I am nervous, excited and looking forward to the experience.
The details
I will be doing 34 miles over a 2 day hike in the Appalachian Trail, going from the Swatara Gap to Port Clinton (south to north). The plan is to do 17 miles tomorrow, spending the night in the Hertlein Campsite; I have arranged for a shuttle to take me from Port Clinton to Swatara Gap, leaving my car in Port Clinton; the challenge tomorrow will be to start early enough so that I can get to the campground at a reasonable time; I am estimating that I will actually start at 10 am and, walking at an average of 2.5 miles / hour, be there by around 5:00 pm.
I will use my tent for the first time in the wild. It supposed to be cool (50F) and dry- I will not have to use the rain fly and be able to sleep under the stars!!I have my stove, my freeze dried food and, for breakfast I bought a French Press to make sure that I have my caffeine fix in the morning.
Sunday should be easier, getting up early (having my coffee) and getting to Port Clinton mid-afternoon.
Why nervous: well, it is the new experience, the unknown- it is a learning experience, building block for the next big thing. It is the step to independence from using guides (Inka Trail and Rim to Rim). It is like being a young adult again, working on my skills to be able to take care of myself.
I will post the results and pictures next week.
The map is:
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