Research data

Advice from past students in this course (after they took the hike)

SPRING 2001 backpacking class reflections on our hike

APRIL 12 to APRIL 16 hiking Knobstone south to north camping at miles 1, 12, 22, & 36

I. MY NAME: Mark Schmerse

III. Advice

Be ready! Buy your food before driving down and stopping at Wal-Mart and having plenty to eat is always great. Hitching into town is great! Especially for some gas station treats. You cross a few good roads. Get your head ready! It’s at least 80% mental. Try and have a good attitude and press on. And never, NEVER pee into a stream! Especially where you’re filtering water or Coach D is coming down the trail with someone’s mother. Backpacking is a blast! Enjoy yourself and God’s creation. Hike on brothers!

I. MY NAME: Stacey Yax

III. Advice

Realize what you are getting into before you actually go. I didn’t think it would be anything like it was. Bring enough TP. Pack light!!! If you don’t you will wish you did. Your feet are so precious—take care of them—they are the only ones you get! Have fun. If you start south, I thought the first and third days were hard and the second and fourth days were easier.

I. MY NAME: Josh Kramp

III. Advice

BABY YOUR FEET! They are so incredibly important. Read up on all info you can get on walking and feet. It is so vital. Also pack light. You don’t need more than one change of clothes, 2 pair of socks, and not a lot else! Make sure you drink a lot of water. Your body needs it. One last thing, prepare yourself mentally! That is how you’ll get through it! I guess the last thing I would add is make sure you read Coach D’s stuff on the web. It’s priceless! (And you could educate yourself on hitch-hiking too!!)

I. MY NAME: John Drury

III. Advice

If you are making good time, have the guts to hitch-hike in to town for goodies and adventure. If you make good time on Friday, hitch into South Boston by means of St. Rd. 160 (just beyond mile 11). Head left and get a ride about 7 miles or so, where in you’ll find the “South Boston Opry.” Folks from all around southern Indiana meet on Friday nights to play country and Gospel music. If you want to jump in they’ll let you. One of my craziest adventures ever! Don’t be shy, Indiana folks will hook you up.

I. MY NAME: Paul Kind

II. Advice

Where do I start? I’ll never forget the hitchin’ into town. If you have enough adventure on the trail you have to try that. Pack light, but don’t sacrifice food for less weight. Take tons of food. Water filters are great. Walk with people some of the time and by yourself part of the time. Silence can be a great thing. Hike fast and you’ll have time for longer breaks in the sun. Air out your feet quite a bit and the blister bug won’t bite as much. Keep a good attitude as best you can, even when there’s a 400 ft climb looming in front of you. Final advice—pick up backpacking as your life-long hobby!

I. MY NAME: Justin Johnson

III. Advice

· make it an adventure (challenge thyself)

· Pack light with specific needs

· Pray, pray, pray as you hike (great opportunity to connect)

· If you want to be a hotty, hike the knob and have a great body

JON FOX and ANNE BAWDEN (32 miles—we didn’t make the whole trail…but almost did!)

Name: Anne Bawden

Advice:

Do not only look at the trail in front of your feet, look at the beauty around you. Great way to get “General Revelation.” Always talk with God when you’re afraid or hurting. He takes your mind off of it. Don’t be ashamed if your body can’t make it.

BACKPACKING CLASS REFLECTIONS-- 2002

SPRING 2002 KNOBSTONE HIKE-- BACKPACKING CLASS

A. MY NAME: Bobby Fannin
E. ADVICE: Here is my item-by-item numbered advice to future Knobstone hikers.

Go with the pop can stove, it works great and its light
Go with tablets don’t take a pump water filter. The streams should be pretty clean
Take three 1-liter containers but only fill up all three right before dinner (if your not near water)
Plan your water so that you don’t have to carry so much; it’s 2 pounds per liter; guzzle all your water when you come to a stream and then refill and purify; you shouldn’t be thirsty until your water is ready
Tarp- Take it. It will give you a greater sense of independence if you are by yourself. It can be used as a emergency rain flap as well. It’s light
Take too much care of your feet, even though they may not feel bad or hurt or anything. Take a sit down break; take your shoes off; hang your socks out to dry; if the trails are muddy, put your socks on 2-3 hour rotation between your feet and drying on the outside of your back; during the 10-20 minute break rub your feet until they cease to be red. Take plenty of baby powder; you can get by with 2 pair of socks.

7. GO-LITE!! Think about every item you take “Do I need this?” Can I make one thing work for more than one purpose? Take what you need and you only need what you take.

A. MY NAME: Kerri Burton
E. ADVICE: Here is my item-by-item numbered advice to future Knobstone hikers.
*Don't push yourself harder (especially on the first day) than your body can handle, or you'll hurt yourself.
*IT'S NOT A RACE!!! Pace yourself and take time to rest your feet.
*Be sure to spend at least a little bit of time off by yourself...this was the most spiritually beneficial part of it for me.
*Share what you can (cooking stuff, toothpaste, etc.) with a buddy to save space and weight in your pack.
*bring gloves! I forgot these, and I paid for it at night and early in the morning.
*don't give up...if I can do it, anyone can do it!!

A. MY NAME: Mark Schmerse

E. ADVICE: Here is my item-by-item numbered advice to future Knobstone hikers.
1. Hitch to South Boston and go the Opera House… It's a cultural experience

2. Hitch to Salem and get some extra goodies

3. Don't let this be your last hike

4. Just because someone has a gun doesn't mean they won't help you… remember your closer to the South.

5. You don't need expensive gear to get started hiking… just get going

6. When you're in the woods be sure to wipe well… (It's not gross it's True!)

7. If you meet a jolly old fisherman in rubber boots… make him laugh and you won't be disappointed

8. Take only what you need… then leave behind what you might be able to share

9. Stay Positive!! no matter what comes your way. (Even if you think you left your Cheetos at home.)

10. Always take breaks to let your feet breath fresh air.

11. Let this hike teach you about life and who you really are.

A. MY NAME: Mary Johnson

E. ADVICE: Here is my item-by-item numbered advice > to future Knobstone hikers.

Keep your feet dry- I am so glad that I didn't have foot problems, I can't imagine how difficult it was for those who had blisters.
Don't bring dishwashing detergent- I don't know why we did...oh, yeah, Michael told us to :)
If your hands get cold easily, bring gloves
Pack as light as possible!!!
Carry a walking stick- it is your life-line up and down hills.
Bring lots of snacks
If it is cold at night, make sure your tent is zipped all the way... you will regret it if you don't.
Go slow if you have to, don't worry about everyone else. Go at your own pace.
Pray your way through it.

A. MY NAME: Paul Kind

E. ADVICE: Here is my item-by-item numbered advice to future Knobstone hikers. 1. You can survive bringing anything you want. You will thrive when you have figured out what the best things are to bring (and not bring). 2. Protein milkshakes are the way to go. I looked forward to every one and was able to leave the stove, pot, wind screen, etc. at home in my closet. 3. Bring tons of snacks, you'll be able to munch 24/7. 4. Keep a proper outlook: force yourself to see the positives in every situation, even when things look grim. 5. Tarp, bleach, tennis shoes, and protein shakes all might seem extreme...but so is carrying 40 lbs up and down 400 foot knobs. 6. Intentionally seek out times of solitude and time spent with other people. Both are amazing in the right proportions. 7. Get ready to laugh and laugh...I don't really know what it is about the trail but it sure has a way of making you think everything is hilarious.

A. MY NAME: Matt Carder

E. ADVICE: Here is my item-by-item numbered advice to future Knobstone hikers. 1. If you don’t think extremely carefully about what you’re carrying, believe me, you will do so very soon into this hike. But, by then it’s too late! Basically, take only what you absolutely need, and then still go ahead and get rid of a bunch of 2. Take a tarp instead of a tent. It’s way lighter, way smaller, andJstuff! much easier to take down. Plus, you can cook under it and move around more. For this hike, there’s really no reason not to take a tarp instead. 3. Take lots of Snickers and other snack food. You will definitely be glad you did. Pile in more snack food than you think you’ll need 4. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you . It is wonderful to sit down and eat aJthat shakes are the way to go for meals full pot of steaming food. Seriously. Just carry the little Pepsi-stove and a light pot. Meals will be a highlight of the day-carry food you’ll look forward to eating.

A. MY NAME: Luke Richards

E. ADVICE: Here is my item-by-item numbered advice to future Knobstone hikers. 1. Be ready and willing to adapt and learn. One of the benefits of traveling with a group is that you'll see other peoples' ideas on how to backpack. Take advantage of that. 2. Don't hesitate to take plenty of food. Nothing boosts morale like food. 3. Lighten your pack at all costs (except food). If there's any question as to whether or not you need something, then you don't need it. Also do everything to make the stuff you do need as light as possible. 4. Take it easy on the trail. There's no sense in going so fast on the trail that you get to spend five hours sitting in camp doing nothing. The point of backpacking is to backpack, not camp. 5. Take it very easy on the hills. By the second day I was forcing myself to go very slowly up the hills, and I was amazed at how much it helped.

A. MY NAME: Michael Iles

E. ADVICE: Here is my item-by-item numbered advice to future Knobstone hikers. 1. take breaks whenever you feel like it 2. air your feet out 3. take a sleeping pad (I didn't, but everyone else sure seemed to enjoy theirs) 4. be nice to coach, he just hook you up with some snacks 5. look out for Paul, he loves to help you finish your food

A. MY NAME: Kyle Hufford

E. ADVICE: - Take at least 3 liters to carry water - Make sure you have enough fuel - GO LIGHTWEIGHT take the necessities keep you pack weight to under 25 dry, you will thank me later - Use bleach for your water - Take sugar free Kool-Aid to add flavor to the bleached water - Take some kind of food luxury item to look forward to breaks - TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET duck tape works wonders. As soon as you get a hot spot put tape on it. - Z-rest are great - Put your empty pack under your legs at night it works wonders to keep you warm. - Walk at a steady even pace - IT is not a race - Keep a positive attitude all of the time, the hike is mostly mental - Learn from this experience - Get closer to God on the hike

A. MY NAME: Kory Pence

E. ADVICE: Here is my item-by-item numbered advice to future Knobstone hikers. 1. It’s a mental game! Tell yourself you can do and you will. 2. Feet-wear worn in shoes, your feet will hurt but not as much. 3. Pack as light…it’s only a few days! 5. Pick a good walking stick, you don’t want to find out how strong it is going down a hill! 6. Buy the KRAFT mac and cheese! It’s worth the extra 30 cents! 7. Talk a sleeping matte! It’s your best friend! 8. Pace yourself to the challenge you need to finish. Both slow and fast 9. Have fun! 10. Take the time to listen to God and don’t do all the talking. Kory Pence Student Center Box 1031 4201 South Washington Street Marion, IN 46953 (765) 677-6660 kmpence@hotmail.com

2003 Knobstone Backpacking class reflections

Zachary S. Szmara---

V. ADVICE TO FUTURE HIKERS
1. Know what you are getting into.
2. Don’t guess the trail. If you guess you’re at the top of the hill, you’re probably not.
3. Pack light.

4. Take less food than you think you’ll need. You most likely will guess too high, and even if you run out, someone like me will pack way too much.
5. Realize that you learn from experience…you pitch the best tarp the day AFTER it rains.
6. Look up. All too often when you hike you are looking down or just at the trail. God has some great things in store if you just look.
7. Wear underwear. I know Coach D. says not to, but I love underwear and wish I had it.
8. Treat hot spots immediately. It’s cool to wear duct tape on your feet.
9. If you’re struggling and can’t go on…find people and hike with them. Talking, laughing, and just having company makes the hike a lot easier.
10. Make short term goals. Just make it that tree up there and focus just on that tree.
11. Don’t think of breaks as negative things like you are too out of shape to keep going. Think of them as what I like to call “creation breaks” -
God is making you tired so you can take a break and look around at His creation.
12. Remember that your mind is important. Your body follows whatever your mind tells it to do.
13. Don’t even have a little thought of giving up. Just the smallest thought of quitting will brew and breed itself into you finding ways to get
off the trail.
14. It’s not a race. Don’t try to race with the people you are hiking with. They are not competitors, they are friends. Hike with them…not
against them.
15. Be an encouragement. If you see someone struggling, help them. All it takes is a little smile or a joke to make them laugh and keep going.
16. Pray. Talking to God just makes the trail seem easier.
17. Share your experience with as many people as you can.

Lynette K. Bowsher--- Knobstone 3/03 45 miles

V. ADVICE TO FUTURE HIKERS

1. MENTAL, MENTAL, MENTAL-the whole trip is mental, be prepared

2. LIGHTWEIGHT: test the theory before you blow it off

3. HITCH-HIKE: plan what you want to do in town before you get picked up

4. FOOD: don’t overpack...it becomes community food after awhile anyway

5. SOCKS: Change them frequently...it really does help prevent blisters

6. CLOTHES: LAYER-UP,

7. WATER: DRINK lots...and treat it, if you so desire

8. TARP: don’t be afraid to use a tarp...even though it rained we still stayed more dry than we were wet

9. TAKE ADVANTAGE- enjoy your time on the trail (esp. if it gives you a break from classes!)

10. SPEND TIME- alone and with other people, spend time getting to know the other people with you

11. BE INTENTIONAL: similar to spending time with people...make it a point to get to know people you don’t know very well

12. ATTITUDE: “Your attitude is your final freedom”

13. BE CONSIDERATE: of your surroundings, of the people your with, and the people who helped you out along the way

14. MENTAL, MENTAL: once again, the whole trip is mental

15. TRAINING: depending on the length of your trip and the intensity...training is always a good idea, physically and mentally

KRISTIN MILLER (Not in credit class—guest on hike)

III. advice: even though it’s fun to hike fast, don’t be too competitive that you don’t take breaks. take lots of breaks...especially when there is a scenic vista. enjoy and respect the beauty you are hiking through. also, germs are overrated. don’t waste food fallen on the ground and share with people (but maybe use hand sanitizer!) and remember to thank God for his creation.

• Kristen Miller

Jodi Walizer --- Knobstone 3/03 45 miles
V. ADVICE TO FUTURE HIKERS
1. FOOD: eat, eat, and eat some more!
2. ATTITUDE: Do not go into the hike with a competitive attitude take time to stop and enjoy God’s creation, even if it means falling behind a bit!
4. As Drury says…PACK LITE!!!!
5. go into THINKING it will be hard but not impossible. DO NOT even entertain the thought of QUITTING!!!
6. CLOTHES: smart wool socks really are the best, if I were you I’d invest in some.
7. PREPARATION: prepare both mentally and physically! You don’t have to be super in shape but don’t sit around on your butt expecting to make it either!
8. HITCH HIKING: if you get the chance do it, it’s an experience! (just make sure to sit facing away from the cab of the truck…you’ll regret if you don’t)!
9. CLOTHES: bring gloves, enough said
10. WATER: drink as much as you can…don’t be afraid to drink stream water! If you don’t drink enough then your muscles will not work with your mind!
11. TENT: if you want to stay warm sleep in a two person tent with three people
12. PRAY, SING, TALK: whatever it takes to get your mind off the hill in front of you.
13. SLEEPING BAG: you will want as light and as compactable as you can get, if you don’t you’ll regret it!
14. RELATIONSHIPS: get to know people you didn’t know before. Heck if you can talk to you when you smell they are the best friendships to have!
15. SLEEP: when you are backpacking you have a lot of adrenaline to keep going but when you get back to campus be prepared to crash, unless you somehow managed to get great sleep on the trail…

Melissa Ruder (for those of you who didn’t know my real name!) -- Rudy

V. ADVICE TO FUTURE HIKERS

1. CLOTHES: layer, bring warm clothing. change your socks...liners are fine, but smartwool at night are nice. underwear...warm weather overrated and cold, why not, the extra layer is great! - hat is a must and gloves...if you are hiking hills, expect the wind!

2. GO LITE...enough said - you don’t really need all that you think you need

3. FOOD: eat lots of calories...if you want it, bring it...just makes sure calorie to ounce ratio is worth it!

4. SLEEP...is overrated! enjoy the company and don’t worry about the lack of sleep

5. TARP: take advantage of the less amount of weight and easy access, one night of rain will teach you the best way to pitch it

6. ATTITUDE: it is everything. if you say it sucks then it will! Don’t underestimate the power of your mind!!!!!

7. GOD: he is everywhere...seek him continually! pray continually

8. TIME: take time alone and with people

9. BE INTENTIONAL! - think about what you want to accomplish by doing the hike

10. HITCH-HIKE - it is a great experience and it will change how you think about people and other hitchhikers. if nothing else...the different food and meeting people like the godfather are worth it!

11. BREAKS! they are fun and when all you are doing is walking, why not take a break. rest your body and talk. it is amazing how the group grows.

12. NAPS: take advantage of naps outdoors, except if it is raining

13. HIKE AGAIN: don’t let this be your one and only experience, do it again!!!

14. FORGET SCHOOL: leave all your worries behind. you cares what you will encounter Monday when you get back. if it is really that much, make a list before you leave so that when you get back and you are sooooo mellowed out and tired that you don’t and can’t remember...you have your list to remind you. but, just let it all go and enjoy an experience that can, if you let it, change who you are and how you think!

15. WATER: don’t treat it...take a risk and see if you get sick. a good way to find out if you carry giardia...it is only 3 days and if you do get sick...maybe someone in the science building will want a sample stool! ha! ha!

EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING TO THE MAX! DON’T HOLD BACK ONLY BECAUSE IT IS 3 DAYS. GIVE OF YOURSELF TO OTHERS, YOU WILL BE AMAZED WHAT THEY GIVE BACK TO YOU!!!!!

Justin Gentry --- Knobstone 3/03 45 miles
V. ADVICE TO FUTURE HIKERS
1. WEATHER: Check the weather
2. MIND: Decide you are going to finish before you start
3. Promise yourself a snickers at the top of every hill (don’t worry your
body does not know you don’t have one)
4. Change your socks and check your feet often!!!
5. Layer your clothes
6. Bring a big variety of food...you get sick of stuff quick.
7. Take your time...don’t rush. This is a great hike. Take it in and let it
change you.
8. Listen to Ray...lighter is better
9. Make sure you bring lots of food (hehe)
10. Don’t make it a race. In this game winning is finishing with a good
attitude and a new perspective.
11. Pack warm gloves and a warm hat.
12. One key to staying warm is to keep moving and to keep the “furnace”
going i.e. keep eating and keep your torso and head warm.
13. Make the most of the people around you. Get to know them. You are
experiencing this together.
14. Nature is God’s sanctuary, be respectful and enjoy the view
15. Take ownership of the hike and give it everything you got.
________

Josh Gordon--- Knobstone 3/03 45 miles Yes I did hike

V. ADVICE TO FUTURE HIKERS

1, Get as light as you can. Many things you think you

need you really don’t.

2, Drink plenty of water.

3, Frequent stops, rest and relax.

4, Enjoy the scenery.

5, Forget school and work for awhile and just enjoy

the weekend.

6, Hike alone and spend some time with yourself and

God.

7, Remember to laugh.

8, Hitchhike at least once, it is an experience.

9, 2 t-shirts

10, Columbia sweatshirt

11, Golite rain paints

12, Marmot rain jacket

13, Light shoes

14, Remember to bring gloves and knit hat

15, 2 pair of socks

16, Keep your feet dry and use baby powder

Rusty Diskey  --- Knobstone 3/03   11 miles—This was too hard for me—I hope I still graduate

V. ADVICE TO FUTURE HIKERS

   1. CLOTHES: Bring warm clothing. Change your SOCKS...LINERS are great. UNDERWEAR...if you must wear underwear go light.

SHOES, wear a lightweight pair of shoes. HAT, a hat is nice to keep the cold air off your head.

GLOVES, with all the stickers gloves are great if you fall.

   2. Pack light: If you think you have too much you probably have WAY-TO-MUCH!  TRUST ME ON THIS ONE!!!!!!

 3.  Food: Pack some food but DON’T OVERDO IT!! Pack foods high in calories.

 4.  Sleep: Very important. Have a good night sleep to be rested for the next mornings hike.

   5. Use a tarp instead of a tent: The tent is just extra weight.

   6. While hiking remember teamwork: There is strength in numbers.

   7. Take the hike one mile at a time: If you look at the hike as a 40 mile hike you will be overwhelmed. Look at the hike one mile at a

time and never look back.

 8.  Take advantage of water ways: This will give you a chance to fill up and give you a good opportunity for a break.

 9.  Breaks: Take breaks often. Don’t try to do the whole hike in one day.

 10. Pace yourself: Ideal pace is one mile per hour. Again, don’t try to do the whole hike in one day.

 11. Enjoy your hike: Don’t just look at the hike as a chore. Enjoy nature and Gods great work. Talk with God while you are enjoying

wonderful world He created.

 12. Always have a map: Trails are not always marked. A map will help you if you get off the trail.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE I CAN GIVE YOU!!

 13. Know you capabilities: If you have had a recent surgery or injury and have any doubt about the hike... DON’T DO IT!!!

 14. This is worth saying twice: PACK LIGHT!! Imagine carrying a 5 year old child on your back up and down huge hills for 11 miles. TRUST

ME, I DID IT AND IT WAS NO FUN!!! AS I WRITE THIS PAPER, I HAVE A HEATING PAD ON MY BACK BECAUSE OF MY 100 POUND PACK. THAT IS WHAT IT SEEMS LIKE.

 15. Future husbands, ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOU WIFE!! Your wife always knows what is best for you. If you don’t believe me just ask you wife. If

she tells you not to go on a hike, do yourself a favor and listen.  The pain of this hike was nothing compared to the pain my wife

Inflicted on me for making her drive 4 hours to come get me. J

Stephen Schweickart--- Knobstone 3/03 45 miles

V. ADVICE TO FUTURE HIKERS

1. hike up hills flat footed (easier on calves)

2. the water is safe, drink lots of it.

3. make sure your food is lite

4. have lots of padding in your shoe soles

5. go #2 in the woods. it is a liberating experience

6. CLOTHES: Bring wool socks

7. Velcro shoes rock

8. long underwear

9. zip down quick dry shirt

10. a back up front tooth in case yours falls out

11. gloves

12. bandana

13. who needs a toothbrush anyhow

14. soap is for the weak

15. HEAD LAMP, so when Dr. Drury doesn’t wait an hour for you, you have

something to see with and not get lost while catching up to the group.

Lisa Wild --- Knobstone 3/03 45 miles

V. ADVICE TO FUTURE HIKERS

1. PACK LIGHT! The less weight on your back, the easier it is to hike up hills! 2. Spend time developing FRIENDSHIPS with others along the trail. 3. Take the opportunity to UNWIND and un-stress. 4. PRAY and talk with God while hiking. 5. JOURNAL during the hike. 6. FORGET life’s stresses for the moment. Leave work and school behind. 7. LOOK for signs of God all around you. 8. WORK OUT and get in shape before the hike. 9. Remember PHILIPPIANS 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 10. Always think POSITIVELY, YOU CAN DO IT! 11. Remember to LAUGH! 12. Spend break time reading your Bible and just LISTENING to God. 13. If there is a chance of RAIN, make sure your entire sleeping bag is under the tarp, otherwise your feet get really cold. 14. DRINK lots of water. 15. Keep the destination in mind, and KEEP ON pressing forward!

16. SHOES: wear tennis shoes, they are really light, and most likely your feet are used to wearing them which decreases your chances of developing blisters. 17. SOCKS: Bring at least two pairs of socks and change them frequently, because they will get wet! 18. HAT & GLOVES: Make sure to bring these so that you stay warm. Even if you don’t think it is going to get cold. These are great to have on the ridges when the wind blows as well as at night, when the temperature drops.

19. JACKET: Definitely bring a jacket. This will be your ongoing partner during the evenings and when you take breaks and stop walking.

Ryan Myles--- Knobstone 3/03 45 miles

V. ADVICE TO FUTURE HIKERS

1. run down hills, it’s fun

2. water is your friend, bleach is that thing you hate but need.

3. pack a good amount of snacks, but don’t forget meals....and don’t go dry with food

4. bring a couple socks cause they’re important.

5. leaves are just as good as toilet paper

6. bring something warm

7. take rests....even God rested

8. long underwear

9. synthetics were very nice in all weather, but especially when it was warm.

10. snickers, it satisfies

11. gloves

12. scope...a little bit......it’s really nice at the top of a hill early in the morning

13. anti-bacterial soap is nice, but somewhat overrated

14. walk alone for a while, it’s different......in a good way

15. head lamp, just in case

16. last but definitely not least......hitchhike....an amazing experience you will never forget...it’s not that scary thing your parents always said it was.

Burton Webb --- Knobstone 3/03 approximately 20 miles
V. ADVICE TO FUTURE HIKERS
1. Pack light

2. There is a fine balance between enough food and too much

3. Hiking poles are nice on long climbs, and great on long muddy descents

4. Watch for double blazes

5. Attack the hills

6. Prepare your mind!

7. Prepare your body!

8. Prepare your soul!

9. Look at nature

10. The hike IS a metaphor, find it and you find yourself.

Spring 2004 Backpacking Class

Rebecca Jean Petersen.

Trail Name: (just toyin' with it) Lemmy or Lemming, since that is how I felt for some of the hike

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Collect all the food you think you'll want to bring, then scrap about 1/3 of that--you cannot possibly eat it all!

2. Hiking with someone really gives you a lot of time to get to know them. Try to hike with everybody on the trip. It also makes the hills easier to maneuver when you have company.

3. Amble along. Really, I loved being in the back of the herd. You can do anything you want, as loudly as you like and there's nobody nearby to hear it.

Jason Roller -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Your pack can be as light as Coach’s!

2. Hike with everyone, don’t be in front or back the whole trip.

3. Take the steps slow, that way you can keep going at the top, no rush.

Mark Schmerse -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Do not give much consideration for a weather report. It is merrily a suggestion as to what will happen. But, be prepared for the worst.

2. Be Social and laugh, the trail is the best place to laugh! Thanks to everyone for helping that.

3. Take food that will make others in the group drool!! I didn’t and drooled.

Jessica Dvorak -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Bring a variety of "crap" food and "food-food." (ask Becky Peterson to make a menu out for you!) Anything you can add water to (rice, potatoes, etc) and eat cold is fair game.

2. Wear tennis shoes--ask Sheri Horst about her feet...contrary to popular belief, boots aren't hiker-friendly.

3. Pack light! Do you REALLY need to bring your whole pedicure set or those cute fuzzy slippers you got from Macy's? Odds are, you probably won't need most of what you think you need.

Joshua Keesling -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Pack light, and understand what light is not just less food, more quality of food.

2. It is not just your physical condition but you mental condition.

3. Have fun when hiking it is all about the journey, and the growth that comes from the trip.

Paul Kind -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. WHO – It is the people around you that make the trip. Laughter, stories, shared experiences, new faces, old friends…they all blend together to form the heart and soul of your trek.

2. HOW – Attitude! Make a commitment to be as positive and optimistic as you’ve ever been. It will maximize your efforts and build up those around you. Be the one who is encouraging others, even when you feel like you’re going to roll back down the hill!

3. WHY – Find the answer to this question on your hike: “Why do people backpack and what things can I learn from this?” I couldn’t begin to give them all away, but here are some teasers: metaphor to life, simplicity, beauty, pushing beyond limits, etc.

Rachel Telecsan -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR'S HIKERS:

1. Wear shoes that are a size to big for you.

2. Bring GOOD FOOD. Snickers, cheese, and cheetos are all good bets.

3.Laugh along the way...at everything. Talk too!

Regina Freeman-- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Pack what you think you need and then get rid of half of it

2. Take time to hike alone

3. Let yourself be pushed---in relationships, the physical task, and emotionally

Ryan Mead -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Go lite

2. Prepare your mind and body before

3. There will always be something wrong with the trail, so rather focus on the positives.

Todd Abell -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Do not underestimate the importance of lightweight hiking.

2. Walking bare foot in the mind was crucial to my success.

3. Carry a foam pad for provided warmth at night and resting during the day.

Cindy Ruder -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Be sure to go light with back pack, tarp & sleeping bag

2. Prepare in advance physically

3. Don't take too much food (it's extra weight).

Joe Ruder-- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Pack light and allow God to travel with you, he weighs zero ounces.

2. Have fun and enjoy every aspect of the trail, both hard and easy parts. It is all in your mind and most people who go need only to tell their body to obey and it will respond. In order for the "mind over body" to work you must discipline your body before you leave mile zero.

3. Take some "healthy" food along and also eat whatever else you want.

Melynda Gosselin -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days

I THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Go Lite!

2. Baby your feet!

3. Enjoy the time you have getting to know new people

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Take lightweight method seriously.

2. Get to know your fellow hikers.

3. Enjoy the walking... that's what it's all about!

2005 Backpacking class walks Knobstone in the rain…

Kevin Wright

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Once you have your food ready to pack, take away a 1/4 of it- This is a generally good rule of thumb for combating the tendency to take way more food than you will actually need. I found that I packed what I considered "light" and still had a good portion of food left by the end of the trail. Other people who packed much heavier food supplies were unfortunate to have to carry that much more extra weight.

2. Feel the trail- When we hiked at night, often times the best way to deal with the lack of visual clarity was to simply trust our feet. You can feel how the grade, consistency and texture of the trail after a while. Trust your feet, they become your second pair of eyes when things get dark outside.

3. New Balance 407's- I have worn various brands of shoes on the trail but I have never been happier with any show other than New Balances. I work a "broken in" pair of New Balance 407's on this trail and was amazed at how well they performed. Not only did I avoid blisters, I hardly had any "hot spots" on my feet. 407's might not work for your feet but a good pair of NB shoes are perfect for any trail. Also, I tend to have heel problems and need extra cushioning. Gel pad inserts can be bought at Wal-Mart, only cost 4 dollars, and will add miles to your feet-life.

David Mierau

II. THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Rest when your feet tell you to, not the mile markers. I didn’t get the whole concept of resting every four miles, or whatever particular number people had in their head. If your body is telling you to rest, then just sit down for a little while and take a break. It’s not a trail sin, and it doesn’t mean you’re a wimp. I promise.

2. Pack light. This one is pretty obvious, but so crucial to an enjoyable hike. Ray Jardine does a way better job of explaining the “why’s” and “how’s” then I ever could in his book Beyond Backpacking. Read it. Do it.

3. Keep it simple. Bring equipment that is easy to set up and easy to put away. Bring food that is easy to make and not a hassle to clean up after. Better yet, just bring pre-made dry food like trail mix or string cheese that takes little to no effort to enjoy.

“Justin 'Squirrel' Bell”

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Light is right. I don't care what some people say, a few extra pounds may not feel like much when you first put on your pack, but by the time you have hiked 14 miles, every once counts. I made the mistake of bringing WAY too much food, I needed about a quarter of what I brought, and I had to carry a lot of it the whole time. If other people wouldn't have ate most my food, I would have really been hurting.

2. Bring ibuprofen. Many of you probably don't think you will need it, but it is something you very well may want to have before you are done. If you twist an ankle or a knee, or just plain get sore, you will want something to take the edge off, I promise. There is a reason it is sometimes called "vitamin I".

3. Don't be afraid to hike alone. Other than the fact that I walked a little over a mile in a giant circle because I got "lost," the times when I hiked alone were the most rewarding. It allows you to focus on things that you don't always get to focus on when you are in the grind at school. God's creation is beautiful, and it lets you see his magnificent work more clearly when you aren't distracted. Don't avoid others, but don't worry if you are going to be left behind for a few hours.

Troy Young

II Four PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. The most important thing to do is pray. I prayed a whole lot while on the trail for every need. I prayed for pure water cause I didn’t use bleach or any other purifier, I prayed for energy when I had none, I prayed for healing cause pretty much every joint in my body has been messed up from high school football, and I prayed for safety cause I’m very accident prone and get hurt doing anything. I’m very grateful for God answering all my prayers and enabling me to do what I’ve never expected to do in my life and I know I couldn’t do that on my own strength.

2. Want to do it. If you’re not excited about going then it’s going to be a lot harder but if you’re excited it will be fun no matter what happens such as if it rains or if you have to hike for about 19 hours in one day and cover about 32 miles.

3. Don’t worry about having the best equipment make the best of what you have and have a good time with it. You’ll learn how to make do with what you have or don’t have.

4. Take care of your body. Try to eat a lot to get the energy you need and when you stop sit down and rest cause even if you’re not tired and you’ll be glad toward the end.

Chris Nei

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Bring TP. By the way Eric, Squirrel and I stole yours. How were the leaves? Revenge is sweet!

2. Attitude is everything. It is going to be a challenging hike, but if you keep a good attitude it makes it a lot more fun for everyone, including yourself.

3. Get to know your fellow hikers. I wish I would have done more of this, but I did get to know some great people better.

Joel Baker

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Energy first. Bring food that will supply you enough energy to get through a full day of hiking. Trail mix, granola and peanut butter are good staple foods. I also highly recommend breakfast shakes from slimfast or carnation. And bring chocolate because it’s a huge moral booster.

2. Feet second. Invest in a good pair of sneaks or at the very least, new insoles. If your feet aren’t hurting the trip will actually be enjoyable instead of “how many more miles.”

3. Positive attitude third. Stay positive going up knob after knob and going down trails that don’t lead anywhere. Never say can’t or won’t and you will get there.

Christy Sallee

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Prepare. Afew extra trips to the gym in the weeks leading up to the trip will be a great benifit when you tackle the steep hills.

2. Keep going! Never give up! Even if you are sure you can't take another step, press on. Take a break. Ask for help. Eat. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other! You will make it if you keep going!

3. Eat well. Bring peanut butter, nuts, cheese. and meat. Don't make the mistake of packing only carbohydrates. If you eat well both your mind and body will respond better.

Kara Watson

I THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Leave behind any luxuries: I brought along a few things that I assumed I would need like lotion, contact solution, and gauze and I didn't use a single one of them. Take the bare essentials and you will be perfectly fine for this weekend hike.

2. Variation of snacks Try to bring small snack bags of different kinds of food like cereal, jerky, trail mix, etc. It was nice to have something different for every stop or meal. I found that I craved one thing one day and something completely different the next day.

3. Don't rush. Take some time while your hiking and tell yourself to slow down (for some of you, you may be going slow enough :-), enjoy God's creation around you and the fellowship of the hiking partners beside you.

Eric Dubachil

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Take it one step at a time. Too often someone will look at a hill and consider it almost impossible because they see it as one huge mountain. However, I know the only way I got up some of those huge knobs was because I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. This was a test of discipline dedication to me.

2. Dispense with the pseudo needs. Being way too prepared usually hinders you with too much weight. An extra pair of underwear-unneeded. Toilet paper-unneeded; leaves do just fine. (Plus, with brown leaves, if you can't see what's on it, it must not be there-timesaver.) Go with Drury on this-start from nothing and think of things you only really need.

3. What an opportunity for communion with God. Often times in the Bible, God will speak most clearly to those who are in His creation, in the wild, while in solitude. If you do not sense a glimse of our Lord's hugeness in such a context as that, find time to readjust your focus. Job says God speaks in wirlwinds. To encounter a trail that sometimes feel unbeatable is in a way, a wirlwind that God would love to use as a means to produce in you a trusting character.

Juli “stealth” Neff

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

Appreciate God’s Artwork! Ok, some might make fun of me here and say it’s my number one point just cause I’m a borderline treehugger, but it is so important for everyone to do this. My concept of God is strengthened and broadened every time I stop and take in the beauty that is outside. Let it happen!
Allow Your Limits to be Tested! This doesn’t mean you should do a 31 mile day like some crazy people might do… but I strongly believe that the good old Cross-Country principles about pushing yourself beyond your abilities are golden. And… when and if you ever have kids… make sure they run cross-country. I keep noticing how the lessons I learned there have helped me push my limits and succeed in all sorts of ways. Ok, I’m done with my little plug.
Find the Right Foods- You know how pregnant women seem to crave odd foods during their pregnancy? I think there are certain “trail foods” that for some reason you crave while hiking. I wish I would have kept better track of those cravings during the grand canyon hike so I would have been more prepared for this one because there is only so much trail mix that I can handle…

Examples for me: Pudding that comes in a squeezy tube… yummmmm… bread (like pita bread or tortilla wraps)… Drury’s cheetos… Kara’s corn pops… and candy bars? Actually I found myself giving those away. Pay attention to your cravings.

Drew Kjeldsen

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Food is worth it. A lot of weight (reasonable Justin, reasonable) in food isn't such a bad thing. As long as you eat well and eat often you'll have plenty of energy- and the more you eat, the lighter your pack gets. If you plan properly, you should have no food left at the end of the trip, and you're pack will feel like it weighs nothing at all.

2. Challenge your mind. See your opportunities to overcome struggle. With every thought of weakness, envision yourself as something brave and heroic, and conquer the moment. Don't get caught up in a defeated mindset, telling yourself that you're so tired and that what you are doing is so hard. It may be, but you might find yourself saying that just because "isn't it supposed to be?"

3. Bring a lighter. Everyone loves a campfire. And it may not me minimalist and hardcore to like sitting around a fire at night, but I like it. It does something for morale, let alone the relationship building that a fire affords.

Loren Hubbard

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Light Makes Right. Or at least a lot more enjoyable. Ray's the man on this one and Coach has some great ideas too. Listen to the experienced hikers and make your hike a lot easier.

2. Walk like you're barefoot. This one is hard to realize until its too late, but the more you tromp around on all the sticks and rocks you find, the more damage each step does to your feet. Watch where you walk and your feet will thank you.

3. Enjoy your surroundings. Take in all of God's amazing creation that you can, but don't forget to enjoy the simplicity of life and the break from "civilization."

Emily Smith

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Stay Positive. Your attitude and mindset can carry you through when your body cannot. Keep a smile on your face and be considerate of those around you too. They also deserve your best.

2. Take Care of you Feet! The trail covers 45 miles and your feet are going to feel every part of it. Watch for hot spots and stop the problem before it progresses. Sleep with your feet up the hill at night or on your pack.

3. Go light as Possible. Remember when you are packing that you will have to carry whatever you bring. Pack food that is light and nutritious .

Megan Weaver

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Think Positive. I think I can....I think I can...I know I can... Think positive, keep your head up, have no doubt, pray, and you're already half way there. You can do it!

2. Journey. Just enjoy being in nature, in the sun (or rain:), the quietness, the fun people you get to hike with, and laugh a lot! It's great-fun hitting those mile markers (especially that #45), but take in the lovely journey as you go, and try not to focus on the destination as much as how much fun you can have in getting there.

3. Push Yourself. Keep going hard, you'll be glad you did! Pray. Sing. Talk. Laugh. Push your limits and then some more, but do give you and your feet little breaks (you'll deserve it)!

Adam Strauser

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. New Soles- I wore old New Balance 704’s, which did well throughout most of the hike. However, it would have been REALLY nice to have new soles the last five or six miles. I wish I would have paid the extra ten bucks to be “gellin.”

2. Hike with different people- Spice it up a little bit and hike with different people. Since you hike pretty much the whole day, there is a lot of quality time to get to know different people who you don’t know. It really enriched the experience getting to hike with people who had different goals and outlooks on the hike, life, etc. By the way, if you are in pain, hike with an encouraging person (Dave) and the hike will go much better! ;)

3. Bring ear plugs- After the first day of hiking, it’s not as easy to sleep as you think. Bring ear plugs just in case your tarp mate is a deep or loud snorer. Remember that rest is crucial on this trip so do all you can to make sure you can get a decent night’s sleep. Also, bring Tylenol PM!

Red River Gorge Hike -- October 14-16, 2005

Part of the Fal 2005 class did a weekend on part of the Sheltowee Trace trail in Kentucky at the Red River Gorge. We had a wonderful time as you will see from reading the following reflections. We started Friday afternoon and drive the 5 hours to the trailhead, met another student from Asbury who went with us, and hiked into the dark Friday night. Then we hiked a Loooooooong day Saturday (until after dark again) and finished up on Sunday then drive back to Marion. If you decide to take this hike see the planning map in Coach D’s office. There is also a discussion board on the Sheltowee Trace Trail. We hiked part of our hike on that trail but pieced together a sorta’ loop for our hike. You’ll love this class and this (or any other) hike! And if you take our hike—make sure you do the rope swing!

Jake Tillett

I THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Decide to have fun. Don’t let yourself buy into the lie that things are going to be SO tough. Decide that you are going to enjoy yourself, and treat each new challenge as a chance to overcome.

2. Drink Water. Staying hydrated makes you feel so much better while hiking. It also improves your appetite.

3. Experiment. If this is your first hike or your tenth, use it as an opportunity to try new methods, packing styles, gear, etc. Find out what will work for you in the future. After all, it is only a weekend, and you can live through almost anything for a short time.

Danika Davies

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Have a good attitude. A lot of previous hikers had given this advice when I read hiking logs for this class, but it really is true. I found myself getting down one night, and I realize now that I could have enjoyed it so much more if I just had a better outlook. It really is a wonderful experience, but it is very difficult and mentally tiring. Do anything you can to keep the attitude positive- memorize scripture, pray, pause and take a breather, tell the hikers around you and have them pray for you, ect.

2. Have an hour of silence during the hike. This was one of my favorite most cherished times of this past weekend. I loved that time in nature, soaking it in. It was so peaceful and filling to my soul! I am sure it would do the same for yours.

3. Go ahead and take the toothbrush!. Let me tell you, I got mocked for taking my toothbrush and toothpaste, but I am so glad that I did. If I couldn’t clean anything else, at least I had a fresh mouth! It really refreshed me and I am glad that I listened to myself and brought it. I guess that goes for anything…you have your own personality. There are things that you will really want and others will not (and probably Ray won’t tell you to bring it either). Take the things you will need. You can’t listen to everyone else on everything!

Rachel Unseth

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Go ready to learn. God will have lots to show you about him, yourself and those you hike alongside of.

2. Take time to take in the sights. Every once in a while we’d veer off the trail to get out on some outcropping of rock and get a breathtaking view.

3. Humility is appreciated on such a trip. I learned lots about leaning on the body of Christ and the quiet-servant and encouraging spirits in the group.

Sheila Yoder

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Wear tennis shoes. I have hiked many times in my high-quality hiking boots that I bought specifically for long backpacking trips. I had been told that hiking boots were the only thing that would hold up on trails. Well, I learned that is not necessarily true. My tennis shoes were light-weight and dried exceedingly fast when the inevitable wetness got in them. My feet did not feel like lead as they often do; I doubt I will ever go back to boots.

2. Take cheese and crackers—the durable kind of crackers. I love trail mix, and I love granola bars, but what makes me actually look forward to eating was the cheese and Triscuits I took. Cheese will keep despite not being refrigerated, and it tastes wonderful.

3. If you have the chance to jump into a river, do it. I am not particularly fond of hiking wet, and when faced with the idea of jumping into an ice-cold river, I almost declined. However, the cold water on my feet gave them what was needed to hike late into the night, and the jump got my adrenaline pumping. Take advantage of every moment; it is very unlikely that you will regret it.

Sharla Dillavou

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

When hiking behind someone, be sure to watch out for branches that they may have moved out of the way so they don’t swing back and hit you. The first night, we were hiking in the dark by the light of our headlamps. The person in front of me had moved a branch out of their way and when they let go it hit me in the face. It wouldn’t have been so bad except that it was a thorn bush branch and I got a thorn stuck in my lip. My trail name changed from “Gimpy” (I had sprained my ankle a week before the trip) to “Prickle”.
Sleep with your head going uphill. (to the tune of “Pop the Magic Dragon”)… Puff the big huge eyeball, was found on my head, because I listened to Ray Jardine when I layed down for bed…. Needless to say, it’s great to prop your feet up while you sleep, but don’t sleep with your head going down even a slight decline. I woke up with the puffiest eyes I’ve ever had and my loving friends reminded me of it all day long. My trail name now merged to “Prickle Puff”. J
Live it up. Make the most of your trip and have an incredible time! Hike with friends, take in the beauty of God’s creation, stretch yourself, make memories, be crazy, and get out of your comfort zone.

Knobstone 0-25 Hike -- October 21-23, 2005

Our group backpacked the first 25 miles of the Knobstone Trail in southern Indiana for our hike. We left Marion at 7AM and started hiking at mile zero Friday morning about 11AM and walked in the damp fog until it started raining strongly about the time we camped at mile 10. We went to bed at 5:30 and slept until 7AM the next morning. It rained all night but by morning it cleared and we had a wonderfully clear day all Saturday and that evening the highlight of the trip—a long campfire evening (we stayed up until nine o’clock—“hiker midnight”!) It started raining again all night and the next day was sopping wet and cold (40 degrees) and we hiked to mile 25 where we got picked up by pre-arrangement. (However two of our girls decided to hike on the 6 more miles to Elk Creek Lake—a HARD section of trail). Wonderful trip but oh my—the Knobstone Trail is a killer!

Renee Dalbey

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Sleep dry. My first night was a very cold night because I was still wet from sweat and rain. Save at least one shirt to be dry and wear it at night, even if it is thinner, it will be way better than a wet one. I learned that lesson and had a much better second night.

2. Protect your feet. Walk like you are barefoot, especially on the downhill treks. If you step lighter and try to avoid the acorns and stumps, your feet will greatly appreciate it. And always air out your feet at the rest stops, taking the extra time to care for your feet is definitely worth it.

3. Don’t always rush. Take some time to go slow and observe everything around you. Enjoy God’s creation and clear your mind. Concentrate on all of God’s natural beauty he has given you.

Lesley Jamieson

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Prepare, prepare, prepare. I can’t say it enough. Prepare your body, prepare your mind, prepare for any and all weather conditions, prepare to take care of your feet, and buy the right gear and clothing. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to bring enough water. Whoops.

2. Bring a variety of food…I wish I had brought more to choose from. It got really boring eating trail mix and granola bars.

3. It’s ok to be last. I spent a majority of the weekend bringing up the rear…sorry anyone who got sick of waiting for me…but it was better than killing myself just for the sake of making good time.

Kelly Heiple

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Don’t Race & Keep Mental Sanity. There is so much of Gods creation to enjoy why rush it? Plus if you do you will get wiped out in no time, it doesn’t matter what shape you are in. Think about the children’s story of the ‘Turtle and the Hare’ slow and steady, slow and steady. Walk yourself through the miles say “ok I just passed mile 22 one more till mile 23” keep a shorter goal in your mind and just keep at it, if you don’t have the right mind set the KT will kick your butt, chew you up swallow and then spit you back up at the nearest road making you done before you really are.

2. Keep Dry. This means everything! Keep socks and sneakers as dry as you can and air them out on breaks. If you get a nice sunny day tie anything you can to the outside of your pack, let it dry and that way you’ll always have something dry to wear, walking in the rain in already wet clothes is more miserable then starting out dry and getting wet. Another thing I didn’t do, but should have was to take an extra set of clothes to leave in the vehicle, that way is you are soaked coming off the trail you can put the dry ones on and be warm all the way home instead of wet like me.

3. Food = weight. I usually eat quite a bit, but when you are on the trail you just don’t eat that much. I took more then I needed and had to carry the extra weight. I would recommend a few pieces of beef jerky, 1-2 zone perfect protein bars for each day, a few pudding packs are great for supper and if you are not going out for more then two-three days I would suggest one apple per night. The extra weight is well worth it once you have had a long day and bite into a juicy filled piece of fresh fruit!

Seth Wyncott

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Take care of your feet. It starts with footwear; make sure you wear a good pair of shoes, especially a pair with good traction for some of the climbs and descents (I wore New Balances and loved them!), Socks are also very important, I wore a pair of Smartwool hikers the whole weekend and they were great.

2. Its all mental. While walking just focus on one step at a time, and just keep pushing. The greatest part of the battle is getting the right mentality, once you get that down you’ll enjoy every moment of the trip.

3. Pack light. I did my best to lighten my load by taking just enough for this weekend and it was so helpful. Ray Jardine is genius. Pack light and your body will thank you.

Belonn Scheuerell

II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Pack Light. Remember as you are packing for this trip that you are going to live simply for a few days, so pack that way. The only clothes you need are the ones you’re wearing, plus a rain jacket (trust me, a very smart idea since almost our entire trip was wet), two pairs of socks, a hat, and gloves. Don’t worry about getting dirty, smelly, or sweaty, everyone does and that is the fun of the trip. You can always take off a sweater or jacket if need be. In addition, don’t forget the food, all you’ll really need is a large plastic Ziploc bag full of yummy munchies.

2. Take care of your feet. Walk as though you are barefoot, especially when going downhill. It may be easier to step hard with all your weight initially, but your feet will pay later. Also, at every break time make sure to air out your feet or elevate them. Try to keep weight off of them whenever possible. Remember that you need your feet to take you everywhere and through everything, so they need to be strong and ready for the challenge!

3. Breathe and pace yourself. When hiking, remember to pace yourself and observe everything around you. See God’s beauty, observe, enjoy. In addition, when hiking at a faster pace you may find yourself slowing down dramatically when going up hill, resulting in loss of breath control. Hiking up the knobs are challenging and it is important to make sure you maintain good steady breathing in order to accomplish the climbs.

Your first-last name here this size/color

THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:

1. Advice. Eat decently before you go to sleep so you can rest comfortably.

2. Advice. Stretch when you have the opportunity. Most people aren’t used to hiking a lot and need to stretch to keep from cramping.

3. Advice. Don’t take too much food. I took just enough for a good meal and some snacks and I was fine.