2003
Knobstone Backpacking class reflections
Spring 2003
Backpacking Class
Keith Drury, coach
Zachary S.
Szmara---
1.
Knobstone 3/03 45 miles [actually it’s 45
plus a
little more]
I. HIKE DATA (e.g.: I hike the full
45 miles of the Knobstone Trail in
Southern
Indiana Thursday 7PM 3/27/03 to Sunday noon 3/30. Clear weather except
rain all night Friday and a little sleet. 30’s Sat & Sunday. The
Knobstone trail
is knobby. If you don’t know what a knob is it’s something that goes
straight up and then straight down. It is definitely a difficult trail
but
if I can do it, so can you.
II. SUMMARY REFLECTION… It was
perhaps the biggest challenge and greatest victory of my entire life thus
far. It goes to show your body does whatever your mind tells it to, no
more and no less [that’s a lesson that goes far beyond the trail].
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES
1. This great campsite is just over the next ridge.
2. The whole trail is only 44 miles.
3. YIPPEE. More stairs.
4. If you do get sick in ten days, can I have a stole sample?
5. Water – what a blessing, so refreshing. Water – what a curse,
we’re at the lowest point in the valley which means we’re about to go straight
up.
6. Having the knowledge that other people can bring you through…after the
13th mile of our 17.5 mile my body was done, yet when I stopped
placing my
mind on the defeat I was feeling from the trail and started placing it on the
encouraging moments of my Swaziland team members I was able to make it.
7. Knowing that had I stopped at the first campsite on the last night, I
would never have realized how much farther I could push my body.
8. Knowing that in that last push of my body, I finally gave up, and God
had the chance to teach me a great lesson. I always asked God “Can I
trust
that You have the best in store for me?” Meaning that if God took things
away from me [friends, jobs, relationships, girlfriends, etc.], He had
something better in store for me. God taught me in that last ½ mile
stretch that I was asking the wrong question. God wouldn’t answer that
first
question because He was really asking me “Will you trust me in spite of it?”
And I finally, after 21 years, told God I would trust Him regardless of
if
He gave me an uphill or a downhill. Regardless of what God has in store
[be it good, better, best, or even worst] for me, I will trust Him.
9. Groups are stronger than individuals.
10. Look to Godly men who have experienced much in their lives. Ask
them questions. Tap from them as much wisdom as you can.
11. Food is fuel.
12. Sometimes the drives to/from a trek can be just as fun as the trek
itself.
13. Using anger and bitterness as fuel [i.e.: getting mad at the trail or
someone else to spurn you on] only goes so far. Its like throwing a piece
of paper on fire. Sure it burns bright and hot, but only for a few
seconds and then it is out. Using encouragement and love as fuel is what
keeps the
fire burning steady and long.
14. You never really know
someone until you wake up in the morning next to
them.
IV. KUDOS
1. Coach – had you not encouraged me, had you not walked beside me, had
you not given me so many mind games, had you not made me go to the “camp right
up the next ridge,” I would not have completed the trail nor would I have grown
spiritually as great as I did and heard God speak to me. Thank you
for giving me the chance to see your heart, your passion, your experience and
your wisdom on the drive home.
2. Rudy – thanks for the talks, the jokes, slowing down so I could catch up,
and for thinking my face is “precious”
3. Jodi – what an encouragement you were. You were such a trekker.
4. Heather – you taught me about perseverance. It seemed I would
always pass you, only to get passed again by you in five minutes. You
kept going,
and going, and going.
5. Steve – waking up to you in the morning always put a smile on my face.
6. Dr. Webb – Great to find out that such a young man has as much wisdom
and experience as you.
7. Justin - it was great to walk next to you and finally really get
to know you. You have a heart after God and I know you will do great
things in
whatever ministry you go into. God has lots in store for you. I
pray that you trust Him as you go on the greatest journey ever. Oh, and
thanks for
the lesson on how to “poo” in the woods.
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.
CLOTHES: start each with a caps subject like this was.
1. WIND PANTS [2]
2. SOCCER SHORTS
3. STARTER SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT
4. NYLON SOCKS [3 pair]
5. WIND BREAKER
6. RAIN JACKET
7. WINDSTOPPER HAT
8. BANDANA [2]
9. NEW BALANCE 602
10. I wish I had brought more warm cloths. The breaks
get really cold and
you’ll need them.
Lynette K. Bowsher--- Knobstone 3/03 45 miles
I. HIKE
DATA (e.g.: I hike the full 45 miles of the Knobstone Trail in
Southern Indiana Thursday 7PM 3/27/03 to Sunday noon 3/30. Clear weather
except rain all night Friday and a little sleet. 30’s Sat & Sunday.
The Knobstone trail is...(describe it so people who have never hikes it will
know what it is like... be vivid.
I hiked all 45 miles of the Knobstone
Trail in Southern Indiana starting Thursday March 27 around 7 pm and ending on
Sunday March 30 around 11:15 am. The trail conditions were dry for the
most part. There were some muddy parts, but I was expecting it to be
muddy the entire way. The best way to describe the trail is
“HILLY”. UP AND DOWN, and UP AND DOWN....in some places the trail is so
steep they build “make-shift” steps so you don’t slide down on your
backside. The first four miles of the trail were pretty flat as well as
the last four (except for one major climb at mile 43). Everything in
between mile 4 ½ and 41 is steep ups and downs. We couldn’t have asked
for better weather for the weekend. On Friday it was HOT and Saturday and
Sunday it was perfect hiking weather-a little on the chilly side. Friday
night it POURED, but, thanks to our tarp setting up skills we stayed relatively
dry (more dry than wet!)...and Saturday night it was beautiful (cold, and a
tiny bit of sleet, but not too severe). Overall, we couldn’t have asked
for a better weekend...the rain gave us a chance to experience “tarping it”
through a rainstorm, and the temperature changes were useful in learning and
practicing how to layer clothes.
II. SUMMARY
REFLECTION IN a sentence or two give your summary of the whole
hike.
As far as hiking goes, this is the
hardest hiking I have ever done, but it was amazing. More than anything
the whole trail is a mental battle-convincing your brain that your muscles and
knees don’t ache as bad as your brain thinks and the only way to get home is to
keep putting one foot in front of the other.
1. The marker for mile #6 was
at the top of a steep climb!!! What a reward for the brain!
2. Trying to find a spot for
our tarp Friday night...what a trip...I ended up with a “lump” of ground right
in the small of my back!
3. Our “blazing fire” Friday
night....and we were all toasty warm
4 SCUM (Friday
night).....enough said
5 “community food”....the
concept that grows over time
6. the nasty white trail dog....who
followed us/stalked us for about 3ish miles
7 hitchin’ to Salem (Rudy,
Ryan, Josh).....and the “godfather of the biggest trailer park in the county”
1. Coach- for teaching this
class...and taking us on the trip, what an opportunity!
2. Rudy- the Soft Batch
cookies (and giving them to me at the top of a hill)!!!
3. Lisa- great company when I
could keep up with you ;)
4. Kristin- you saved my life
Saturday morning (whooo...)
5. Zach- the chex mix
Sunday!!
7. Justin-eating those nasty
protein bars so I didn’t have to carry them anymore!!
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
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
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)
I. Knobstone trail: 45 miles, southern Indiana.
3-27-03 to
II.
memories: this was a learning trip, first backpacking
experience, but loved it all-even the bleachy water once I got used to it!
felt “at one” with nature...especially when cat-holing it and
sleeping on thorns. hiked with my buddies josh and Ryan...very
impressed with the determination of everyone on this trip (we were all
mental beasts!). I love eating chocolate all the time and not feeling a
semblance of remorse. cooking was fun-Lindsey cooked soupy macaroni and it
was sick, but at the time it was really really good (and I complimented her on
it...heh heh). a tree almost killed Steve and I, and then Steve lost his
tooth...which I thought was hilarious but he didn’t think so. telling stories
around the campfire, listening to hitchhiking stories, getting to know people I
never would have otherwise. it was a great trip-my haunches still feel
like they’re jutting through my skin, and I’m hobbling around campus on
this fine Monday like a decrepit woman, but it was all well worth it and
definitely an experience I would repeat many times!!
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
I. HIKE DATA: I hike the full 45
miles of the Knobstone Trail in Southern Indiana Thursday 7PM 3/27/03 to Sunday
noon 3/30. Clear weather except rain all night Friday and a little sleet.
30’s Sat & Sunday. The Knobstone trail definitely fulfills its name,
but very much worth hiking! Saying the trail is hard is relative, it’s as
hard as you make it. The weather was great a bit on the cold side at
times.
II. SUMMARY REFLECTION:
The Knobstone Trail was an adventure. Know that I have accomplished
the impossible with God prior to the trip really helps you get through! The
trail was full of ups and downs and it has its share of flat spots BUT in the
end the trip was amazing and stretching. By keeping my mind on something other
then the nice huge hill in front of me was the key (also knowing that going up
hill did not give me blisters)! The hitch hiking experience convinced me to
pick up backpackers in the future! I would do Jit again if the chance ever
arises
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES
1. if tonight is how the rest of the trail is I’m going to die…guess
what- I didn’t!
2. short steps for short people!
3. hmmm it looks a lot like PA-never thought that would be said about Indiana!
4 ah it’s a deer leg and Lindsay wanted to bring it home!
5. the lovely climb half way up the hill to only go straight back down
practically the same way we came up…
6. “careful it’s warm in there, you wont want to come out…”
7 how far do you want me to go? To 35 and if you go past it don’t
go past 36…little did I know that we would end up going 36 ½ to coaches perfect
spot right over the next crest…
IV. KUDOS
1. Lindsay- you were great encouragement! It meant so much to me that
you kept my mind occupied!
2. Kristin I loved your great personality and your passion for the
outdoors.
3. Zach you were an encouragement to me too with your positive attitude
and your invented creation breaks were a blessing!
4. Justin your positive attitude and encouragement were truly a blessing
5. Rudy it was great to see your energy and passion Jfor “adventure”
6. Steve you helped me relax and realize the need to enjoy the hike with
your non competitive attitude.
7. Lisa- I really appreciated your attitude and company in the car!
You are an amazing hiker!
8. Dr. Webb- I can not even thank you enough for the extra set of “feet”
9. Drury- your little encouragements kept me going, thanks a Bunch!
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
I. I hiked
the full 45 miles and then some (sometimes it takes a while
to become acquainted with the trail)... of the Knobstone Trail in Southern
Indiana Thursday 10PM 3/27/03 to Sunday 11am 3/30. Clear weather except
rain all night Friday and a little sleet. 30’s Sat & Sunday.
The Knobstone trail is...knobby. It goes up and down, up and
down and then up and down again. You think maybe it will be flat for a while
and it really is but in all actuality it is only flat for a quarter or mile at
time, if that. Beautiful...and I never ever, ever thought I would use that word
about someplace in Indiana. God did good!
II. SUMMARY
REFLECTION In a sentence or two give your summary of the whole hike.
Wow..that is
what I say when I don’t really know how to express what I am feeling and
thinking. I loved it. Great time away from school and in God’s creation. I
never thought that I could enjoy working hard while sweating and feeling my
muscles work and it not be soccer. (I still love soccer more!!!!)
1. Walking the first mile in the
dark, only to find Steve and I surrounded by water on 3 sides
2. the STARS!!!!!!!!!
3. the hot fires...
4. mile 21...the whole thing!
5. the sunrise the first morning
6. Zach’s precious face
7. Steve...what can I say, you tried to find it!
8. the gray trees mixed with green budding trees against a
backdrop of blue hills
9. Lynette and I and our wonderful tarp the last night...we
should have taken picture
10. mile 33...the amazing creek bed I wanted
to sleep in...it was wonderful!
IV. KUDOS
1. Coach - thanks for the knowledge
gained and encouragement. I can’t wait to go this summer!!!!!
2. Zach - your heart for missions
encourages me...it was great getting to know your heart and how athletic you
really are. way to go...I know athletes that complain more about hard work than
you did. I never heard you complain once and... you are precious!
3. Jodi - you are amazing too. way
to finish. I know the thoughts that raced through your head! I have experienced
them before...its awesome to see your mind win over your body!
4. Heather & Lynette - what can
I say? my faithful adventure friends. perseverance and good laughs all the
time!
5. Steve - it was fun hiking
completely exhausted with you Thursday night...glad to get to know you - I
loved your style of hiking and your positive attitude about the hills!
6. Dr. Webb - you are a great
teacher...even out of the classroom. you inspire me to keep finding new
challenges
7. Josh - crazy...watch out PNG
8. Kristen - great enthusiasm...
9. Ryan - keep on loving the outdoors, I am excited to see
how God will use you in children’s lives...I am sure one day I will meet
someone who tells me you were his teacher! the world is a small place, only
seven people away
10. Justin - you keep amazing me...bum knee and all. way to
go!!!! - look at the empty glass
11. Lisa - where are you...you are a great hiker
12. Paul & Mark - you guys are a great resource...wait,
why didn’t I see you on the hike, oh wait you didn’t go, but all your stuff
did! thanks!!!!
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
I. HIKE DATA: Well I can honestly
say I did it I hiked the full 45 miles of the
Knobstone Trail in Southern Indiana Thursday 7PM 3/27/03 to Sunday noon
3/30. It was great weather Thursday night and most of the day
Friday. It
rained all night Friday and we even woke up to a little snow on the ground.
Temperatures were in the 30’s Sat & Sunday. The Knobstone trail is
like the
wildest roller coaster you have ever ridden...except you don’t ride it.
You
walk up and down ever flaming hill. Don’t get me wrong I loved the hike;
the views were scenic and the trees myriad and the hills...well lets just
say the hills take your breath away one way or the other.
II. SUMMARY REFLECTION Great
hike, lovely trail and I look forward to doing it
again someday.
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES
1. Hey does anyone want some of this food?
2. One word...Stairs
3. What did you lose again?
4. The campsite is just over the next ridge.
5. Why do I need an expensive pad...I can use a Wal-Mart bag.
6. Why do I need an expensive pad...leaves work right?
7. Well I do have an impressive back.
8. That is the best bathroom ever...it has a gas fire (referring to the first
bathroom we had seen in 3 days)
9. If you get Ecoli you should pass it pretty quick.
10. I am going semi-Viking style.
IV. KUDOS
1. Coach, I loved your hands off style of leadership. You made us own
the
trail and make our own decisions. Thanks for giving us the confidence to
make this a great hike.
2. Doc Webb, Thanks for showing up...you are a great guy. Also my knee
thanks you for the advice.
3. Jodi, kudos to you for being an inspiration and an encouragement on the
trail. You set a goal and you stuck with it. Great Job.
4. Lindsay, Your excitement livened the trail for all of us.
5. Zach, You are a great encouragement. You were one of the ones I looked
forward to getting to know the most. Thanks for your fire and passion for
intercultural work. Inspiration = you.
6. Kristin, Had a great time getting to know you. Good thoughts and good
times were had when you were around
7. Rudy, what can I say. The sound of your laugh warmed our hearts for
miles and 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
all of the miles even though me and
Ryan took a
different path.
Yes I did hike all of the miles
even though me and
Ryan took a different path. It was
nice much of the
time except it rained Friday night
and it was pretty
cold Sunday morning.
The Knobstone trail is one of the
hardest trails I
have done because of the constant
up and downs. My
calves still burn.
It was a great time. One of the
best weekends I have
ever had. Got to do a good hike,
but also got to spend
some time with people I don’t
normally get to see on
campus.
1, Me and Ryan getting lost at the
end and having to hitchhike to our meeting place.
2, Us climbing the wrong hill, and
not just any hill but the steepest hill in Indiana.
3, The greatest butter noodles I
have ever had in the backcountry. 4, The godfather of the trailer park. 5,
Being Zach’s flashlight for three hours. 6, Ryan informing me of all signs of
animals including tracks, fur, and poop. 7, Kristen’s birthday present,
Penguin. 8, Sitting at Delaney park and laughing like till tears ran down my
face. 9, Spending time alone and just praying and being quite. 10, Steve losing
his tooth.
1, Lynette is was excellent
relating the hitchhiking story all those times. It never lost its humor.
2, Kristin happy birthday and keep
good care of
Penguin, he made it a lot of miles.
3, Coach D, I have never really got
to talk to you
before and that was really nice.
4, Ryan what can I say buddy. The
man that had me
laughing most of the trail. “This
has danger written
all over it. Good thing we can’t
read”.
5, Rudy just imagine 3 more weeks
of this in
Bougainvillea, I can’t wait.
6, Zach I will be your flashlight
anytime.
7, Lisa you are the fastest hiker I
have ever hiked
with.
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
I. HIKE DATA: “I hiked the full 45 miles of the Knobstone Trail in Southern Indiana Thursday 7PM 3/27/03 to Sunday noon 3/30.” Yeah right. I hiked 11 miles of the Knobstone Trail and gave up about 12:30 pm. 3/28/03. Clear weather Thursday and Friday. The Knobstone trail is a beautiful place. The trails
are treacherous.
I have hiked a few in Indiana but never anything like the Knobstone. Just when you get used to hiking a piece of flatland, the trail will go
down in a valley and the only way out is back up the other side. The trail is up and down the hole way. The Knobstone is very beautiful
but definitely quite a challenge to hike, especially if your pack weighs as much as you do.II. SUMMARY REFLECTION in a sentence or two give your summary of the whole hike. I wish I could say I had a great time but I wouldn’t be telling the truth. The first few miles were ok until the trail starting going down a mile and straight up a mile and then back down again. My body wasn’t in the best of shape and the Knobstone Trail chewed me up and spit me out.
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES1. Mile marker 4... I made it to the campsite!2. The bright and beautiful stars.3. Waking up the next day to an amazing sunrise.4. Looking at the valley from mile marker 7 to mile marker 8. L
5. Finding the road that went around the valley to mile marker 8. J
6. Walking up on Coach lying on the ground at mile marker 9.7. Getting to mile marker 11 and deciding to quit. L
8. All the cars that wouldn’t pick me up. 9. Finally making it to the rest stop at I-65 and calling my wife.10. The look on my wife’s face when she finally arrived- UH-OH!! IV. KUDOS1. Rudy- You are the only one I really know. Thanks for trying to keep me going when I didn’t think I could go farther.2. Steve- Watching you and Rudy take the wrong trail gave me that laugh I needed.3. Justin- I tried to keep telling myself that you have a bad knee and you are not quitting. I wish I were as strong as you are. Thanks for the inspiration!
4. Heather and Lynette- Watching you two be a team was great.5. Kristen- You tried so hard. I tried as hard as you but could not finish the way you did.6. Ryan- Looking at your red face after walking the trail between mile marker 7 and mile marker 8. Wow! You gave it all you had and you just kept on hiking. Great job!7. Coach- You walked with me. You carried my pack. You encouraged me the 11 miles of the trail I hiked. All you efforts and I still quit on you and the group. I am deeply sorry.8. The Entire Group- You all worked so hard and finished the trip. I was the only one who didn’t reach the goal. I apologize to the entire group for letting each of you down. You are all an inspiration to me. You all did a great job!!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
I. HIKE DATA: Hiked the Knobstone trail this past weekend. It was more of a challenge than recreation. First night, Rudy and I hiked for 3
hours in the dark, by ourselves, not knowing if we were going in the right direction. After that it was pretty smooth sailing. However, I
never would have guessed that Indiana had any variation in terrain like we saw down there. For a while I thought I was on the Appalachian
Trail. Also, Mr. Knobstone needs to learn how to create a trail. I can’t remember how many times we went straight up a hill only to go
back down 2 minutes later, while in retrospect we could have just walked around it. But because of challenges like this, it made the
accomplishment that much more satisfactory.
II. SUMMARY REFLECTION: Challenging hike. I learned much about how much pushing of the body was obtainable, and how much my mind could either hinder me or help push me.
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES
1. Rudy and I getting lost 3 minutes into our first night.
2. Zach and his snoring
3. Dr. Drury making others feel sorry for him so they would give him there food.
4. Myself spitting and having my tooth fly out of my mouth into a pile of deer crap.
5. Myself
talking to Kristen and having my tooth fly out of my mouth again, never to be
found again.
6. Trying to hitch a ride with a missing front tooth
7. Never tried harder in my life to not smile.
IV. KUDOS
1. Rudy- for listening to my optimism
2. Zach- for spooning with me every night
3. Dr. Drury- for teaching me that everything is edible
4. Kristen- for attempting to help me find my tooth
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.
I. HIKE DATA: I hiked the full 45 miles of the
Knobstone Trail in Southern Indiana from Thursday (3/27/03) 7PM to Sunday
(3/30) 11:40am. It was clear weather
except rain all night Friday and a little sleet. On Saturday and Sunday it was in the 30’s.
The Knobstone trail has many hills of very steep ascent. You descend down into
the valleys only to cross a creek, and then climb another huge hill up to the
next ridge. Some of the hills have steps because it is so steep. This pattern
continues for most of the 45 miles. However, the first 3 miles and the last 3
miles of the trail are pretty flat.
II. SUMMARY REFLECTION This hike provided an excellent opportunity
for me to spend time reflecting on my semester, my relationship with God, and
also to develop friendships with new people. It was absolutely beautiful
scenery, and a very challenging hike both physically and mentally. I learned a
lot about my own capabilities having never backpacked prior to this trip.
1. SCUM, as
Lynette said “enough said”
2. Ryan and
Rudy singing every song from “Newsies”
3. The big
white dog that followed us everywhere
4. Waking
up to snow outside the tent Saturday morning
5. Waiting
2 hours on Friday before the next person came to mile 14.5 6. Feeling the wind
every time you climbed a ridge 7. Steve’s missing tooth 8. Stories of the
group’s hitchhiking experience: “the godfather of the trailer park.” 9. The
bathroom at the end of the trail (heat is a wonderful thing!) 10. Looking up at
a few hills I had to climb between mile 26-28 and just thinking “are you
kidding me!”
1. Coach D-
thanks for the encouragement. It was great getting a chance to talk with you
since I did not know you before this trip, and never had you for a class prior
to this. It was fun! Thanks for the invitation to come back next fall, too bad
I am graduating. 2. Lynette- thank you so much for walking with me on Friday.
It was great getting to know you better. I appreciated the company! 3. Heather-
you are a great tent partner! I was so glad you knew what you were doing
setting up the tarp! 4. Rudy- Your energy was amazing! I was glad I had a
chance to spend time with you outside of class. 5. Ryan & Rudy- thanks for
the renditions of “Newsies” on Saturday night. 6. Jodi- I enjoyed the ride to
the trail and back with you. I was glad to have another female in the car on
the way down! Excellent hitchhiking to the cars, and surviving the wind in the
truck on the way there! 7. Kristin- you are my life saver! Glad I could play cards
with you. Hope you enjoyed your birthday. 8. Lindsay- it was great talking with
you on Sunday. You are an awesome card player “Miss President”!
9. Josh-
congrats on SGO president. I had a lot of fun listening to your stories about
you and Ryan getting lost on Sunday. 10. Justin- you are hilarious. Thanks for
all the laughs along the trail and while waiting to be picked up by Coach and
Jodi.
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
I. HIKE DATA: I hiked around 46 or 47 miles of
the 45 mile trail that we took. The weather during the days was very nice
for hiking. Chilly enough the last two days to cool down after a quick
rest, but walking still kept me warm enough. The first
night....amazing, we slept under the stars...the second....we slept under the
clouds that were opening up!...the third....we woke up and scraped ice off of
our sleeping bags. Other than waking up a cold morning, good weather, and
a great hike.
II. SUMMARY REFLECTION: A tough
hike. I wasn’t sure what to expect since I’m from a mountainous
area. That was Indiana? Wow! Up and Down pretty much sums up
a large portion of the trail. Topping out at almost every hill was
awesome though! It was an amazing time especially the last day when I was
finally able to forget about school and just walk. Amazing! I
worked harder than I thought I was, and enjoyed every minute of it. Even
the 85 degree hill we climbed when we actually didn’t have to. I promise,
there was a trail that went up that hill.
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES
1. Of
course, the godfather of the trailer park. Ben, Stacy, Brandon and
Kelly.
2.
The mountain goats, and the dangers thereof.
3.
Newsies with Rudy
4.
Sitting by the water at Delany that only missed warm weather.
5.
Not seeing anyone the last day for 9 miles...except the 2 cop cars by all those
other cars......man, the mind can make up some interesting stories when
it gets going
6.
Never seeing Lisa...then walking along with her and that disgusting dog
that Kristin said didn’t deserve to live.
7. Cinnamon
rolls
8. Something
far worse than Giardia
IV. KUDOS
1.
Josh- Wow, that was fun huh? Long trails, interesting car rides,
leaves (many purposes), first to last to first again...then last, “I’m not
going up that hill again, we’ll take the road, so much! Thanks for
helping me along the way and sharing your wisdom. I’ll visit ya at the
white house sometime next year.
2. Rudy- Thanks
for listening while I tell you my life story. Newsies was great.
Have fun with Coach this summer.
3. Dr.
Drury- Thanks for offering this course. A great way to spend time
with God while getting a little exercise and eating everything in
sight.
4. Kristen-
Happy Birthday, hope you didn’t mind us taking half of your peeps! It was
fun getting to know you outside school. We had the nicest hair of the
trip.
5.
Everyone else- What a great time! I enjoyed getting to talk to almost all
of you even if it was while I was either huffing and puffing or laughing so
hard I cried at Delaney. Thanks for listening.
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 &n