SheSue Experience

Planning is essential. Choosing a trail will depend on how long you are going to be gone. I usually try to keep it to 10-15 miles per day. I also plan on camping by a river or lake each night. The time of year will also come in to play. I planned a nice loop trail one year towards the end of September. It was a beautiful day. We were up around 6,000 feet. We hit snow about a quarter mile into our trip. Did I go? Of course, it was beautiful.

Packing can be like a puzzle. You have clothes tucked snugly in ziploc bags to keep water out. You have food, all prepared and ready for hot water or to just enjoy. You have a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent or sleeping tarp, stove, flashlight, etc. You must figure out how to pack all these items into a small space, using as little as possible so the weight is not unbearable. Snacks and map are placed on top for easy access.

Food can also be a challenge, especially on longer trips. You want to pack light, so freeze dried is best. But you also want healthy food, lots of fruits and vegetables. You can buy the prepackaged meals, but it is a lot cheaper if you make your own. Check out natural food stores for the best selection. For some great food recipes, check out the Backpacking Chef

The first morning of your trip, you are eager to get started. Your pack is ready, you are well rested. A new adventure is waiting. For most, you will have found a driver to bring you to your starting trail. Or, if you are doing a loop trail, you drive yourself. Pack adjusted, shoes tied snug, water and map handy, you leave the city behind. Yes, the pack is heavy. Since I like a tent, my pack usually weighs close to 40 pounds. But if you have it adjusted right, it doesn’t seem that heavy.

In the woods, all seems right in the world. You only hear natural sounds. Birds sing their songs for you, you might hear water as it passes over rocks in a creek, you may hear the wind as it passes through the trees. There are no cars, no boss, no dogs barking, no babies crying, just nature at it’s best. At break time, it feels great to get your shoes off and wiggle your toes. You enjoy a snack or light meal.

After several miles, you break for the night. Time to set up camp: pitch your tent or tarp; make your bedroom comfy with sleeping pad and bag and open up your pack. Depending on where I am, I may enjoy a short hike around the area or just relax with a book or conversation with others in the party. Since I always plan my hikes with a river or lake at every night, I take a swim/bath, usually in the clothes I have worn during the day. This is a great way to relax, sooth aching muscles and clean off all the trail dust. After this, I usually change into fresh clothes and wash what I had on, hanging it out to dry. Packing light means you wear the same clothes.

For dinner, I will pull out one of my carefully packaged meals or splurge on a purchased backpacking meal. Always eat the fresh food you packed first. If necessary, do your dishes. More time to relax before heading to bed fairly early.

The following day you rise early. I do some morning freshening up. I always bring a damp washcloth in a ziploc bag. I use this for a quick spit bath, dress, fix my hair, etc. I like to eat breakfast before breaking camp. This gives your stomach time to digest before you start hiking again.

The new day will bring new adventures and scenery. You may want to bring along a small camera or notebook to record your sights. Or just enjoy your time in the wilderness. I have done 2-3 day trips and week long trips. After a week long trip, it seems strange to step into your house. The floor seems very unnatural to you. It becomes very quiet if no one is home. Yes, quiet. There are no birds or water or wind in your house. Makes me want to be out on the trail again.