Hiking

[emily_in_nc]

Hi Catrin, Our hike yesterday was very nice. Most of the trails in the park were short, so we did as many trails as we could string together. I suspect we only hiked another four miles or so, but one trail was strenuous (basically stairs and switchbacks to and from the natural tunnel from the visitor's center, much higher up). It was short, though, so no problem. Lovely place!

Today was a different story. We checked into a gorgeous national forest campground in western TN, and did a hike this afternoon that we had no idea of the length of. The sign said 3.7 miles, but was that one way or round trip? We've found that different parks handle out and back trails differently, with some labeling the distance out and back, and some one-way. This one was one-way, and according to our GPS, that was a short estimate. We came up with 4.1 miles one-way, and it was very mountainous, which tends to short-change on miles, since the GPS can't always "see" where we are. Another sign we saw said it was 4.7 miles one way. Plus we had to walk to the trailhead and back, adding an extra half mile at least. So, I am guessing we did around 9-10 miles, more or less.

The hike took us up, up, up a mountain to an amazing overlook, then back down. It was rocky at times and the grade varied from easy to difficult. I definitely learned that I don't care for hikes like this, where you have to do all the climbing in one direction and all the descending in the other. It's tough on the body! I was sweating on the way up, and my heart was pounding at times. I would have loved just a bit of descending to rest, just like on a bike ride! Then on the way down, my left knee started bothering me, and even though I could breathe a lot better than when climbing, I could have used a break in that direction too, from the constant descent. It was a beautiful hike with stunning fall foliage (photos to follow as I haven't uploaded them yet), but a very tough trail for me.

[Catrin]

Sounds lovely! Where in West TN were you that there were mountains? The terrain sounds like East TN, I thought I was familiar with all of the mountains in my home state but obviously not

It would be great if all state parks and forests provided accurate distance information on their signage, for sure. Glad the overlook was worth it, but I can see how the trail difficulty was unexpected. West TN is more known for river delta topography and small rolling hills between the Mississippi River Delta and the beautiful ridges of central TN as you travel east to the mountains leading to Cumberland Gap and the Smoky mtns beyond. Excited to see your pictures!

[Catrin]

Whoop hooo, just walked 2 miles and as long as my shins don't complain later I hope I'm back on target to lead a 4-5 mile hike on Nov 5th, weather permitting.

Crankin, thanks for speaking more on your hikes, it sounded like a lot of fun. I hear you about not being happy about purchasing the lifetime pass...

Thanks for the birthday wishes! I DID have a Kahloua and cream (actually whole milk) on the rocks. The "rocks" were frozen cubes od some wonderful Mexican sigle-estate decaffeinated coffee

[Crankin]

Here are just 2 pics. I have to get DH to make a link to Flicker with all of them.
The one with the waterfall was at the end of a downhill trail. We crossed the carriage road and then went on more trail.
Geez, I look a little lumpy here, with all of my layers...

[Catrin]

You both look great and I love the shot of both of you on the bridge!

[Pax]

So excited, we're heading over to a state park tomorrow and going for a nice longer hike (that means over a mile for me). There's a trail that follows the river, I haven't been able to hike it in the last 3-4 years, I can't wait!

[Catrin]

So excited, we're heading over to a state park tomorrow and going for a nice longer hike (that means over a mile for me). There's a trail that follows the river, I haven't been able to hike it in the last 3-4 years, I can't wait!

Whoohooo! Sounds awesome, have fun!

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[Catrin]

I do that a lot more these days, after my fall last year at work that led to knee surgery.

Tried a little 2 mile hike today in my Keenes. Feet weren't as happy as they are in my boots but they typically are less happy at that park anyway as there is lots of gravel. Dirt is much easier on me, will try it again Saturday in another park that has actual dirt trails and see what happens. I will have my boots in the car just in case.

Almost 80 today on November 2! We broke a 150 year record for this date. We are going to cry when the cold finally comes...

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[Pax]

Another hike today in a different state park, gorgeous day out there, we had so much fun!! A bit of uphill and downhill, with two small bridges over the tiny little creeks running through the park.

[Catrin]

Another hike today in a different state park, gorgeous day out there, we had so much fun!! A bit of uphill and downhill, with two small bridges over the tiny little creeks running through the park.

You both look great and it sounds like fun! I love the smiles

Another hiking test for me tomorrow. My shin splints have improved but are still there - but no more cramping. A little test tomorrow to see if I can use my Keens for longer hikes on real dirt (rather than gravel). Last weeks test didn't do so well but there was a lot of gravel, I never do well with that. I'm supposed to lead our little hiking group from church next week and I need to decide pretty quickly if I should cancel...

[Pax]

Thanks, we were tickled to be out and about. We also had packed a picnic lunch and just enjoyed sitting outside in the sunshine!


I was reading about some hikers on the AT, they use trail runners or low cut hiking shoes instead of boots, but have to use an insole like superfeet to add stability. Maybe some insoles would help your feet in those Keens?

[Crankin]

I need to use my hiking boots almost all of the time. I usually wear the lower cut light hikers for local trails, but, most of the time I wish I had my hiking shoes on. In fact, when we were in Acadia, I felt like I wanted those really high up hiking shoes; my ankles always feel loose. No matter how tightly I tie my shoes, they loosen. I don't have weak ankles, but I feel like I need more stability. I love my Lowa boots, though.
On another note, I feel like my foot/toe is never going to heal. I wore flats all week, except one day, where I wore a pair of chunky, lower heels, because the top of the shoe is very stretchy and loose. I cannot get into my normal "kitten" heels I wear to work, because they are stiff. Been using Arnica, some icing, and the bruising is much better. But today, my foot hurts more. We plan on doing a hike today and I hope I can get into my boots. The thing is, I know I am walking differently, to avoid direct pressure on the left side of my foot, and that is making other things hurt.

[Catrin]

Thanks, we were tickled to be out and about. We also had packed a picnic lunch and just enjoyed sitting outside in the sunshine!


I was reading about some hikers on the AT, they use trail runners or low cut hiking shoes instead of boots, but have to use an insole like superfeet to add stability. Maybe some insoles would help your feet in those Keens?

That would be good if I didn't HAVE to have my custom orthotics, I will experiment later today. Of course, it COULD be that my beloved hiking boots would be fine for dirt only, and for distances no more than 5-6 miles. The orthotics have REALLY calmed both my feet down and my podiatrist doesn't want to see me in any shoes without them. Have no idea how that actually works but even my severe metatarsal joint arthritis has calmed. I used to think that custom orthotics were nothing but expensive arch supports, and while some may indeed be, these are far from that.

Crankin - hope that heals soon and crossing my fingers for you today.

I am off to experiment with my Keenes. If this works I may explore (next year) and see if Keene makes the same hiking shoe that goes higher up the ankle.

[Catrin]

One of my pictures from yesterday's hike. I remembered how much I enjoy solo hiking, it is rejuvenating. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy hiking with others just as much, but the group I lead is....well....chatty. I don't think there is even one second of silence in our hikes. It does allow me to see the woods through their eyes and that's a good thing as well.

[Pax]

Great pic, Catrin! Which park were you in? I might hit you up for some recommendations next Spring, we only have a 2-3 three parks near here and I'd like to try something new.

Kind of a PS - what do you gals use to keep ticks away?