Day 9 - Thru Hiking The Appalachian Trail

Day 9 - Thru Hiking The Appalachian Trail

Upped the Mileage

Today was the first day to see how far they can really go. They went 17 miles today but why? As you'll see in the video below there was a really good reason but also, their ultimate goal is to average 20 miles a day. They have to push themselves to get up to it and once they get their "trail legs" it won't be so hard. 

Long-distance hikers often talk about getting their "trail legs", the superhero-like state where their leg muscles adapt to the callousing daily mileage and recover in time to rinse and repeat each day. Turns out there's a physiological reason for this called neuromuscular adaptation. We've heard it usually kicks in around days 10-14.

Bear Alert

Honestly, one of my biggest fears for this trip is that they will encounter an aggressive bear. Seeing this sign is actually helpful in a way. It's warning them to take the bear "problem" seriously. It's safe to say that sometimes Jeff and Gavin think that they are indestructible. Yes, both of them. After reading this sign, they decided to hike past Betty's Creek for their own safety. That made me feel better. My other biggest fear for their trip is actually people. I mean, people are crazy too. But so far, they have only encountered very nice people. I listen to too many true crime podcasts...maybe.

For everyone interested in what they packed for this trip. I created a link showing the breakdown of every item. It includes the weight and the current price. We shopped for sales as much as possible. They have gotten rid of stuff since this list was created but this was the starting point. 

 Gavin's Pack or Jeff's Pack 

Yes, that's really the name of a trail but it does lead to a beautiful view. I would like to think whoever names trails could have thought of something better but that's just me. 

Somebody asked me where these quotes that Gavin says comes from, they come from voice memos that he sends every day to me and other family members. He doesn't want the memos shared publicly but I really love hearing how he talks about his life. So, I pick out a sentence or two and share it with y'all.

"We're at Deep Gap. There's a parking lot right there with no cars. Wonder why? Because nobody wants to climb this mountain. I wouldn't drive here to climb this mountain either. But we're doing it." said Gavin.

 

Day 9 Youtube Video

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