Uphillhike

Category: Hiking Articles

  • The PCT Thru-hiker Strategy Guide

    This book is first and foremost a strategy guide, but it is also filled with fun stories and interesting examples along with some offbeat PCT traditions. You will learn how much thru-hiking the PCT today differs from ten years ago and how those differences demand new hiking strategies.  For example, today’s PCT thru-hiking strategies need to take into account not only the Sierra snowpack but also the timing of wildfire season. The increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather as the result of the growing effects of climate change demand a well thought out and sound thru-hiking strategy. Anything less means that factors outside your control could stop your hike cold. 

    Beyond strategy, you will benefit from advice on nearly every aspect of hiking the PCT.  Understand how to plan for a non-continuous Southern Sierra hike under new terms established for the 2020 PCT Long Distance permit. Find the best online resources.   Learn the importance of gear selection and resupply strategy in minimizing weight.  Find advice on water carry and hydration. Learn about hiking the Sierra in the snow, including specific advice for each of the early creek crossings and for each of the 7 major Sierra passes. Understand  “motivators” that PCT thru-hikers use to take care of the “mental” self as well as your “physical” self. I’ll give you many of my personal backpacking “tricks” and “lessons learned”. After reading this book, you will be equipped with the information and understanding needed to make the best practical and strategic decisions for completing today’s PCT thru-hike.

  • Hiking Solo

    Hiking Solo

    [vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” padding_top=”30″ css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text][dropcaps type=’normal’ font_size=’32’ color=’#303030′ background_color=” border_color=”]M[/dropcaps]emeets up with Joe Nickell, a longtime paranormal investigator who’s been called the real-life Scully. We travel with him to RoswelNon the called the real-life Scully. We travel with him to Roswell, NM on the anniversary of the 1947 UFO Crash to talk to believers, skeptics and UFO witnesses alike to see if the truth is really out there.VICE meets up with Joe Nickell, a longtime paranormal investigator who’s been called the real-life Scully. We travel with him to Roswell, NM on the anniversary of the 1947 UFO Crash to talk to believers, skeptics and UFO witnesses alike to see if the truth is really out there.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”25″ down=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]VICE meets up with Joe Nickell, a longtime paranormal investigator who’s been called the real-life Scully. We travel with him to Roswell, NM on the called the real-life Scully. We travel with him to Roswell, NM on the anniversary of the 1947 UFO Crash to talk to believers, skeptics and UFO witnesses alike to see if the truth is really out there. VICE meets up with Joe Nickell, a longtime paranormal investigator who’s been called the real-life Scully. We travel with him to Roswell, NM on the anniversary of the 1947 UFO Crash to talk to believers, skeptics and UFO witnesses alike to see if the truth is really out there.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”25″ down=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]VICE meets up with Joe Nickell, a longtime paranormal investigator who’s been called the real-life Scully. We travel with him to Roswell, NM on the called the real-life Scully. We travel with him to Roswell, NM on the anniversary of the 1947 UFO Crash to talk to believers, skeptics and UFO witnesses alike to see if the truth is really out there.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”25″ down=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]VICE meets up with Joe Nickell, a longtime paranormal investigator who’s been called the real-life Scully. We travel with him to Roswell, NM on the anniversary of the 1947 UFO Crash to talk to believers, skeptics and UFO witnesses alike to see if the truth is really out there. VICE meets up with Joe Nickell, a longtime paranormal investigator who’s been called the real-life Scully. We travel with him to Roswell, NM on the called the real-life Scully. We travel with him to Roswell, NM on the anniversary of the 1947 UFO Crash to talk to believers, skeptics and UFO witnesses alike to see if the truth is really out there. VICE meets up with Joe Nickell, a longtime paranormal investigator who’s been called the real-life Scully. We travel with him to Roswell, NM on the anniversary of the 1947 UFO Crash to talk to believers, skeptics and UFO witnesses alike to see if the truth is really out there.We travel with him to Roswell.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”32″ down=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • 5 Favorite Hikes around Atlanta

    5 Favorite Hikes around Atlanta

    I am always on the scout for great hikes that I can do over the weekend in a reasonable drive from my home in Roswell, GA.

  • Day 3 – Bartram – AT Loop

    Day 3 – Bartram – AT Loop

    Wayah Shelter to trail side camp – 17.5 miles

    I was up at 6:30 am and after oatmeal and nuts I was on the trail in the dark. Nice views from Wayah with a guide to show horizon with named mountains, distances, and compass bearings. Standing Indian was the easiest to pick out.

     

    View from Wayah Bald before sunrise

    It had been a warm and muggy night and the day was hot and humid.

     

    After short ascent on old logging road, It was very tough long steep knee shattering descent to the lake. What ever happened with the idea of switchbacks?.

     

    Nantahala Lake

     

     

    Lake End Marina Restaurant is on the Bartram trail. I don’t usually do food photos, but this catfish sandwich was so good after 3 trail days.

     

    This is a concrete ford through the Nantahala river. They control the water and bypass the river, but I wouldn’t want to cross here when they decide to let the river flow.

     

    Here is the gauge at the ford. At 6 near top of stick, water would be nearly chest high as I cross here. Now it is a tiny stream.

     

    Out of the woods and 2 mile walk on this gravel road that runs alongside the empty river

     

    Hunting dog farm. They raise the dogs in these barrels. I think most of the dogs were out hunting. There must have been 100 dog barrels at least. Plenty of hounds howling at me when I passed. Just one of the sights on the Bartram.

     

    Dog houses

     

    Applehouse Group Camping. Lot of trails come through here.

     

    The trail past Applehouse Group Camping followed the bank of the Nantahala. The trail meandered through thick dog hobble, briers, and rhododendron. I watched with envy as an occasional truck passed on a gravel road that followed the opposite river bank. Rather than fight the undergrowth, it would be an easy matter to cross the tricke that was the river after Duke Power had diverted it and walk with ease. It was a relief when the trail left the river.

     

    My camp literally in the trail. Beyond the river the trail followed a logging road with many flat spots to set up tents. no real campsites though.

     

    Hiked On – Sunday, October 25, 2015