Trip to Appalachian TrailBackpacking Class

Had been planning, preparing, and packing for about six weeks. This is the night before leaving for Three Ridges trail.We will be doing 26 miles in all with the circuit and pieces of the Appalachian trail.

George Washington National Forest in Nellysford, Virginia. 14.4 miles is the Three Ridges Trail.

Here

Van ride to Appalachian Trail parking area which is about 30 miles south of Charlottesville, Virginia with classmates.

We made it! Across the street from trail head.

Heading in on the Appalachian Trail. If I only knew what was ahead. It is about two and a half miles to Three Ridges Trail. It felt like it was all uphill.

This is about three hours in on the first day. My brain is getting a hint I am in for something more extreme than my body is ready for. My body has no clue...yet.

This is about three to four hours into the hike. I believe they call this Chimney Rock. This is a great resting and look at the ridges.

First real break, and first time taking of pack. My back at this point started to cramp a little bit. Warmer than normal weather for a first week in October.

View from Chimney Rock, we still have to hike the ridge down into the valley to camp overnight. We will hike out the valley up into the other ridge back to the trail that leads to the parking lot.

It is pretty late in the evening I am now dehydrated and experiencing severe cramps in my legs and back.I get stuck to where I am not moving very fast, darkness is quickly approaching. Classmates and Professor come to my rescue to help me take my backpack to the campsite from about 10/min. out.

Cramps are in entire body now. Classmates had to help put tent up, in too much pain to eat. It is about 9pm and I had been on trail walking about 10 hours. I was up most of night but did drink about one liter in a half of water. Because I was second to last into camp my tent was really close to where the bear bags were hanging. The night of hydrating really helped. I was up before sunrise able to put tent away, pack, and eat. Then I was off at sunrise after stretching.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger (they say). The hike out with a couple good breaks took about eight hours.The hills were really tough, but the walk was better because walking on less rock and more dirt ground.

I got to see some through hikers (hikers who hike the entire Appalachian Trail) today.

It was an awesome trip besides dehydrating. This is a gorgeous trail to hike. I will remember to eat more and drink more next time.