will not be laughing if you lose my stuff Alaska Airlines, just sayin.

It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves. -SEH

AT, Hiking, Life

Well if you haven’t heard (where have you been?) I’m off on another thru hiking adventure! This time I’m tackling the Appalachian Trail 2200 miles, through 14 States -Georgia to Maine. Watch out East coast I’m coming for ya! I’ve given my work notice and fly out of San Diego on April 13th hope to see you before I go!

I’ve planned, read and researched my little heart out so now it’s just putting one foot in front of the other. The PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) tested me emotionally, physically, and mentally and the AT will as well I’m sure.

The last weeks of preparation have been an emotional rollercoaster. The hurt and loss I let wash over me like a tidal wave. Then I surfaced and let it all go, buoyed by the encouragement and support of my friends and family. Oh the feels. Lets just say the excitement of starting a new journey and the sadness of leaving everyone behind can be so overwhelming.

Spending time with close friends before I leave has saved my sanity, for reelz. Thanks for dancing in the desert with me, watching the Sun/Moon rise and set, Mimosa brunches, hikes, Survivor nights, all the hugs, laughing til my gut hurt, loong phone calls, and so much more.

After completing the PCT I was compelled to learn/dream/live/do more. (lord knows I’m tryin) I even gave in to identifying reasons for thru-hiking so I can keep them in the forefront of my mind. You know when my feet hurt. Here’s some:

-If you can Inspire just one person…… do it!

-To gain courage, perseverance and sweet hiker legs

-To learn to be patient, flexible and less afraid of new things, face the fears.

-Growing as a hiker but also as a person.

Thank you (yes you!) for being part of my story this next chapter should be a real page-turner! Send Good Vibes my way, mkay, and follow me on my thru hike of the Appalachian Trail 2016 this should be good. Much luv.

(I will try to keep y’all updated, but my tech skills in the woods are shotty at best, don’t judge, kisses.)

AT Gear List

AT, Hiking

My AT gear list.

After Trail Update: So I have to admit I took a couple more things than were listed. First I hate to be cold, ulta light be darned. I had four pairs of socks (justification, it was rainy, humid and nothing would dry out and I hate putting on wet socks). I had two pairs of leggings, capri & full length (justification,because you just never know, and sometimes I just want dry pants). I had three bandannas (justification, I just couldn’t decide which one not to take). That being said I did end up sending home my stove (it was nice when it was chilly), and my sun hat (you are in the green tunnel, not a lot of direct sun).

I know I need to get a grip and cut back for the CDT. Mostly all my gear worked super well! Loved the tent (but I am looking at a lighter Big Agnes!! Their sleeping bags are awesome, so why not the tent!). Oh and I am stepping up my sleeping pad (got to get over my fear of the blow up ones). Let the gear shopping begin!!!

**********************************************************************

I have a new tent I’m trying out (it’s heavier) and an actual rain jacket. Oh and I am also including a stove. I’m still deciding on taking the Sawyer filter, maybe. I’m starting with my Saucony shoes and then to the Altra’s. Now if I can get this all on the plane with no issues!

Pack- ULA CIRCUIT
Shelter- Rei one person Tent
Sleeping bag- Big Agnes Mirror Lake
Sleeping bag stuff sac
Z Lite sleeping pad


Samsung Smartphone
Sansa Clip Mp3 Player
2 pocket chargers for gadgets
Energizer Headlamp
Sawyer Mini Water filter/iodine tablets


Esbit Stove
Plastic container-for drinks and dinners
Titanium spoon
Knife
Smart water bottle/Gatorade bottle
Stuff sack for food
Tiny notebook and pen, permit, guidebook,etc
Various small items in ziploc: Toothbrush and toothpaste, floss with sewing needle inside, earplugs, ibuprofen, earbuds, extra chapstick, hairties, lighter.
Sunglasses
One ounce hand sanitizer
Full size bottle of sunscreen
Toilet paper
Trash compactor bag liner


Extra pair of darn tough socks
Laundry down flash jacket
rain jacket
wool hat
Bandanna x 2
Town dress
Mosquito headnet as stuff sack for clothes
Warm tights

Total base weight of pack (this is the weight without food, water, fuel or worn clothing)	17 lbs

Worn: Hike skirt, synthetic shirt, Thorlo socks, sports bra, sun hat. Dirty girl gaiters and MSR trekking poles.

And so it begins…..again

AT, Hiking

Sorry my posts have been few and far between. Actually I’ve written a couple of times and just not posted. I’ve been busy and my thoughts have been all over the place. Last year when I did the PCT I started planning and stuff like a year in advance. For the AT it has really been last minute. Honestly I’ve had my doubts about actually doing it right up until I bought the plane ticket. So the ticket has been bought and I’m in stage 3 of planning a thru hike. Stage 1 plan/read/research everything, stage 2 panic, stage 3 just go with it. Yep, 2 weeks out and I’m just going with it, whatever will be, will be.

So I am super excited about being back on the trail. I look forward to the AT culture, emotional roller coaster, physical challenge and personal change that comes along with thru hiking. Leaving friends/family to do something so mentally, emotionally and physically draining is exciting and crazy. I’m a lot more nervousness this time and for the life of me I can’t figure out why. I know the AT will be different and I’ll face certain challenges.

The AT, I’ve heard is more social with way more people than the PCT. While I have been called a social butterfly, being social for me can be draining. I’m kinda an outgoing introvert. We’ll see how that goes. It should help that I am avoiding the town/social vortex, well that’s the plan. My time is dictated by my funds so I don’t have time to, you know, “dilly dally”, right now I’m on a mission.

Did I mention I read Appalachian Trials, it’s a great read thru hiker or not! I kinda wish they’d make a movie out a of book like that or one of the numerous greatly written blogs that I read. Initially I thought my own blog would just be me rambling, and it is. But really didn’t think anyone would read it. So thanks for reading and commenting. Everyone’s support and encouragement means the world to me.