The AT Goes Where?

Hey Everyone,

I recently heard some very interesting news about the AT (Appalachian Tail), well, the IAT (international Appalachian Trail). What do you think of hiking to Morocco? There is a plan in the works that will extend the Appalachian Trail into Europe. As it looks now, the IAT will run along the east coast of Greenland, and then on to Ireland, Wales and Scotland. The trail will then pickup on the mainland of Norway, and proceed south through France and Portugal, with a small run through western Spain, and finally ending in Morocco. Trails already exist along much of the conceptual route, so in many cases, participating countries can mark these trail segments with the IAT sign to make it part of the network. It seems that Greenland and Ireland are taking the idea seriously, and they are already plotting out the routs through their countries. This means, of course, that there will be some portions which involve a ferry or train ride, but that just adds to the adventure! With the small connector that links the AT to the Florida Trail, one could conceivably thru-hike from Big Cypress National Preserve all the way to Morocco. The logistics alone would be immense, and I'm sure it would cost a small fortune, but I bet you would never run out of stories for the camp fire!

See you on the trail,
Lance

UPDATE: I was asked to post a link to the article that I read this from. However, I am unable to locate it again. I have found this article pressherald which is almost word for word the same as the one I read. Also if you type "European Appalachian Trail Extension" into google you will see several more articles.

After the Hike.

Hey Everyone,

Sorry if you haven't seen me around for a few days. I just got back from a three day backpacking trip that my Venture boys put together. Other than the 90 degree heat, thunder storms, and relentless mosquito's it was a fun trip. I think that everyone learned a new trick on this hike, such as how to cook in a down pour! I've just finished up cleaning everything (a.k.a. my post hike ritual). I know that when I step in the door I'm dog tired, smell like, well like Ive been living in the woods, and the last thing I want to do is clean gear. However, after a nice hot shower, with lots of soap, I find the energy to pull everything out, dry what needs drying, wash what needs washing, and inspect all my gear. I'm lucky that Christi is a hiker as well, so she understands the need to take over the dinning room and hang rain flies up from the chairs, and cover the kitchen counter with drying cook sets and filters parts for a day or two. Not to mention, I moved her decorative cooking apron to hang up my hydration bladder.



What's your post hike ritual? Do you get right to it like myself, or do you prefer to kick back, relax, and do it the next day? Also, if you have a really cool way of cleaning a piece of gear let me know. I'm always interested in learning a new way to do something!

See you on the trail,
Lance

Butt Kicker Hike!

Hey Everyone,

I have been wanting to do this hike for some time now. I want to hike the Big Butt Trail and Black Mountian Crest Trail using the MST (Mountain to Sea Trail) to connect them. This is by no means a long hike, but the climbs make it one of the toughest around. With short 8 to 10 mile days, I think that three days will be plenty enough time to hike this thirty miler. This hike will summit several of the highest peaks in the south, including a visit to Mt. Mitchell's new lookout. If you are interested in hiking this with me let me know you can leave a comment on here. I haven't set dates, but I am looking at the end of June or mid August.

See you on the trail,
Lance

Footwear

Hey Everyone,

When I'm at events or teaching classes I always get the question, "What brand of hiking boots/shoes do you wear". I always start my response with, "Well, I've been hiking ______ but...". The fact of the matter is, I feel that footwear is one piece of gear that you shouldn't copy just because it's popular. Sure, there are some companies out there that the majority of people will find comfortable and you should go try them on. However, just because that's what you see a lot of other people wearing doesn't mean it will be best for you. Here is a perfect example. I have read several backpacking web sites and forums, and I have heard a lot of great things about Solomon hiking shoes like the XA pro. So, I went to a local shop to try them on. Well, when I went to take a step my heel lifted about 3/8 of an inch out of the heel cup. I'm sure that you all know that, if I was to get them anyhow, I would have been headed straight for blisterville. I am once again in the market for some new hiking shoes, and sure, I'll check out the local shops and try on all the well known brands like montrail, inov8, and merrel, but don't be surprised if you see me on the trail in a pair of asics or new balance. The point that I'm trying to make is, hike what is comfortable to you. It shouldn't matter if they are two hundred dollars and float when you take them off, or if you got them on clearance for three bucks with a stain on the toe. Your feet are your vehicles out there, and if they break down, you break down.

p.s. dont forget to bring a pair of your actual hiking socks with you.

See you on the trail,
Lance

Steelhead

Hey Everyone,

I'm back from my trip to NY. I was surprised to see how much had changed, and at the same time, how much has stayed the same. Needless to say, it was nice to be back on my home waters. Well, I dont want to steal too much from the video, so here it is.



See you on the trail,
Lance

Have Tenkara, Will Travel

Hey Everyone,

Well after seeing his simple setup and talking with Jason Klass about Tenkara fly fishing, I just had to try it out. I recieved my rod the other day, and I can't wait to get it on the water. For the backpacker/fly fisher, there is no better setup. I have the Tenakara USA "Iwana" rod, which pulls out to eleven feet, and weighs in at a staggering two and a half ounces. This eleven foot telescopic rod collapses down to a mere twenty inches.
The reel you ask, there is none. This is a traditional style of fly fishing that originated in Japan about three hundred and fifty years ago, long before the invention of the reel. Your fly line, which was traditionally woven from horse hair, simply attaches to the end of the rod. The simplicity and compact design is what makes this style of fishing blend so well with ultralight backpacking. So far, the average kit I've seen, which includes rod, line, fly box with flies, tippet, and some basic tools, weighs in at around six ounces. I plan on using it almost exclusively for all my back country streams. If you have any questions or would like to try Tenkara for yourself you can checkout tenkarausa.com or stop by and chat with Jason, Myself, and other like minded folks at backpackflyfishing.com

See you on the trail,
Lance

Hot!

Hey Everyone,

Well I spent the day in the sun, on the river, catching fish, getting burnt. I started the day with a little shiver, while I stood waist deep, watching a light fog come off the water. However, by that afternoon I was dying to just get out of my waders and "wet wade". I figured that the afternoon might die off a little, and we could get out of the sun for a bit. Well luck would have it, that at about one o-clock the bite came on again so we stayed. I did put on sun screen eventually, but by then it was really too late. I am glad to say that Ray landed a nice Rainbow that filled the net, and I held my own catching some healthy fish as well. I have always considered myself pretty hard core as far as the outdoors. I mean I kind of look forward to the rainy days because I know I'll have the river mostly to myself. However, I now know that rainy days don't make you that die hard, because getting wet is a whole lot easier to forget about the next day.

See you on the trail,
Lance





p.s. I think I might change the saying from "rain or shine" to "soaked or sun burnt". whadya' think.