New to long distance hiking Yesterday I set out to…
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New to long distance hiking
Yesterday I set out to complete 18miles of the Florida Trail. My friend and I only managed to make it to around mile 13 when we were both exhausted. She lives local and I’m from South Alabama where there isn’t anything to hike except 3-5 mile trails, so I usually have to drive an hour or more for something that isn’t a Forever Wild trail.
I felt confident in my preparations. I applied moleskin to my blister prone areas, wore Darn Tough socks, and well used breathable hiking shoes. I had a 3L camelback filled with water as well as a hammock in case worst came to worst and I needed to sleep off trail for a night.
The weather was breezy with temperatures between 55-80 degrees changing from full sun to overcast. By mile 2 I could feel my hot spots flaring up. By mile 10 my camelback was empty (I do carry a life straw in case of emergency). We hiked the trail until we came to a road where her fiancé picked us up with Gatorade.
Personally I had a blast! I am dealing with the consequences today with feet blisters, chaffing, and very sore muscles, however I don’t regret this experience.
All this leads to the question, what could I have done better and what do I need to improve on for next time?
Currently 31 with a 7 year old. My goal is to eventually hike the entire FL trail when my child is older and is independent. So I have several years to prepare.
Thank you all for reading this and the advice that is to come!
#hiking #camping #activity
source
Yesterday I set out to complete 18miles of the Florida Trail. My friend and I only managed to make it to around mile 13 when we were both exhausted. She lives local and I’m from South Alabama where there isn’t anything to hike except 3-5 mile trails, so I usually have to drive an hour or more for something that isn’t a Forever Wild trail.
I felt confident in my preparations. I applied moleskin to my blister prone areas, wore Darn Tough socks, and well used breathable hiking shoes. I had a 3L camelback filled with water as well as a hammock in case worst came to worst and I needed to sleep off trail for a night.
The weather was breezy with temperatures between 55-80 degrees changing from full sun to overcast. By mile 2 I could feel my hot spots flaring up. By mile 10 my camelback was empty (I do carry a life straw in case of emergency). We hiked the trail until we came to a road where her fiancé picked us up with Gatorade.
Personally I had a blast! I am dealing with the consequences today with feet blisters, chaffing, and very sore muscles, however I don’t regret this experience.
All this leads to the question, what could I have done better and what do I need to improve on for next time?
Currently 31 with a 7 year old. My goal is to eventually hike the entire FL trail when my child is older and is independent. So I have several years to prepare.
Thank you all for reading this and the advice that is to come!
#hiking #camping #activity
source
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