Saturday, February 26, 2011

Walking, and maybe climbing stairs to get in shape

Yep, we were walking to try to be in shape for one more attack on the Appalachian Trail. Shoot we only lack about 350 miles. We are thinking of doing the last 100 miles first. It is called the one hundred mile wilderness. Only one supply place on the way and that is an air horn for a store across a lake. You blow the horn and they send a boat over to pick you up and take you to the store. You can spend the night and get a shower too, I think.
We have done some figures and it will take us about 14 days. That means to carry 14 days of rations. What is the lightest food you can carry? Ramein Noodles I think. That requires a stove and fuel. We can probably live off P-nut butter and potted meat and not carry the stove. I would like to not carry a tent and just sleep on the ground, but we have never done that.
We need to keep the packs down in weight. I need to cut from 50 down to 35. Sherry needs to cut from 35 down to 25. Therein lies the rub. But we are working on ideas. Any food weight saving ideas? We have already cut the tooth brush handles half in two. Hahaha.

We have tried this over and over again and I cannot get below 50 lbs in the pack. I talk to hikers all the time that say I am carrying 36 lbs. I have a friend who is a stocky guy who carries 70 lbs. I don’t see how he does it, but they haven’t made too many miles either.
This is probably our last shot at finishing the trail, although the oldest person to ever hike the trail is 80 I think. He lives just 30 miles from our hometown in the town of Shelby, NC. We have kin folk there. I will have to look up the guys name and go talk to him to see what he carried.
It is always good to plan; we get excited thinking about the HIKE. Sherry is following some folks (on journals) who have already started the long 2100+ mile trek from Georgia. The ones who start now always get hit by one or two snows. That is rough when you are sweating under a pack.

Will talk later, Johnny is still holding his own, that is a good sign no matter what the Dr. says.

We are climbing stairs where possible to try to keep in shape. Hospitals will wear you out, as most folk know or learn soon.
Nite Shipslog
PS:
Why is a person who plays the piano called a pianist but a person
who drives a race car is not called a racist?

11 comments:

shirl72 said...

Check on your health and bones before you start the long journey. Come home and we will pack a lunch and walk to Shelby to find the man who
finished the trail. We will have Smoky drive the
car and follow us in case we get tired or run out of food.

I suggest dried fruit. raisens, cranberries, and peanuts. They now have fish products in packages not cans. That is my input for now maybe I will think of more later. I know you need my advise. HEE HEE

Shirl

Jean said...

Jack I have never been hiking, ( don't think I ever will)lol. Just to think about hiking 100 mile makes my back and legs hurt. I'm sure you and Sherry will make it and enjoy every minute. Hope you get to meet the 80 year old man and find out what he carried with him. Glad to hear Johnny is holding his own.

Cher' Shots said...

I feel so lazy in comparison to you. I do w-a-l-k in the summer but in the winters I slack off and it always shows this time of year. Argh!! Worst is that I have a treadmill but I just can't get into the 'groove' of enjoying it in the slightest sense. Continued prayers for Johnny!
'love & hugs from afar'

Glenda said...

do you carry protein bars? Slimfast and South Beach both make "diet" meal replacement bars that have 15% of your daily requirement of protein and they're convenient---some of them even taste good!
Hope Johnny is improving daily...Love and Prayers.

Anonymous said...

How impressive to read. You surely are a couple of role model. Guess that the 'protein bars' are a good idea, used to eat them while running as well.
A safe step ahead and a good Sunday for you all.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I have done day hikes but never one like you all have done and want to do more of. I cannot imagine even sleeping in a tent. I've only ever done luxury camping and am sure if I tried to sleep in a tent, I'd probably be so stiff I'd not get up again. You all are in much better shape than I ever was. I do stairs every day as I live in a house with 3 flights of them and they are good exercise. I hope Johnny continues to do well. I'm praying for him and for the both of you too enduring our cold winter weather. Take good care!

Paula said...

Glad you are both still able to hike. I used to like to walk a lot but my feet and legs won't let me any more. Never did like to sleep on a rock but you must see some beautiful country that we don't see.

betty said...

I like the comment about carrying protein bars, that would definitely be something you guys need to have (protein) when you are undertaking such a feat with your feet (LOL I made a joke :) Good for you guys for trying to finish the trail!! I think it would be such a great achievement!! Too cute about blowing the air horn to get supplies, they got everything figured out!

I'm glad to hear that Johnny is holding his own

betty

Lindie said...

One of my favorite snacks are smoked baby clams in olive oil. 3 oz (Crown Prince) with little crackers. (wheat thins) I don't eat much at a time but there should be plenty for you both in 1 can. Also Craisins comes in other flavors, I just bought some that are cherry juice infused.

Dar said...

I'm not at all surprised that the hiker in the two of you, is going to finish the Appalachian Trail that you started. Not surprised at all. AND, there's your next book, Jack....all about the great hike.
Protein is vital, as well as complex carbs once in a while. I suppose in a pinch, you could always turn to military rations. eeeegads:( the protein bars, trail mix with plenty of nuts and berries, p-nut butter, tuna, salmon in foil packs, stay hydrated. All my help comes from reading about it, not experience. I can't imagine doing what you are attempting. The day hikes I've taken with son, Andy, have always had plenty of water and a hot meal was at the end of the trail, namely, the cabin. Stay healthy throughout and don't forget a first-aid kit. To cut down on the weight, I suppose you could always 'live off the land' and forget about packing. I've heard that mice are full of protein and criss-crossed evergreens not only make a waterproof shelter but are a comfy bed too. Have a great adventure.
So glad to hear that Johnny is coming along steadily. Hugs all around.
BlessYourHearts

~mel said...

Have you checked out this place? The Ypslanti Automotive Heritage Museum
http://www.ypsiautoheritage.org/comevisit.htm

It's a museum of vintage cars right there in Ypslanti. I just saw an advertisement for it in the Midwest Living magazine and thought I'd look it up. It sounds like a place that would be interesting to visit.