IT IS BUTT FREEZING COLD! TRAIL NAME FROM A FRIEND.

OK, So I Have Been Busy!  Give Me A Break. 

 

 

 

Dressing for 5 degree weather.

OK, so what that I have been a bit lazy  and not posting to my blog recently.  Well, actually I have been just plain busy what with the holidays, work, trying to stay warm when it is 5 degrees and snowy.  Yes it is just plain freaking cold here right now.  When it is this cold with ice and snow, motivation to hike is difficult to find.  Couple a lack of motivation and the early sunset times, it is difficult to get much hiking in. 

However, the butt freezing weather does create an opportunity for cold weather gear testing and that is what I did this morning.  I really wanted to test whether the gear I had would keep me warm in some of the more extreme temperatures I may encounter while hiking the AT in the late winter or early spring.  So today I am dressed in my OR 900 fill down jacket, my 900 fill Patagonia down vest, a micro fleece 1/2 zip and off course a snug wool hat and merino wool glove liners. Don't I look like a hiker at least?

So, what are my feelings on this gear.  Well after more than an hour standing and moving around outside, I must say that everything above my waist stayed toasty warm.  Why did I say everything above the waist?  Well, I am wearing jeans and my legs are freezing right now.  HA HA.  I am not sure everyone would appreciate full hiker garb at work so jeans it is today. I hope to get out tomorrow morning for a quick little 4 or 5 mile hike before having to head to the part time job in the afternoon.  Full Hiker Trash regalia will be worn!!!!!  Ha Ha.

My hiking plans are up in the air for this spring and summer right now, work demands and obligations are bearing down and it looks like instead of a good long 3 week training hike, I will be doing many more shorter 3 day hikes with one or two week long hikes this summer.  First decent hike will be in March with a friend who has never been on a long distance hike so I have limited the mileage to 40 miles with him over 3 or 4 days.  So, I will  head down to Damascus VA for 4 or 5 days and do some late winter hiking.  I have been coaching my friend with his gear purchases and we  will see how heavy his backpack is when I arrive.  The line is 3-1 the backpack will weigh in over 50 pounds.  I hope not however for his sake.  No matter,  it will be fun even if we do not make good daily mileage.  Good friends, hiking, and being in the woods is just what I need after a cold snowy winter.

So, I am thinking about changing my trail name.  I have had my trail name for quite awhile but someone made a comment and threw out a new nickname and I think I like it.  I do not think this person realizes what a trail name is or even that they exist.  However the nickname actually kind of works in a way and would definitely make me smile when someone calls it out. So, I am thinking about changing it when I hit the trail for my March hike.  I guess I have time to think about it.  Changing a trail name is something I do not take lightly. 

So, that is all, for those of you that are hiking this time of year, remember to be cautious of hypothermia, especially while in camp or when stopped for any length of time on the trail.  Be proactive, keep snacks on hand to provide fuel for your body between meals, and by all means, keep drinking water.  Keep an extra layer of clothing ready in case you run into colder temperatures than you plan for.  Remember, you will lose fluids when you breath and without the rest of your body sweating, you may dehydrate yourself without realizing it.  And by all means, practice your winter survival skills close to home before undertaking a significant winter hike.  It is easier to learn from your mistakes on a local overnight camp where your car is available to keep you warm if need be than on the trail miles from civilization.

Oh, and on an aside, if you are that friend that may have inspired the new trail name.  Hey There, I hope you found this blog interesting.....MSP.

So, till next time.  Hike your own hike and be safe on the trail.