Day 1: Williamstown to Seth Warner Shelter

Williamstown to Seth Warner Shelter - 7.10 miles

Fear was on my mind often today. I had thoughts of driving in the wrong direction, never finding the trailhead, not having enough daylight left to hike, having to spend the night in town, having my body crap out on me...

Reality was quite different...made it by 5 pm to town without a problem. I even enjoyed some bbq sponsored by the Florida Vol Fire Department in North Adams, MA before starting on the trail at 6 pm.



Met only one SOBO as I headed up the trail toward the LT sign. Five mins before the sign I encountered a bear. A BEAR!!!!!



Out of fear the bear ran and I froze solid after reaching for my camera. No pictures were taken. My pace quicken as I decided I wanted to reach Seth Warner before dark. Three miles in less than an hour. I knocked my poles together the whole way in an attempt to prevent spooking another bear.
I have never been so relieved to see a shelter full of hikers as I was tonight. Lady Sherpa, Coyote, Mynx, and three other AT thrus are here tonight and didn't mind helping me recover from my bear encounter.



Gotta shake this fear thing but it is good to be back in my tent and in the woods.
In other news, I think caterpillars are dropping from the trees as I type. I can hear them hitting my tent and the dry leaves on the ground around me. Weird.

Gear List

Currently I'm at 24 lbs with 5 days of food and fuel.

BIG FOUR

TENT – SMD Lunar Solo
FOOTPRINT – Tyvek
STAKES – 6 Easton Stakes/ screws for platform
SLEEPING BAG –32 MTN HARDWEAR
BAG LINER – Sea to Summit Coolmax
SLEEPING PAD – 1/8 foam pad reg length
PACK – ULA Circuit
PACK COVER – Etowah Orange

CLOTHES

TOP
Syn. Tshirt (mtn hardwear/ running shirt) x 2
Longsleeve shirt (patagucci)
Down Vest (Montbell)
Rain Jacket (Patagucci w/pit zips)

BOTTOM
Skirt (Mtn Hardwear)
Compression Short (Nike)
Thermal (icebreaker)
Camp shorts (UA)
UNDERWEAR
Syn. Bra (nike)
Syn Underwear (Patagucci)

SOCKS
Smartwool (4 pairs) *one pair for camp

SHOES
Salomon Trail Runners
Crocs (Camp Shoes)

TO ACCOMPANY SHOES
Gaiters (Dirty Girl Gaiters)
Trekking Poles (gossamer gear)
FIRST AID/ HYGIENE
Hand Sanitizer
Dr. Bronner’s Soap
AD Cream

MEDS: ADVIL, BENADRYL, TYLENOL PM, and IMMODIUM (in small ziplock)
Bandaids, Antibiotic Ointment, Moleskin, Blister Gels(in small ziplock)
Toothbrush and paste
Floss
Foot Powder
Wet Wipes
Chapstick
Ear Plugs
Hand warmers
Athletic Tape

RANDOM
Leatherman Knife
Pack Towel (Small square)
Buff headwear
Beenie – Smartwool
Gloves – north face
Headlamp
Guide Book x 2
Map
Cell Phone, Charger (wall)
iPod, iPod Charger (wall) 
Digital Camera, Charger (wall), Additional camera battery

WATER TREATMENT
Bladder
Aquamira chemicals
Water Bottle (gatorade)

KITCHEN
Evernew Titanium Minimalist Set
Titanium short handled spoon
Matches, Lighter
Bear Bag (50 ft rope plus 3 micro carabinners)

FOOD

Redistribution of Weight so to Speak...

I find that hiking, in and of itself, can be quite relaxing, challenging, motivating, inspiring, and organic. Thru hiking or long-distance hiking, however, can come with some additional selfish qualities. Taking extensive time off from “normal” life to do something that is entirely about oneself can be costly. My family and friends, even the four-legged variety, can become burdened with the weight of worry and fear, loneliness, and additional responsibilities in my absence.
With this in mind, I want to take a moment to thank my family and friends for tolerating my passion for long distance hiking.

I appreciate you everyday.

I hope this journal will reduce some of that additional weight that you have been burdened with for the next three weeks.