2004 Backpacking class breaks IWU’s Knobstone record
IWUs
Spring 2004 Backpacking class broke the school record on their Easter weekend
hike on the 45 mile Knobstone hike in Southern Indiana. The old record was the
Spring 2003 class who took only three days (instead of the usual four days) to
complete the hike. This Spring’s class
finished the hike in 2 ½ days. They
began at noon on Friday hiking ten miles to camp at the 10 mile marker—over
some of the most difficult knobs on 
the
trail. On Saturday they walked 15 miles
and camped on top of a knob at 25 ½. On
Sunday with occasional drizzle they held their Easter service then backpacked
10 miles to the planned campsite at mile 36—but arrived by 2:30 in the
afternoon teasing and laughing as they gathered around the campfire Joe Ruder
had rushed ahead to make. Around that fire they decided to go ahead and “walk
tomorrow’s miles” that evening, arriving at the 45½ mile Northern terminus of
the Knobstone Trail by late evening, having put in the first 20 mile day done
by IWU students on the Knob stone and also breaking the total time record by a
half day (finishing in 2½ days breaking the previous 3-day record). So they are back—instead of finishing Monday
evening the group wrapped up their hike Sunday evening eating a stack of pizzas
on the floor of Papa John’s then drove back to campus before midnight.
Twenty mile days are not uncommon among long distance hikers but are unheard of for weekend hikers especially on the Knobstone Trail, a particularly difficult trail with more than 20,000’ of elevation gain and loss over its length. The hike is part of the Spring backpacking class and is not considered a race—that is until the group beats past records ;-)
The Spring 2004 Knobstone hikers: Jess Dvorak, Mark Schmerse, Becky Peterson, Paul Kind, Rachel Telescan, Kerry Kind, Melynda Gosselin, Joe Ruder, Cindy Ruder, Jarod Osborne, Regina Freeman, Josh Keesling, Jason Roller, Ryan Mead, Todd Abel, Trent Holden & “Coach D”
Spring 2004
Knobstone hikers’ reflections:
Rebecca Jean Petersen.
Trail Name: (just toyin' with it) Lemmy or Lemming, since that is how I felt for some of the hike
I. MY PREVIOUS HIKING EXPERIENCE:
--Last spring break we hiked 16
miles in southern
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.
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES—THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET (I tried to put them in chronological order)
1. The
Opry: "I don't drive a car, I wear the car" and other fun
stuff. I still hate country music. Side note: Kerry, I am still
impressed that you wanted 
to go! You should have tried
to play the saw thing though.
2. Regina: When it began to rain the second night, in my dopey slumber, I felt you pull me back onto the groundsheet and make sure I was protected from the water. Especially as a result of the Journey and this trip, I was really able to see different instances of sacrificial giving in you and think that is amazing and such a gift!
3. The Conversation: Especially the second night! I loved the stories and conversations that we all had that night. It created a bond that I was not expecting to see. Thank you for some of the opportunities to see you all 'in living color' (or is that an early 90's show that was justifiably taken off air?!)
4. The Easter Service: Thank you for letting me share in that experience. It was such a blessing to spend that time on a mountain top with you all as we remembered our Lord. The songs at the end were more beautiful than any Easter Pageant I have ever heard. Perhaps it was the rustic simplicity of the service or the genuineness of every person there, but God met with me so uniquely that Easter morning and He used you all as a medium to refocus me.
5. The rusty horizontal pole marking the end of the trail. Although it was not the most beautiful sights we had seen, at the time it signified accomplishment, Papa Johns Pizza, my extra long mattress and the ability to sit and use the restroom if I so desired. Unfortunately it also meant that the trip was over, we would soon pack up our gear and try to retell our experiences, only to lose so much in the translations. Well, even if nobody else understands, we'll always have "THE KNOBSTONE"
IV. KUDOS TO OTHER HIKERS
1. I'd like to send a shout-out to everyone who finished! That takes a certain amount of sheer guts and determination. Great work!
2. Thanks Coach! Thanks for leading a class like this, for trusting us all out in the wilderness, for allowing us to challenge ourselves and grow and for getting back to our level and just chillin'.
3. To my roommates (Jess & RGina)--thanks so much for making room for one more under that tarp!
4. Here's a shout out to everyone who shot a 'snot rocket' or 'farmers snot'. It's not any incredible feats...but it's funny!
5. Kudos to whomever it was who got the most blisters! Poor soul! To you, oh blister encrusted hiker, I salute my duct tape!
V. FINAL NOTE ON THIS TREK
--I had so much fun and really appreciated each and every one of you! Thanks Ray Jardine for making this trip light weight!
Jason Roller -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days
I. MY PREVIOUS HIKING EXPERIENCE:
Table Rock, South Carolina and many short trips throughout high school.
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.
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES—THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET
1. Kerry’s storytelling
2. Easter Sunday service
3. The bond that smelling bad, sleeping hard, and hiking long creates between people.
4. South Boston Opery
5. Chef Becky
IV. KUDOS TO OTHER HIKERS
1. Jarod- Thanks for the great talks, meaningful silence, and hearty laughs.
2. Josh- Always great to spend time with you and our deep conversations, enjoyed day 2 hiking up front.
3. Girls- Thanks for all of your encouragement to all of us and for all the smiles and depth you brought to the group!
4. Coach- Thanks for your consistency and willingness to take a bunch of day-hikers and make them "thru-hikers"
5. Kerry- I appreciate your recounts of life, faith, and even the weather! Thanks for sharing your gift of storytelling with us!
6. Our "young-at-heart" hikers- you all put me to shame on the trail! Thanks for your dedication to a healthy life, it's an inspiration to us all!
V. FINAL NOTE ON THIS TREK
The trek was outstanding, a great balance of challenge, relaxation, and connection. I enjoyed the times alone, just focusing on the reality of God, and also the times of connecting with friends, new and old. It's a blessing to live by God's time clock and to get away from the hectic life of the modern age. I definitely plan of trying to hit a larger trail in the future, and will take everything I have learned this trip with me. Thanks again to Coach D for making this trip for us, and to the experience hikers who were more than willing to humbly share their knowledge of the trail.
Mark Schmerse -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days
I. MY PREVIOUS HIKING EXPERIENCE:
-- 1,157 miles on the PCT Canada south to N. California, a week on the CT, a week on the AT through the Smokey’s, 2 previous Knobstone thru-hikes, and various weekend play around’s.
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.
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES—THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET
1. The South Boston Opera can never be forgot. Southern Indiana down home country music at best. Just because “music washes away the dust of everyday life” as one sign on the wall put it.
2. Our Easter morning service. Especially as Kerry Kind lead the way telling the story of Christ from the perspective of the Roman Centurion in first person.
3. Okay Kerry Kind’s I’m on a date table cloth in the zipper the band stops most embarrassing date story.
4. Jessica gets on the road to hitch and immediately two! cars pull over to give us a ride. Let me just say that I’m dating an auto-hitch.
(That’s just a bonus to the real qualities I like in her).
5. Is everybody hear… yeah we brought up the rear. Where’s Rachel?? She’s right… Where is Rachel??? “Hey guys, I guess I got on the wrong trail”
IV. KUDOS TO OTHER HIKERS
1. Jessica, well in the last 10 miles you proved without question you can hang with the “boys” in your hiking. But, your still associated with
all the positive attitude ladies on this
trip. You did a great job!
2. Trent I enjoyed getting to know you and share a night in the tent with you. A hike like this is a shared experience I’ll always remember. I
hope you go on a bigger hike some day.
3. Cindy Ruder is
love your determination. You did a great job. You have such a fun
attitude. I can see where Rudy gets it.
4. Kerry Kind you did great on this hike and added a lot to the
experience. It’s always a pleasure being with you. I’m glad the running shoes worked out for you. Knocking out a 20 mile day on the Knobstone is impressive.
5. Josh Keesling I never really saw you walk on the trail since you where always in front. I hope you enjoyed it, if you didn’t have fun you needed to spend more time with all the beaming happy ladies.
V. FINAL NOTE ON THIS TREK
-- Make sure to soak up the beauty and love of life in every moment. It’s not about who gets done first for quickest (although we did), but what you take away from the experience matters.
Jessica Dvorak -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days
I. MY PREVIOUS HIKING EXPERIENCE:
Grand Canyon (Twice); Day hikes; 2 days backpacking in Mt. Evans Wilderness (CO); 2 days on the Knobstone with Coach and a few others.
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.
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES—THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET
1. The South Boston Oprey--it's unbelievable, and hitching is a fun experience if you've never done it as well. Glen Applegate is one of a kind!
2. What a fun group we had! Everyone was amazing and so fun to be with. Everyone had positive attitudes and a determination to finish strong. We even finished early!
3. Getting to hear the Winston story ONE MORE TIME. I think I could tell it just as well as Paul could at this point...I may be going on at least 6 times by now. I should start tallying. :)
4. Finishing the last 9 miles in 3 hours and 15 minutes...yikes...those were fast miles, but so much fun!
5. Our Easter Service...it was incredibly powerful and Spirit-led. I'll never forget hearing the Easter story from the different views of characters involved.
6. Eating pizza on the floor of Papa John's--a take-out pizza place!
IV. KUDOS TO OTHER HIKERS
1. Jason Roller--I never would have thought to tell the Easter story from the view of the angel at the tomb. Creative and powerful.
2. Rachel Telescan--even though you got lost and fell off a log (and even off the trail!) you had an incredible attitude and had a ton of fun--it was encouraging to everyone around you!
3.Becky Peterson--you had the most amazing and creative food line-up! I should have talked to you before we went!
4.Regina Freeman--you were so scared, and you did amazing! I love your sense of humor and the fun you bring to any group of people.
5. Mark--always fun to see you in your element (and it's fun to see if I can keep up with you when it's time to really hit the trail!) :)
V. FINAL NOTE ON THIS TREK
It was super fun to get a preview a few weeks ago, but even more fun to get to do the whole thing. It was really fun to finish and to know that everyone finished strong and had a ton of fun. It gets me excited to tackle something a bit longer (maybe with a few more switchbacks and less 80 degree inclines) :). A final quote from CS Lewis that we decided last hike sums up much of life, including backpacking:
Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.
Joshua Keesling -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days
I. MY PREVIOUS HIKING EXPERIENCE:
The only Hiking I had done are day trips for 6 to 7 miles in some of Indiana's State parks.
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.
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES—THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET
1. Becky’s question to Paul’s dad about impressing a girl.
2. Regina and Becky building a basement to their trap.
3. Melynda and her red hand, shirt, food, water, and etc…
4. Trent combing his hair for the birds.
5. Regina and Melynda’s song game
IV. KUDOS TO OTHER HIKERS
1. Cindy’s drive to finish and the spirit that she passed on to everyone else.
2. Melynda, Rachel, and Becky’s determination to do everything, even when it was painful and to have best outlook of the whole trip.
3. Ryan for keeping my spirit high and focused on the growth of the journey and not the just the finish.
4. Paul, Mark and Kerry’s stories
5. To Coach and his empowering statements when leaving in the early morning.
V. FINAL NOTE ON THIS TREK
Take to heart James 1:5 “if any one lack wisdom, he should ask God, who give generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” Wisdom is in many forms, learning, knowledge, patience, and determination God’s wanting to give you what you need for life, ministry and getting through the Knobstone, just ask!
Kerry Kind -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days 
I. MY PREVIOUS HIKING EXPERIENCE:
--Ten days at Philmont (NM), two weeks on Appalachian trail (VA, TN, NC), numerous day hikes & weekenders, one week at Glacier Nat’l Park, MT (back country), Knobstone (twice).
II THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEXT YEAR’S HIKERS:
1. I think everybody will know about using comfortable “tennis” type shoes instead of hiking boots. I had excellent, good-fitting hiking boots on my first Knob, but the New Balance 806’s (trail runners) I wore this time were MUCH better, even fantastic, by comparison.
2. Generally, less is more. In my “be prepared” mentality, I am still taking more than I need to use. Things I took but didn’t have to have: compass, sharp knife, plastic poncho (could have used lighter weight ground sheet under my sleeping bag), sweatshirt, the “header” part of my pack, etc. But glad I took extra toilet paper and extra blister pads to give to others. Maybe I’m old, but I’m glad I took trekking poles, a dromedary “sipper,” and a 16oz Thermarest. As to food: take food that you know you LIKE that you don’t have to cook that is fairly dense in calories, and don’t take more than about 150-175% of your normal calorie intake. As to water: there is plenty in springtime on the Knobber, so you don’t usually need to carry more than about 2 to 2½ liters at a time.
3. We have lots of chances in life to go solitary. If you are with a group, use the time to get to know people better, watch & listen to the body of Christ in action, encourage and be encouraged, swap life. This is a rare bonding experience.
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES—THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET
1. The contagious, positive attitude of everyone without exception in this group. Especially impressed by the six women who were mentally tough, physically prepared, and who were positive spiritual influencers.
2. The South Boston Oprey was an unqualified genuine cultural experience that I’d love to repeat.
3. The fun time Saturday night: the Song Game competition, the “I Never Have” game, and especially the Question You Have to answer.
4. The Easter worship with spontaneous 1st-person narratives from so many, and the singing, was rich and meaningful---unique.
5. The glorious outdoors, unspoiled air, beautiful wildflowers, hills, streams, trees, lakes, vistas, God’s creation.
IV. KUDOS TO OTHER HIKERS
1. Paul, for liking the idea of hiking with Dad, and for doing each of these with excellence: being a hiker, being a friend to all, a disciple of the Lord, and a son.
2. Joe and Cindy, for your great example of a committed, joyful married relationship, and your mutual encouragement of everyone else in so many ways practical and spiritual.
3. To all the women who, in spite of the physical and mental challenge and sometimes pain and distress, came through as shining stars in every way: Regina, Rachel, Melynda, Becky, Jess, Cindy.
4. To all the young guys who “stepped it up” this weekend—met the challenge with not a complaint and were constantly ready to help anyone else out: Jarod, Trent (wow!), Todd, Ryan, Jason, Josh, and fun-loving Mark.
5. Coach D who led the way in making the “outsider” feel like a welcome part of the group and for walking at my pace when we hiked together. A true outdoorsman and a truly considerate gentleman. You make a direct, significant and positive difference in so many lives and you are one of my heroes!
V. FINAL NOTE ON THIS TREK
--This year’s Knobber gave me the confidence that I can physically still do this kind of thing for more years, and enjoy almost every minute of it. This time, very powerfully, I sensed the joy and pleasure of the Lord in the community of believers interacting with Him and each other. The Lord is risen indeed!
Paul Kind -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days
I.
MY PREVIOUS HIKING EXPERIENCE: 
-- I’ve backpacked pretty extensively over the past 4 years in 7 states, including 3 Knobstone hikes and a 6-week trek through Central California on the PCT
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.
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES—THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET
1. The lightest weight 17 backpackers that have ever been brought together!
2. Our ladies hiked as if they were sent on a mission to be the most contagiously optimistic people ever!
3. Hitchin’ to town with 8 people in one pickup
4. Touching bases with the South Boston Oprey and good ole (big ole!) Glenn Applegate again
5. Rachel “fainting” on the trail and then later completely disappearing altogether!
6. Unforgettable times at Camp 2: birthday cake, champion stories, “I’ve Never” game, and “merciful” rain
7. Best Easter Service of my life!
8. Killing 20 miles on the Knobber for the first time ever…along with everybody else!
9. Pizza relished on the floor of Papa John’s
10. In many ways the best of all, sharing it all with my dad Kerry. I so enjoyed seeing him thrive on the trail this year with his kickin’ New Balance tennies and swank trekking poles ;)
IV. KUDOS TO OTHER HIKERS
1. Coach D – One of many incredible adventures we’ve shared together. Thanks for letting us crash your class party! I really appreciate the way you prep the hikers and allow them to “lead themselves” on the trail.
2. Kerry (Pops) – Wow! You tore it up out there! Seeing you dashing and running downhill was a joy. When you completely gave your tape away to someone else was the stake in the ground victory over the blister-burdened hike of 2 years ago. Thanks too for the “champion stories”.
3. Mark – The picture with you, me, & Glenn Applegate’s a keeper huh? Your optimism and insight keeps me coming back for more.
4. Jess – Your hiking prowess amazed me – although I never thought you were “one of the boys” :)
5. Gina – Your “bionic feet” did pretty stinkin’ well for a “nasty wretch”. You are the kind of person people love being around because you bring a genuine and unique perspective.
6. Jarod – Your account of Peter’s story was moving! Your hiking was strong. Your desire to uplift the entire group was obvious.
7. Trent – You surprised me with your determination and mental toughness. Kiss someone soon, OK?
8. Melynda – Although you were really hurting at times, your smile and laugh were persistent! You found a way to Melimbo your way over every knob with flying colors!
9. Rachel – Where’d she go? She fainted, but she’s okay now. Good. Now where’d she go??? She disappeared! No, she lost the trail, but she’s okay now. In fact, she’s flashing a toothy smile and doing “GREAT!” You did do great Rachel! And you always did know how to insert the right sound effect at the right time!
10. Becky – Although you HATE country music, you made the most of the Oprey :) At times you were hiking uphill better than I was…and all the while saying things like, “This is cake! I’m killing this climb!” HaHa I really think you should thru-hike a major trail just to encourage all the other thru-hikers!
11. Joe – Constant inspiration. He RAN the last how many miles??? Wow! Silently determined. Great fire-builder!
12. Cindy – You impressed me more on the trail than anyone else. Honest. First hiker to 36 stop-off. You could tick off the miles as well as anyone.
13. Ryan – I loved hearing the story about your grandpa! Didn’t see much of you on the trail. A couple times I had to squint when the sun glinted off of your bright orange Z-Rest.
14. Josh (Keester) – You found a way to lead the charge most of the time. Determined. Solid hiker.
15. Jason – You seemed at peace with the trail and with the outdoors. I never heard you complain once. But, how is it again that guys should pursue girls?
16. Todd – So good to cap off our college careers together after kickin’ them off 4 years ago on Bowman 2 East. You’re going to be a phenomenal teacher, or a color commentator for basketball games!
V. FINAL NOTE ON THIS TREK
-- I’m going to hike until I die. I realized that on the Knobstone in Spring of ’01 and have been reminded of that time and time again. The trail has taught me so much about people, life, and myself. Call me up when you’re heading out again, k?
Rachel Telecsan -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45
miles in 2 ½ days
I. MY PREVIOUS HIKING EXPERIENCE:
Day hiking my whole life. Climbed several 14ers in Colorado.
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!
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES-THINGS I'LL NEVER FORGET
1.Jason and I looking for entrance back to the trail in the pitch black after hitchhiking into town for the Oprey(with only my dinky little flash light).
2.Getting lost three times, falling down even more that I will admit, and never having anyone fault me for it!
3. The little train of us on the last day, just ambling and talking to each other. just like the seven dwarves.
4. Bargaining with mark and paul with our food...I'll give you a peanut butter squeeze for a snickers!
5. Eating Papa John's on the floor of the take out place...and having it taste like a million dollars! thanks coach and Kerry
IV. KUDOS TO OTHER HIKERS
1. First to Josh who was my end of the line buddy...couldn't have made it without your encouragement!
2. To Becky and Mel who picked me up when I fell over, gave me food and Gatorade, and made sure I made it back up to walking again. oh yea... and didn’t laugh at me till afterwards.
3. To Paul, Jared, Jason, and Ryan who were my sounding boards...they all listened to my chatter a lot along the way--what an encouragement.
4. To Carey...wow, such a great dad to come along--really paid attention to others needs and told GREAT stories.
5. To Jared and Ryan who at select times gave me little pushes- literally- up the hills. I couldn’t have made it without those!
V. FINAL NOTE ON THIS TREK
I met two people on this trip...God and the girl who could walk 20 miles---I knew God before but encountered him in a totally incredible way--this trip strengthened my sometimes weak and feeble faith. I don't exactly know where the girl who could walk 20 miles came from but I am glad I know her now. I now understand the importance of mental strength...I know I had it this weekend and I know exactly where it came from--the great "I AM." Keep on ambling.
Regina Freeman-- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days
I. MY PREVIOUS HIKING EXPERIENCE: None
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
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES—THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET
1. Jess, Becky and I pretty much laying on top of each other the last night
2. Getting lost several times
3. Becky's GREAT meals...wish they were mine...pudding in a bag
4. Good talks while hiking and around the campfire
5. Singing as loud as you want...when no one was around
IV. KUDOS TO OTHER HIKERS
1. For eating the food I didn’t need
2. For being willing to let me use their toilet paper since I forgot mine
3. Always being concerned with the welfare of others (feet, knees) and ready to help in the cure
4. Pushing all the way through, and thanks for those of you who waited a lot of the day
5. For speaking truth, whether through encouragement or during the Easter morning service
V. FINAL NOTE ON THIS TREK
What can I say the Knobstone was a little hard on my knees, but I will always have a desire to hike. This was a wonderful experience of learning in more ways then just how to backpack. I was stretched to see how people around me dealt with certain circumstances. I will never bring too much food again
Ryan Mead -- Knobstone Trail 4.04
45 miles in 2 ½ days
I. MY PREVIOUS HIKING EXPERIENCE:
--A lot of day hikes
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.
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES—THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET
1. Rach falling off the log on day one
2. Chariots of fire coming into the final 300 yards
3. The huge group taking the last nine miles together
4. Pizza on the floor in Papa John’s
5. Hiking 20 miles in one day and making it back to Marion by 11.30
6. “Your last knob”
7. Sitting around at breaks talking and eating together
IV. KUDOS TO OTHER HIKERS
1. Josh –Way to stick it out at the end. I will never forget fixing the tarp at 3 in the morning
2. Rach—It was awesome to get to know you on this hike (and to watch you fall of the log). Great job!
3. Joe—You are an amazing person. How you ran those last nine or so miles I will never understand
4. Melynda—the first person I ever meant at IWU. It was fun to remember those first fearful days as freshman
5. Coach D—Thanks for letting us learn by experience and making mistakes. I really appreciated our few little talks here and there.
V. FINAL NOTE ON THIS TREK
-- Don’t be afraid to be yourself and bring what you think that you will need. Just remember that you will have to carry it. Enjoy your time on the trail and take time to look up and around you, after all that is why you go out to play in the woods.
Todd Abell -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days
I. MY PREVIOUS HIKING EXPERIENCE:
A couple of day hikes.
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.
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES—THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET
1. Kerry’s most embarrassing moment!
2. Twenty miles in one day--class record.
3. Hiking as a group, following the campfire on the third day.
4. Monastery, martial arts, and Buddhist talks with Jarod.
5. Regina’s first kiss!
IV. KUDOS TO OTHER HIKERS
1. Group was very supportive.
2. Those who suffered blisters and injuries, yet continued to push on.
3. Overall attitude of the group.
4. To the older hikers and their company.
5. Special thanks to Coach D and Kerry for the piazza.
V. FINAL NOTE ON THIS TREK
A connection between the older and the young made this trip very special. I really enjoyed the freedom between spending time with the group and spending time alone on the trail. I would recommend this trip to anyone, especially those who have yet to see the joy of simplicity.
Cindy Ruder -- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days
I. MY PREVIOUS HIKING EXPERIENCE:
--24.6 miles on the Knobstone March 27 & 28
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).
III. SNAPSHOT MEMORIES—THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET
1. Sleeping on top of a knob with the wind blowing through tarp--relaxing!
2. Easter Service under a tarp in the middle of the woods.
3. Becky's gourmet cooking!
4. Coming up the knob and walking around Elk Creek Lake and taking a break overlooking the lake.
5. Walking 20 miles in one day!
IV. KUDOS TO OTHER HIKERS
1. Josh Keesling--Great determination!
2. Joe--you are a great encourager through the tough times, thank you.
3. Mark, Paul, and Kerry--Your tales were great!
4. Melynda -- You kept a smile on your face in spite of the blisters. Way to go!
5. To all who walked this past weekend--You all readily pitched in to encourage and uplift each person. You made the hike an enjoyable time.
V. FINAL NOTE ON THIS TREK
--Even though I had previously walked half of the Knobstone, I was apprehensive about the second half. I was able to stretch my body and mind further than I thought possible. I enjoyed experiencing the outdoors in a new way (lightweight backpacking).
Joe Ruder-- Knobstone Trail 4.04 45 miles in 2 ½ days
I. MY PREVIOUS HIKING EXPERIENCE:
Hiked 24.6 miles on the Knobstone two weekends ago.
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.