BACKPACKING
CLASS REFLECTIONS-- 2002
SPRING 2002 KNOBSTONE HIKE-- BACKPACKING
CLASS
A. MY NAME: Bobby Fannin
B. MY PREVIOUS BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE:
None
C. TRAIL DATA: Knobstone, March 28
to April 1, 2002
D. REFLECTION: This was my first
backpacking trip ever. I didn't know what to expect and Coach was careful not
to spoil the newness of the experience by letting us make a few mistakes.
That's great though. The past four days have caused me to mature mentally,
psychologically, physically, socially, spiritually, and several other “alleys.”
Seriously I truly connected with myself with God and nature and others during
this trip. My fiancé even commented on how much more “alive” I was after the
trip. I did so much listening to God during my time on the trails. There were
times when thoughts of my fiancé and thoughts of Christ were the only things
that pushed me over the knobs. I felt totally self-reliant and so dependent at
the same time in a way that I never have before in my life. The paradox of
independent- dependence came true for me this trip. This will be a milestone in
my life. I made deeper commitments to God and surrendered my heart even more to
Christ’s calling on my life. I loved cooking for myself so much that I wished I
had some leftover few to make my lunch Tuesday. Most of the time I tried to
hike by myself but I was part of a few rotten conversations with Paul Kind
around the campfire the last night!
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
B. MY PREVIOUS BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE:
None
C. TRAIL DATA: (name of Trail, miles
hiked dates) Knobstone Trail, 45+ miles, 3/28-4/1
D. REFLECTION: (My
"journaling" about the hike as I recall it including a
reflection on some of the people I got to know that I camped and hiked with).
*This was the hardest thing I have ever done, physically. There were a few
times with my legs hurting and my shoulders aching, when I just asked myself,
"What in the world am I doing here??" But looking back now, I can see
that it was beneficial for me in many ways. When you have that much time to
think, you can't help but learn things about yourself and evaluate your life.
It was interesting being one of only two girls. Not that I was expecting the
guys to be like, "Oh, let me carry that heavy backpack for you!" But
it was cool to be equal and accomplish the same things as a bunch of guys who are
much stronger than I am. (Although I think my mother was mortified that I
pushed the equality thing as far as to demonstrate my belching ability.) I
loved meeting everyone and talking around the campfire. I saw a little more of
Paul than I expected (when backpacking with girls, it might be a good idea to
travel a little further than 10 feet off the trail!), and definitely
"heard" more of him and Mark sitting around that campfire (guess I'm
glad you guys felt comfortable enough to just let it all go). All in all, it was
a great experience and I'm glad I went. I learned a lot about myself and my
ability to push myself, in spite of pain, to reach a goal. Thanks Mary, for
being a great tent-mate & friend (as usual)...Thanks Coach D, for giving me
this opportunity, for your encouragement, and for the pizza...Thanks Kory, for
the Snickers Bar (Coach & Matt, too)....Thanks Michael, for being weird and
making me laugh....Thanks Matt, for the shirt.....Thanks Mark and Paul, for the
marshmallows and Pixy Stix....Thanks Paul, for not being too much of a guy to
smell like Cucumbers! Thanks everyone, for a great trip!
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
B. MY PREVIOUS
BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE: The Knobstone trail last year, The AT through the Smokies,
3 day weekend in Smokies, a week in New Mexico, numerous other weekend
adventures.
C. TRAIL DATA: (name of Trail, miles hiked dates)
The Knobstone Trail, Hiked South to North (Deam Lake to Delaney Park). Thurs
day night March 28- Mon April 1. Total
of 45 miles hiked.
D. REFLECTION: (My "journaling" about
the hike as I recall it including a reflection on some of the people I got to
know that I camped and hiked with).
Let me rethink what I did on the hike: I'm walking… it's dark… sleep… I'm walking…
walking… it's sunny… still walking… going up now… down… up… down… up… up… down…
up… up… down… down… up again… it's raining now… hitch to town… sleep… Everyone
left already… Hey I found my Cheetos! I'm walking again… licking my fingers…
walking still… long break… walking some more… (Let's skip to the end) I'm walking… It's sunny… break… I'm eating
all my food… I'm walking… close to the end now… Hey a Cheeto!! Mmmm… walk some more…
hey we're done! Let's get Pizza!!
What an awesome
hike! Everyone in the group was a great
hiker. The laughter was loud and the
sleep was early. The community was tight
and I loved passing the pot (of food) around the circle. I enjoyed the conversation of everyone on the
trail and I'll never be able to see you on campus without thinking back to the
Knobstone. There is no better way to
leave school behind and celebrate Easter than on the trail. Lot's of time for meditating about Easter
events, pushing your body physically, and getting lots of rest. I'd give extra credit to Dustin and Kyle for
taking that time away from their wives.
And I thank Luke for letting me know our friend Judy Jones was stroking
a revolver while I was talking to her.
On the trail when I was asked if I was a "Thru-Hiker" this is
the only time I've been able to say, "Yes."
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
B. MY PREVIOUS
BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE: none
C. TRAIL DATA: March 28- April 1 Knobstone Trail,
Southern Indiana, 45 miles
D. REFLECTION: This is definitely one of the most
difficult things that I've done. When I signed up for the course, I never
thought about how challenging it was going to be. But, I soon learned. I found
myself in constant conversation with God.(especially up the hills) Most of the
time was spent in solitude. Even if I was walking with someone, we were silent
most of the time. I felt that this was very good for me because it gave me time
to reflect on my life, and to talk to God about all of my struggles, fears, and
doubts. I enjoyed the times around the campfire, just laughing about stupid
things. I especially enjoyed Sunday evening at our camp: Kerri and I
desperately trying to get clean and making the whole camp smell like watermelon
and powder. That was a fun night, laughing, eating pixie sticks, trying to
avoid various gastric noises (Mark and Paul.) Kerri was an encouragement and
good tent mate. We had fun rapping DC Talk tunes to pass time. Michael's
encouragement kept me going and I am thankful that he sacrificed his pride, and
walked with me, to make sure I was ok, even when he could've went so much
faster. Dr. Drury's care and constant positive attitude was vital in my
completion of this trail. Thanks guys! 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
B. MY PREVIOUS
BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE: Two separate 3 day excursions to the Smoky Mountains, one Knobstone
hike, a week in Glacier National Park, and a thru-hike of the Pinhoti Trail in
Alabama.
C. TRAIL DATA: We hiked the Knobstone, all 45+
miles, on March 28-April 1.
D. REFLECTION: This trip confirmed to me that
backpacking is just a wonderful form of living. Great exercise, great food, and
plentiful rest all are combined together in a fantastic way. Although I have to
be honest here and say that not every knob was a piece of cake, all in all I
felt like the trip was very relaxing. I'd love to catalog some of the more
notable memories here: -Marcelo the Phantom Hiker -Kerry Kind going down hard
Thursday night -Wildlife on the trail being primarily canines -The 12-3 silent
hours -Hitching to the South Boston Opry -Everyone always chasing Coach in the
mornings -Seemingly thousands of creek crossings -Going back for Dustin, only
to discover his "slow and steady" philosophy -Pushing for extra
mileage on Saturday -God's provision of Cheetos for Mark -Hearing the
play-by-play on the IU victory -Roasting mallows around the fire -Laughing
right alongside our friend the fisherman -Waking up from a nap and discovering
some Boy Scouts and an Amish carriage instead of my fellow hikers -Muddy
trails! -Goodies delivered from Salem...despite revolvers being involved -Kory
discovering where the mouse was -Baths in the river -Soaking up the sun at
Delaney -Pizza on Coach -Getting to share it all with my dad
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.
Status: SPRING 2002 KNOBSTONE HIKE-- BACKPACKING CLASS
SPRING 2002 KNOBSTONE HIKE-- BACKPACKING CLASS
A. MY NAME: Matt Carder
B. MY PREVIOUS
BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE: Absolutely none…well, a few day hikes, but without packs.
C. TRAIL DATA (name of
Trail, miles hiked dates): The Knobstone Trail. I hiked 45 miles through some pretty tough hills.
D. REFLECTION: (My "journaling" about
the hike as I recall it including a reflection on some of the people I got to
know that I camped and hiked with): This was truly a great experience. I don’t
think that I have ever done something this difficult before. Where do I begin?
I loved pretty much everything about the hike: Being outside. All of the quiet
time to think and reflect. The challenge of it. The simplicity of my purpose
(just walk, nothing else). How I looked forward to the simplest things (like
eating). When I stop to think about it, so much of hiking applies to life. For
example, one of Coach’s practices was to just get up in the morning and leave.
Nothing else-just get going. Otherwise, you can tend to dink around camp. Like
most things in life, the toughest part is just getting started (so you might as
well get it over with)! Also, hiking teaches us to learn from the mistakes of
others. We’re all going to make mistakes in life, but why make the same ones as
the people before you? Actually, Paul and Mark and I thought of at least 30
parallels to everyday life that can be drawn from the lessons from the trail.
It was fun. For me, probably the greatest part about this trip was coming away
from it with the feeling that I could really do this on my own. Yeah, I still
have plenty to learn, but I can do this again whenever I want to! At least from
this vantage point, I can really see hiking as a regular part of my life. I
don’t know how many times since we’ve been back that I’ve wished that I were on
the trail again. The funniest moment: Mark walks over a dead mouse laying on
the trail. He comments about it. I’m behind Mark and so I hesitate briefly to
admire the mouse before continuing on. Kory is right behind us. He hears us
mention the mouse and when he gets to the spot where it was laying he says,
“Hey guys, where is it?” I turn around and…the mouse is gone! Kory was standing
directly on top of it!! I’m telling you, if you could have seen Kory when we
told him where it was. Even when I’m by myself, I still laugh out loud just
thinking about it.
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
B. MY PREVIOUS
BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE: 4 ten-day trips to Isle Royale, Michigan; one week long hike at
Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico
C. TRAIL DATA: (name of Trail, miles hiked dates): Knobstone Trail - 47 miles,
March 28 through April 1
D. REFLECTION: (My "journaling" about
the hike as I recall it including a reflection on some of the people I got to
know that I camped and hiked with): What a great trail. I have never before
hiked as many miles in so short a time on such rough terrain, but I felt
physically better than I have on any previous hike. Making my pack lighter and
setting a moderate pace made all the difference. The weather was excellent, the
water was plentiful (too plentiful in some cases), and the company was great. I
don't remember hearing anybody complain once. I also enjoyed hitchhiking for
the first time -- it's an experience that everyone should probably try once
(although I hope that not everyone has to ride with a woman who keeps a
revolver in the passenger's seat). Take full advantage of the opportunities
offered by the trail. Yes, there were some blisters, and yes, there were some
sore muscles, but I think they were well worth it.
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
B. MY PREVIOUS BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE: none
C. TRAIL DATA: (name of Trail, miles hiked dates) Knobstone Trail, 45+ miles,
March 28-April 1
D. REFLECTION: (My "journaling" about
the hike as I recall it including a reflection on some of the people I got to
know that I camped and hiked with). well, I didn’t know if I’d be able to do
it, but I did, and I take extra pleasure in the fact I put no effort whatsoever
into getting into shape before we left. the first day I hiked with Kory and by
myself a lot, and the rest of the days I hiked with Mary a lot (who is now my
fiancé!) it was intense, but I enjoyed it. its also good to know that even
though Mary saw and smelled me at my worst, she still agreed to marry me. its
too bad we couldn't talk her into getting married on the trail coach, but hey,
there’s always next year (right Mary?)
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
B. MY PREVIOUS
BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE: Weekend trips.
C. TRAIL DATA: (name
of Trail, miles hiked dates) Knobstone/"Mudstone" trail. 45 miles,
3/28/02-4/1/02
D. REFLECTION: In the beginning there were many
factors that led to negative thoughts. First off it snowed a few inches the
Mon. before we left, second it was raining and nasty on the way down, and third
we read all of the horror stories from the year before on the way down. So it
was a real struggle to keep positive at first. However, God is great because
when we arrived we had wonderful weather and even hiked an extra mile because
it was so nice. Friday: This day by far was the toughest for two reasons, I did
not know what to expect and because in terms of the miles it is some of the
roughest. I think that the Good Friday silence walk really did a great job at
distracting. Because I was trying to be in reverence to Jesus Christ I did not
notice the hike as much. This was a great time of worship to walk for 3 hours
in silence. Saturday was an easy day that let itself to getting to know a few
more people. I enjoyed my hikes with Mr. Kind, Mike, Coach, Cory, and Paul. (I
just kept switching all day). We made great time so we hiked a few extra miles
that turned out to be pretty tough in comparison to the ones we had already
done that day. That night we had a really good time in fellowship eating and
around the campfire. I will never forget listening to the IU final four game on
a little radio and giving everyone else the play by play. Thanks Paul and Mark
for the marshmallows we roasted that night. Sun. for me was the hardest
mentally. I had hurt my knee and every hill was a struggle to get up and down.
The only reason I completed Sundays hike was Jesus and the strength I found in
him. We also had a little Easter service, Matt, Coach, Cory, and Mark where we
from memory retold resurrection stories. That night we again had a great time
around the campfire and thanks to coach had some great snacks (also thanks to
Luke and Mark for hitching to town to buy the snacks). Mon. came not too soon.
I was determined to finish so I just walked that day until I finished. Mon was
a nice easy day and so the walk was very enjoyable. However, it was a great
feeling to finish. Pizza Hut was a nice treat (thanks coach) and I have never
seen 3 pizzas eaten so quickly. The trip was a real challenge but I am thankful
to have had the opportunity to participate with such a great group of people.
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
B. MY PREVIOUS
BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE: None
C. TRAIL DATA: March 28-April 1 Knobstone Trail,
Southern Indiana, 45 miles
D. REFLECTION: It was a challenge worth the
effort. If it was easy, why do it? I could have let my body convince my mind
that I could not finish. The first day was really hard on me…more mentally than
anything. That first night in bed I told myself to forget everything my body
and my mind had told me while hiking. I prayed for strength, endurance and most
of all, I prayed for a positive attitude. I realized after completing the trail
how much further I could have gone if I had too. After I convinced myself that
I was having fun and accomplishing something (even though I was tired and
smelling like a horses’ backside), I realized that I really was enjoying
myself. This experience gave me a clear idea of what backpacking is like and
that I am capable of doing it on my own. I look forward to hiking again! The best
part about the trip was the company! Thanks for letting me tag along guys!
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