tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59825806944007514652023-11-16T07:16:06.601-08:00Hitched HikeA 2,180 mile adventure on the Appalachian Trail.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-46220933810334569872013-02-06T16:08:00.001-08:002013-02-06T16:24:45.559-08:00Contact Lenses On the TrailFor all the folks out there with non-perfect vision and not enough money or care to go and get lasik or other various forms of vision correction surgery (and all of you that really don't like wearing glasses)... There's hope to see the trail clearly without dealing with contact hassle. <br />
<br />
I have worn contacts for a while, most of my life. I am in fact wearing them right now, just like I always am.<br />
I came to a conclusion a few months ago that I don't have to wear the same type of contacts any more, especially for the trail. I was wearing the standard 2 week disposable contacts. The type you put in every morning and take out every night. It was taboo to sleep in them and it was actually briefed and ingrained into us at Basic Military Training that leaving them in for long periods of time could have DEVASTATING EFFECTS. This can be true, with certain contacts that I don't feel like researching.<br />
<br />
I saw an ad while watching the Olympics this year. Maybe you saw it, too. <a href="http://www.airoptix.com/contact-lenses/air-optix-night-and-day-aqua.shtml" target="_blank">Air Optix Night and Day</a>. Contacts you can wear for 30 days and nights. 30 days!! Even while sleeping!! I don't have to attempt to clean my hands of imbedded dirt and grime, then put in icy contacts while confined to my sleeping bag. Just pop 'em in once a month when I'm in town or somewhere I can get legitimately cleaned up. Sounds like a fantasy.<br />
<a href="http://www.airoptix.com/images/products/night-and-day.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://www.airoptix.com/images/products/night-and-day.png" width="200" /></a><br />
So, I went in made an appointment with an optometrist, got an exam/fitting ,and put them in. I've been wearing these contacts for 2 months (2 different pairs), and I must say; they're pretty awesome. My vision was corrected to 20/10 (I can see those bears from VERY far away).<br />
Note: When I first started wearing them, I would get some lovely eye buggies in the morning. That doesn't really happen anymore.<br />
<br />
There are a little pricy. I bought a year supply for $230. I did not pay for these first two pairs. The first pair was a trial, and I asked for another pair when I ordered mine from the optometrists because I was going out of town and it would be a bit before they came in. Two free pairs. I felt pretty good about that, be sure to do the same if you decide to get some.<br />
<br />
If any of you were wondering what on eye you were going to do about your contacts out there, I hope this helps open your options.<br />
<br />
-JeremyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-85377549771091581642013-02-01T08:44:00.000-08:002013-02-01T08:44:34.403-08:00Appalachian Trials Motivation Lists<a href="http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1799612502/Appalachian_Trials_v4F_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1799612502/Appalachian_Trials_v4F_4.jpg" width="130" /></a>I very recently read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985090103/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thegoobad-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0985090103" target="_blank"><i>Appalachian Trials</i></a> by Zach Davis, a 2011 thru-hiker. First of all, if you are even thinking about doing a thru-hike at some point in your life, go ahead and get this book, it more than worth it.<br />
<br />
Note: Over 70% of the people who set out to hike the AT, do NOT complete it.<br />
<br />
Zach pretty much implored me, the reader, to create a list of motivations that I can look back on to constantly reinforce my pre-hike ideals when times get tough out on the trail. Sorry, Zach, but I did not do it while you were singing Ace of Base. I waited until now.<br />
<br />
I could just keep them personal, but I've been <strike>asked</strike> told to publish/share them to be held more accountable. The whole point of this is to never give up. Never get so bummed out that I just decide it's to tough and throw in the towel. Now, I'm already 100% positive that I WILL NOT QUIT. However, I'm not on the trail yet. So, why not increase my chances for success by strengthening my resolve?<br />
<br />
Here it is:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Jeremy's Appalachian Trials Motivations List</b></i></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am
hiking the Appalachian Trail because...</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- It's the fantasy adventure I've always dreamed
of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- My mountain man skills (or appearance of
skills) will grow leaps and bounds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- I will spend awesome, uninterrupted time with
my super cool wife.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- I love seeing where the path leads, and this
one is pretty long.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- I love being outdoors, but I'm always stuck
inside. Quite the opposite on the AT.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- I will met the most interesting people probably
in my entire life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- I will see, do, and experience things that
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- I get to really live life, and not wait for
life to live me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- I've never been to Maine, it's the coolest way
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(also,
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I successfully
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- Be even closer to my wife. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- Be a mountain man.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If I
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- Tear apart the bonds I've made with myself and
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- Jeremy </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-85945201786890278132013-01-30T11:55:00.001-08:002013-01-30T12:05:07.300-08:00Holy CrapIt's getting real.<br />
<br />
We have less than a month left before we are walking away from Springer Mountain heading the 2,185.9 miles to Katahdin. What?!<br />
<br />
We decided to do this three years ago. It's been 3 years. It was hard to believe that this time would ever come, and I must admit, I'm getting quite anxious. Both in a good way and a bad way. I know that once we step foot onto the trail that life is going to get crazy awesome. We also have a seemingly ton of stuff to do before we leave! I'm not just talking about trail prep either.<br />
<br />
Since getting out of the Air Force and moving back to Texas, we have been busier than we have been in years. 6 years away from family and friends tends to make you a big target for time consumption. Somehow, the fact that we don't have jobs now just seems to mean that we "have unlimited free time". Yes, "free" time. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with all of my family and friends, I'm just not used to it (all the time). I've also committed myself to helping with different projects before the trail.. I was under the impression that when I got out of the military that I would get bored from the lack of stuff to do. I was wrong, really wrong. <br />
<br />
I've helped complete a garage, cut down trees/chop wood, many other various tasks, and I'm still currently working on refurbishing my Mom's house to be sold right after we leave. This is by far the biggest project. <br />
<br />
It's been tough stepping back into my old life as a new person. It will be nice to be out in the wild for a spell. The short trips have done well to remind me of my new freedoms. It don't have to ask permission to travel, and I have no one to answer to besides Jacki, and it's more like conspiring anyway.<br />
<br />
As for trail preparation, I'm pretty sure we're mostly set to go. Time will tell, and so will the trail itself. We'll see what's what in a couple of weeks.<br />
<br />
-Jeremy<br />
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-69124170988048892312013-01-17T22:54:00.002-08:002013-01-17T22:57:25.298-08:00Jacki: T-40 days<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I've never
written a blog post before but I decided it was time since we are starting our
great adventure in only 40 days!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> That and my hubby asked me to, so I thought I'd oblige.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I guess I just want to say how I'm
feeling and that is excited and anxious all wrapped up in one, slightly larger
than ever, Jacki-package.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which brings
me to my next topic, weight loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm
specifically looking forward to losing this extra weight I've put on these past
few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not so much because I don't
like the way I look or am unhappy, it's really more about being healthy and fit
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now weigh 160 lbs. and that is the
most I've ever weighed in my entire life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I'm only 25 years old and I'm perfectly able bodied so the way I see it,
I have no excuses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, it's starting
to adversely effect my health because my doctor told me I have borderline high
cholesterol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Don't think for one second though
that this hike will be all about weight loss for me, that's just going to be a
bonus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hiking the A.T. is much more
about the adventure, experience, and memories for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won't lie, it's also about the pride I will
feel from this huge accomplishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to hike the entire A.T., in one shot, so I can tell my kids one day what
their dad and I did and hopefully it will inspire them to do the same kind of
things in their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all,
"Life is about living it, with those you love." -Hitched Hike</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I can't believe the hike is just
around the corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremy and I have
been planning it for 3 years now and it's always been something we'll do in the
distant future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's rather daunting now
that it's the near future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really
can't wait though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's going to be
nothing but unknowns for about 6 months and that definitely sounds like quite
the adventure to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 8;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> -Jacki </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-41016321839827020482013-01-13T19:55:00.001-08:002013-01-13T19:55:43.873-08:00Lyle: An IntroductionDearest human beings,<br />
<br />
First, let me say how excited I am to be a part of the Hitched Hike experience. The decision to hike the Appalachian Trail was a long, slow one for me. When Jeremy and Jacki shared their plan to do a thru-hike, my response was "that sounds fun, but I don't think I would ever do that". Then, I would say, "that sounds fun. Maybe one day I'll do it." After over a year of the idea floating around in my head, something inside of me finally snapped and it seemed ridiculous to not do a thru-hike. Now, I feel like hiking from Georgia to Maine is a journey that I have to make. The choice almost feels like it made itself, and I couldn't be more excited.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSL5ivCOY7cl9lFJ55vrFE5mBspv259FurRuDwGyxl9BjgXb0CXAEYtoZtByptMN9jQJyuYWxyP-PQUsRBxlYbs7u692-aIgIO5mxAxofjfFuFWRN8QLm0ZAAq_mwCv8vJ062w-2JJtWx/s1600/DSC03012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSL5ivCOY7cl9lFJ55vrFE5mBspv259FurRuDwGyxl9BjgXb0CXAEYtoZtByptMN9jQJyuYWxyP-PQUsRBxlYbs7u692-aIgIO5mxAxofjfFuFWRN8QLm0ZAAq_mwCv8vJ062w-2JJtWx/s640/DSC03012.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite the excitement, there is a large amount of trepidation. I am a bit intimidated by the idea of walking between 8 and 10 hours a day in everything from the bitter cold to choking heat and snow and rain, sleeping on the ground, carrying everything I need on my back, getting bitten by mosquitoes (and hopefully nothing else), dealing with knees and ankles in constant discomfort, and other various fears (ZOMG BEARS!). But, like everything, I know I must take the bad with the good. I know I'll be gaining, among other things, a sense of freedom that I have yet to know. I look forward to spending 6 months adventuring with my best friends, sleeping in a new place almost every day, meeting people who I otherwise wouldn't, playing guitar around campfires and writing fun hiking songs, having space to think and just BE with myself. I view the thru-hike as a condensed version of life -- there is a lot of unknown, but a huge potential for fun and adventure. Some days will be great, some days will by trying. Some days friends will encourage me to keep going. The next day, I may be encouraging them. I'll meet people I enjoy, and I'll meet people who annoy me (and who are annoyed by me). And, of course, it isn't about the destination. As my friend, Oli, says: The way is the goal.<br />
<br />
I expect to learn a lot about myself and my place in the world. For me, this journey will not only be a physical one, but also deeply spiritual. I look forward to having space to clear my mind. I anticipate I'll have a healthy amount of time to practice walking meditation. I expect the experience of being in nature and away from distractions like TV, computers and the internet to give me a new experience of mental clarity.<br />
<br />
All in all, I'm super-excited about the thru-hike, and I know it will be a blast. The last 10 months of my life have been the best I've ever had, marked by lots of growth (and growing pains), insights into self-and-others, and a new respect and appreciation for the world, family, friends, and my very existence. Just being alive is a beautiful moment-by-moment experience that I have too often overlooked, ignored, or taken for granted. I look forward to living well and deeply on my trek, touching life and, hopefully, the lives of others as I go. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880448608986038282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-13999299793368724112012-09-26T15:30:00.001-07:002012-09-26T16:38:02.215-07:00The Coming MonthsThe days are drawing nearer. I will be getting out of the Air Force within a couple months, Jacki and I will be moving back to Texas after six years, and Lyle is waiting impatiently for our arrival. Jacki has put in her end of work notice and is counting down her 12 hour nights working as a 911 emergency dispatcher. Lyle is taking general education classes at a community college, while enthusiastically pursuing enlightenment. I am fighting a losing battle of senioritis at my job. I'm still doing what I need to do, but oh man is it difficult to care or put forth the extra effort. I never lack on customer service though. I really do care about people, just not worthless policies...<br />
<br />
We all think about the trail each day. It's not just a far away thought of something we're going to do, it's only a few months away now. We'll even be buying tickets for the one way flight to Atlanta next week. There's a lot to do before then, and I'm not even talking about planning for the hike (which will be almost non-existent). There's a lot required to get out of the military, and we have to move all of our stuff half way across the country. It'll be a lot of work, but it'll be even more exciting for us all.<br />
<br />
I think I've come a long way in video production. I've not only learned many great new filming techniques, but I've grown to appreciate great audio recording and various editing methods. It can be a lot of hard, creative work, but I really do enjoy doing it. I always get a lot of appreciation from others as well, which does well to boost my enthusiasm about different projects and especially The Project - Hitched Hike.<br />
<br />
Lyle has been working on creating music for the film with a friend in Austin, Mason. I used a short bit of their work in a video for the Friends of Georgia State Parks video contest. It made the video. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/k78JJ-55xl4" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
It's a beautiful blend of acoustic guitar and violin. I'm looking forward to hearing their new works in the near future. Lyle also plans to bring along a small guitar on the trail. I also have a harmonica that Jacki bought me for our 6 year anniversary. I'm still working on playing something that doesn't sound like a dying cat.<br />
<br />
In case you haven't heard, we're on Facebook! <a href="http://www.facebook.com/HitchedHike">http://www.facebook.com/HitchedHike</a><br />
We will also be making periodic trail Video updates while on the AT. This is something that I hadn't thought about then it suddenly dawned on me that it is not only possible, but pretty darn easy! Here's our "first" trail update of me explaining how we'll be updating everyone.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/55TZqiHgD4E" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
Many things will be drastically changing in our lives within the next few months. It's hard to think about all of it though when the trail's beckoning call is growing stronger. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-21330180147469400812012-08-06T15:24:00.001-07:002012-08-06T15:24:52.290-07:00Why We Love the Appalachian TrailThe Appalachian Trail Conservancy is having a video contest and we thought we would make a video and enter into it.
<br />
<br />
The voting doesn't start until September 5th, but we wanted to get it in early.
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/N3eT9rIqisw" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Be sure to "Like" us on Facebook, as we will be doing the vast majority of our updates on our Fan Page. It will be much easier to upload video and picture to that site while we're on the trail.<br />
<br />
Just search for Hitched Hike in Facebook and click like!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-42278839133067444432012-03-15T13:32:00.000-07:002012-03-15T13:32:31.572-07:00One Year OutOn the occasion of our one year out mark of hiking the Appalachian Trail, I wrote Jacki a letter to convey my excitement. <br />
<br />
Here it is:<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
Jacki (trail name unknown),<br />
<br />
Today is an exciting day, marking
the one year mark prior to our great adventure together. In one year,
one of the most exciting things I can imagine will begin. Not only do
we get to experience this awesome, awe inspiring journey on the historic
Appalachian Trail and live life a way that we never have, we have to
opportunity to be with each other in the most intimate way possible.
There will be no conflicting schedules or outside interferences. No
distractions from video games, TV shows, or the computer/internet. It
will be just us, and our experiences to share. We will be working,
struggling, freezing, sweating, soaking, sleeping, hiking, laughing,
crying, filming, and enjoying every moment together. I cannot wait to
spend every moment with you out on the trail. It is going to be so much
fun and an amazing experience! I can’t wait!!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3oFEWzep70n4bPUSE4Hwz_UK6kRrEk7woSsdqN4wfMIkJv_lLh_XMWgz-B8YZw2gCgvD9wrvHC7WZrj_zF3aFajQbtg5naaQhYq9K24t05fat-D1-MrmKmgkL4Si_nNOvH7X4ZKEu8GB/s1600/DSC02004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3oFEWzep70n4bPUSE4Hwz_UK6kRrEk7woSsdqN4wfMIkJv_lLh_XMWgz-B8YZw2gCgvD9wrvHC7WZrj_zF3aFajQbtg5naaQhYq9K24t05fat-D1-MrmKmgkL4Si_nNOvH7X4ZKEu8GB/s320/DSC02004.JPG" width="320" /></a>You’re an
amazing women and I don’t think I would have done this on my own had you
not driven the idea that we could actually do it. I don’t know if you
know this, but your motivation to get out there and live life and do
things that are inconceivable to most people has sparked a new kind of
revitalization in my life. Which I think has bounded back to you,
creating a wonderful cycle of passion for living between the two of us.
When you said, “Let’s do this.”, it open my mind that, “Holy crap… we
could actually hike this thing… Why not?... Heck yeah!”<br />
<br />
I love
you so much, and I think this journey of ours will be nothing but a
remarkable adventure that builds our love for each other. I cannot
emphasize how excited I am to do this with you! You’re amazing! I
can’t wait for our shared chores, pep talks, resting at beautiful
overlooks, keeping warm together, motivating each other, helping each
other, laughing, singing, dancing, and maybe some hiking. J It’s going
to be a blast!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Love you with all my hiking heart!<br />
<br />
Jeremy (trail name unknown)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-50193752504321412262012-02-23T19:01:00.001-08:002012-02-23T19:05:28.928-08:00Tough MudderIf you noticed that we didn't put out a new video on backpacking gear this last weekend, it's because I had been working on editing up our Tough Mudder video.
<br />
Yes... we did a Tough Mudder. What's a Tough Mudder, you say? Well, it's a 12 miles course full of obstacles designed by British special forces to test a person's endurance, will, fears, and perseverance. It just so happened that a cold front came in the day before our Mudder, reducing the temperature to a freezing, 20°F. It was the hardest single event either of us had done before, but we did it, and had fun doing it.
<br />
<br />
Jacki got the idea in her head one day while checking her Facebook. She saw an add on the side and checked it out. Once Jacki says, "We should do this.", there's hardly any turning back. She began rallying team members, became our captain and dubbed us Swamp Ass. Pretty soon we had a team of ten built, even though some of the members had never met each other. Two months before the race we got serious about our preparations. We put ourselves on relatively strict diets and began to follow a rigorous workout routine to build our strength and endurance. It helped, but we were still nervous about the big event.
<br />
<br />
The night before, Jacki arranged a very large dinner party with our entire team and many of their family members. Many traveled from out of town, my best friend Logan from Austin even flew in for this crazy event. The dinner gave our team the opportunity for everyone to meet, relax, iron on our team logos, and just have fun socializing. One of our team members, Kathrine, only knew one person, who she met while thru-hiking the AT. She admitted to being very nervous about the idea of staying with a bunch of strangers for the weekend, but by the end was sad to leave. After the dinner, things quieted down and we all drifted off to sleep, some not so easily.
<br />
<br />
We all woke up early the next morning, around 5:45AM, rallied our team, and left the house heading towards Aonia Motocross Track in Washington, GA. We arrived 40 minutes later. Our Mini Cooper read the current outside temperature as 18°F. I for one did not have a settled stomach and had to visit the frozen porta-potty a couple of times. It was rather unsettling seeing the blue stuff frozen solid. Once we checked in we stood by a barrel full of burning scrap wood for about an hour before we heard our call to the starting line. Our nervousness quickly transformed into excitement as we climbed the small 6ft wall to the starting line.
<br />
<br />
Here's the Swamp Ass Tough Mudder.
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rOOfu6P24Bs" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
It was SO cold, it's hard to describe. It took hours for our bodies to return to a normal temperature. It didn't matter though. After four and a half hours, we had finish and were more happy than we probably should have been.
<br />
<br />
That night we gathered in celebration of our camaraderie and success. New bonds had been formed and we knew that none of us would forget this day. It was the day a bunch of crazy people calling themselves, "Swamp Ass", set out in the freezing cold to get wet over and over while covering 12 miles of ridiculousness. It was one of the best days of our lives.
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBKQyHC5GsYUuFiogz_FD5u38ScLD8pZivcLt2u6XM7rjF3CpoZQPI3bA2N3G0JjRvYAByZNfV1UkzLgAamO_uOwePqCAD8AUpsEhmyjIcNl4KwH_YlJQVN09bZNAvFGw-PgpR7021G8J/s1600/finish.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBKQyHC5GsYUuFiogz_FD5u38ScLD8pZivcLt2u6XM7rjF3CpoZQPI3bA2N3G0JjRvYAByZNfV1UkzLgAamO_uOwePqCAD8AUpsEhmyjIcNl4KwH_YlJQVN09bZNAvFGw-PgpR7021G8J/s400/finish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-26455941777115644712012-02-05T13:37:00.001-08:002012-02-05T13:37:03.479-08:00Backpacking Gear Basics - StorageIn this video, Jacki explains some of the basics of storage gear. Your storage gear is essential to carrying and organizing all of your gear needed for your backpacking trips.
<br />
<br />
Jacki will be covering:<br />
Backpacks (REI Ridgeline W 65L / Gregory 65z M)<br />
Stuff Sacks (Compression, Waterproof, Mesh)<br />
Food and Water Storage<br />
<br />
Please excuse the random gun shots at the end of the video.
<br />
<br />
Hope you learn something! Enjoy!!
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LFHYCThlhvk" width="640"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-47241003123871995902012-01-29T08:11:00.000-08:002012-01-29T08:11:48.196-08:00Backpacking Gear Basics - ClothingIn this video I go over the layering system and what I find typically works best for most people out on the trail.
<br />
<br />
I will be covering:
<br />
Socks
<br />
Footwear<br />
Base Layers (shirts/pants)<br />
Insulation<br />
Outer Shell (rain jacket)<br />
Hats and Gloves
<br />
<br />
Please excuse the chicken clucks and the wind. Not my best video production, but the information is there. I hope this will help those looking into buying backpacking clothing to pick what's right for them.
<br />
<br />
Enjoy the video!
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/f9NyFKNhpWI" width="640"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-70383969496131211862012-01-22T16:10:00.000-08:002012-01-22T16:10:43.107-08:00Backpacking Gear BasicsJacki and I decided, with the suggestion of a few friends, to make a short series on what one needs to go backpacking out on the trail. So, we've start planning and filming a six (seven including the intro) episode series to help those new to the hobby.
<br />
<br />
The information we present is from our own research and experience. It is by nature, our own opinion, and style. I highly recommend doing a lot of research and short excursions to find what's right for you.
<br />
<br />
That said, I hope you enjoy the introduction to "Backpacking Gear Basics"!
<br />
<br />
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZIHhPkU8osw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-72559556558271126412012-01-12T18:17:00.000-08:002012-01-12T18:17:22.737-08:00Great AT DocumentariesDisclosure: I did NOT make these videos! But watch them anyway. :D
<br />
<br />
Jacki and I just finished watching the AT documentary, "Appalachian Impressions" by Flager Films. It was extremely well done! I wasn't sure what to expect from it in terms of the type of documentary it was, but I had heard good things. The film is basically a very, VERY, informative guide of the Appalachian trail. For anyone watching who is unfamiliar with the trail, you'll learn all there is to know besides actually hiking it. For those of us planning the hike the trail, it's an exciting look ahead into our near future. And to all those who've already completed their journey, it is a reminder of what you've experienced and accomplished, all the good times, and all the fantastic people. I highly recommend this film to anyone who has ever had a desire to learn about the AT. We will be forcing all of our family members to watch this at some point. :)
<br />
<br />
Here's a preview of the film.
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ahejMG3o4Bg" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
You can order the film at <a href="http://www.flaglerfilms.com/">flaglerfilms.com</a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Another great AT documentary is, "Trek: a Journey on the Appalachian Trail" by Cirque Productions. This was the first documentary that I watched about the AT (about a year and a half ago). It's more of a story based documentary, which I think is great for getting immersed into the trail experience. The story follows fives friends as they make their way along the 2000+ miles. Although not as informative, it is very inspirational. And I think most of our family has been force to watch this one already. :)
<br />
<br />
Take a look...
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<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MZxEh_klLU0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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This film can be found on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/TREK-Journey-Appalachian-Brian-Burnham/dp/B0002DFWHQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1326420753&sr=8-7">Amazon</a>
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Check them out!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-34181124707099926032012-01-07T10:07:00.000-08:002012-01-07T10:07:56.855-08:00The Filming Gear I Use for BackpackingJust thought I'd share some info on the tools I use to capture our footage on the trail, or any other adventure Jacki and I go on.
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Enjoy!
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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ntRNj2SmXdY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-27084052911465910322011-12-30T18:19:00.000-08:002011-12-31T07:05:43.924-08:00Foothills TrailIn an attempt to enjoy the peaceful and beautiful outdoors before heading into a bustling Christmas time, Jacki and I, plus Lyle, Abi, and Carmelita head up North into South Carolina to the Foothills Trail. The trail is 77 miles. We only hiked a small 8 mile section from the Laurel Valley Access to Lake Jacossee. This trail was beautiful and we had a ton of fun. To include the introduction of the "Glowing Man". We crossed numerous bridges, maybe 35, and saw some amazing waterfalls.<br />
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With the inclusion of my new GoPro Hero and Lyle taking his Nikon D7000, plus his photography skills, we acquired some very nice shots. I've also learned some new editing techniques and the video features some of my favorite music from my dad.<br />
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So, enjoy the video!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xeqP8ANVAkc" width="640"></iframe>
Click To Learn: <a href="http://www.foothillstrail.org/">Foothills Trail</a><br />
Check out my dad's music! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=don+scroggins&x=9&y=21">Don Scroggins</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-29486949843928264192011-12-07T20:29:00.001-08:002012-01-01T09:15:33.501-08:00Time Lapse Sequence PracticeMy friend, Lyle, recently bought me a GoPro Hero camera for my birthday and it gave me the idea to try some time lapse shots. I had never done them before, so it's been kind of an experiment. I think they add a nice cinematic touch to a scene. However, if you have nothing but time lapses, you just put pretty music to it. :)<br />
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Hopefully I can get some of these on the AT!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2svMInMlkj4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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To See some absolutely amazing time lapses, check out <a href="http://timescapes.org/">http://timescapes.org/</a>!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-67731313430714962472011-12-04T18:04:00.001-08:002011-12-04T18:27:15.350-08:00Group Hike at Mistletoe State Park<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBKhZ6UvpCJTKGlJVpLZbSN7qKv_IZ87Gvcx6wvh-vGxF7CMDVtE9aRPJA8dSJYjUPaH4R17ggOxTsh-lquX2ZjuPnPc1I6pKWe_rwT23uq7q4vKh0ZqgF9_TLapWGEHn1MAtXYES5y3j/s1600/DSC01840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBKhZ6UvpCJTKGlJVpLZbSN7qKv_IZ87Gvcx6wvh-vGxF7CMDVtE9aRPJA8dSJYjUPaH4R17ggOxTsh-lquX2ZjuPnPc1I6pKWe_rwT23uq7q4vKh0ZqgF9_TLapWGEHn1MAtXYES5y3j/s320/DSC01840.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick snap shot before leaving camp. (TJ, Abi, Jacki, Jeremy, Lyle)</td></tr>
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Jacki and I went out with a couple a good friends and a new backpacker. It was a very short over-nighter (7 miles total) with little ups or downs. However, Jacki, Lyle, and I had run a 10k race that morning in freezing temperatures. We were already a bit worn out. I for one, fought taking a nap all day after the race and almost fell asleep packing. The nice thing about going on short, easy trips like this, is that you can really bring whatever you want and relax as long as you want. It's also nice to have a more diverse conversation with others than just Jacki. Don't get me wrong, Jacki and I can have some pretty interesting conversations and I love talking with her, but sometimes we just like to listen to people tell their stories and discus their ideas on any and every topic. Honestly, I think we prefer going with a small group rather than alone. As long as those with us are good people and positive, boosting the group's spirits. It makes for a fun trip. <br />
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</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-76208147562127373182011-11-27T18:26:00.000-08:002012-01-01T09:17:38.431-08:00Back on the TrailThe last time Jacki and I actually went backpacking was before I even started this blog. Which is kind of ridiculous considering this blog is about our journey preparing and undertaking our journey on the Appalachian Trail. We were determined to get out to the mountains and away from our busy day to day schedules. It just so turns out that the Thanksgiving break was it. So, in stead of organizing, planning, preparing, and cooking a large Thanksgiving meal, we went hiking. <br />
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The plan was to hike for three easy days. Leave Vogel State Park, camp along the Coosa Backcountry Trail for the first night, hike up to Blood Mountain and sleep there the second night, then hike back on the third day. Unfortunately we ran into a little problem and had to cut the trip short. Oh well... we still thoroughly enjoyed being up in the mountains.<br />
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Enjoy the video!<br />
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J&JUnknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-2393238327412446352011-08-13T14:13:00.000-07:002012-01-01T09:18:51.032-08:005 Year Anniversary Road TripJacki and I take our 5 year anniversary trip. Camping along the way, we drove up the east coast into unknown territory to explore a few amazing places that our nation has to offer.
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<br />Enjoy!
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<br />Watch in full screen HD for best quality!
<br /><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/olbjryzO02s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-13099983834440022992011-07-18T19:39:00.000-07:002012-01-01T09:19:37.968-08:00Something DifferentJacki, a good friend of ours, Lyle, and I were planning a 3 day backpacking trip on the Foothills Trail in South Carolina this past weekend. However, we were invited on different adventurous trip by a girl Lyle met at a bar the previous weekend. Jacki and I agreed. Why not? Let's do it!<br /><br />Enjoy the video! Always in 1080HD! Watch it full screen to get the most out of it!<br /><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6ICKpgvFfPg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ICKpgvFfPg">Watch it on Youtube.</a><br />A spontaneous trip to the Blue Ridge mountains with a group of strangers that became our friends. Special thanks to Wildwater Ltd rafting and zip-line tours! Our Guides; Shannon, Sam, Kelly, and Stacy, thank you! You all were awesome! Extra special thanks to Carmelita for organizing the whole thing!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-21057652129515378732011-05-28T12:51:00.000-07:002012-01-01T09:20:53.018-08:00Out for a Day HikeWe decided to go for a short hike at Mistletoe State Park today. I thought it would be fun to get some practice making videos out on the trail. It's not much, but hey, it's the first video I've made of us hiking and the first with this camera.<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />Video is HD<br /><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Diy4k-WdXAE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982580694400751465.post-31642122862902396242011-05-04T18:06:00.000-07:002011-05-04T18:31:26.140-07:00Hitched Hike blog arives!May 4th, 2011<br /><br />What is Hitched Hike? <br />It's a documentary of a loving married couple (me and my wife) hiking 2100 miles from Georgia to Maine on the historic Appalachian trail. <br /><br />When is it?<br />Don't expect to see the film until spring of 2014, sorry. We won't be starting our journey until spring of 2013 and won't be finished hiking until that fall.<br /><br />How did it start?<br />We had an interest in hiking and backpacking that led us on a few small excursions, and a lot of casual reading up on hiking and backpacking in general. I came across the Appalachian Trail (AT as it's commonly know) and was amazed that such a thing existed. I mentioned it to Jacki, and to my surprise, she was very interested in it, but nothing much came from it. We both just thought it was a cool thing.<br />In mid January, 2010, while hiking in the mountains of North Georgia, coming back from the Len Foote Hike Inn near Springer Mountain, Jacki said straightly, "I want hike the AT." I replied, "You know I would have to get out of the Air Force." "I know. But I'm okay with that now. " From that point we have been gearing up, saving up, learning as much as we can, and hitting the trail as often as possible. We can't wait to start our journey! And although I'm contractually bound to a windowless office building until December of 2012, I have my AT pictures on my desk and the weekends on the trail to keep me motivated :)<br /><br />Look for posts in the future as we prepare for our "Hitched Hike"!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0