Supplies!

PowerBar Gel are pretty good for instant energy, like a cup of coffee and they're light so you can pack a handful.

I like Power Bars also.... mmmmm!

I needed a good pair of socks for hiking, these were expensive made by Thorlo

Mountain House Trail Dinners are my favorite, and easy to cook. Heat some water up and pour into the package, wait for ten minutes. Bon Apetit!

You definately need a good water microfilter so that you don't get sick. I got this one 20% off at REI

Check out my Slide Show!

Map of 4th Leg AT

This is the map of our hike through the northern section of Shenandoah National Park.
I highlighted our actual route in blue. 25 miles, but if you count all Jeremiah's side trips to look at each overlook...about 27 miles

4th Leg Appalachian Logistics and Preparations

Before any hike, Logistics and Preparations is imperative. If you go out there without the proper equipment, food or water...you could die. No Joke. However, with a little prep work, you can have a great hike, avoiding dangerous or uncomfortable situations. I'm still learning, every hike I try to take away lessons learned. Last hike i went on...I learned; Wet jeans equals uneed weight. So before I went this time I made sure I purchased a pair of North Face lightweight, perspiration wicking hiking trousers w/ plenty of pockets, from Hudson Trail Outfitters.

Food...Bring enough. Trail Meals, PowerBars, Energy Gels.

Trash bags..Bring one or two small bags. You pack it in, you bring it out. Leave No Trace!

Plan your Mileage...Set a goal, study maps, be realistic.

Jeremiah and I decided to leave my car at Beahms Gap on the Skyline drive. We didn't leave Fairfax until 9pm and it was about 11pm when we arrived at the Thorton Gap Entrance to the Shenandoah National Park. No one was manning the gate that late, shocker. Jeremiah and I pulled over to figure out what to do. We knew we needed a permit to go hiking in the Park...but there was no one there. Thats when Ranger Caldwell arrived. I got to give credit to this guy...I would have been scared to death rolling up on two cars in the middle of the night. He was very helpful, told us where to park and where to go for our permit the next day. So thank you Ranger Caldwell. It took 1.5 hrs to get back to Jeremiah's crib... I could not stay awake and fell asleep in the car.

25 miles...And I feel great!

I stumbled out of the woods, the sun blinding after the cool shade of the Shenandoah Forests. Jeremiah pointed to the Grey Ghost which had been sitting there for three days...unattended. We had finally made it to Beahms Gap.

I looked backed, Sparky was still with us and apparently going to bum a ride. The sun felt good after the chill of the morning. Anticipation of a Front Royal cheeseburger propelling me forward those last few steps. We had come a long way. 25 Miles, a new record for Jeremiah and I. After Loading up our backpacks and getting Sparky situated in shotgun. We hit the road traveling north parallel the very route we had hiked. It was like reversing our hike high speed. Suddenly I had a flashback to Thursday night.

(Insert gratuitous use of Connie's flashback technique...wavy...blurry...fade to black)