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We’ve been home for a week! The blisters are healed, toenails looking normal but the knees are still creaking from coming down Carlton Peak. Here’s a video of our adventure and some final thoughts below. If you are not subscribed already, stay tuned for an upcoming post about our route, packing list and how we lightened our load.
(yah I know…turn the camera sideways!).
A 20 minute video might seem kind of long, but I did the math and it’s like going 300 mph if you consider it covers 100 miles. That’s some serious Fahrvergnügen. Happy Trails!
Other thoughts:
5. Take a picture of EVERY SINGLE MUSHROOM you think looks cool and start a SHT Mushroom Instagram page please. I seriously wish I took more pictures of the ridiculous mushrooms we saw on the Northern end of the trail! #SHTshroom
The biggest thing I learned was to trust your instinct. Many people will try to tell you what you should or should not do. Trust yourself and what you know you are capable of.
Finally, the question I have gotten a lot this week was whether or not I considered finishing the trail alone after my sister’s injury. For a split second, I did…and my family and friends all encouraged me…each one told me they would worry about me, but that they supported me no matter what. It was my best friend that tipped the scale when I told her I probably was going to end the hike for myself too.
She said:
“I know you can do this, you have everything it takes to finish this trail alone and if anyone can do it, you can! I support you going solo! I know you are so sad, but you are saving more for later so you GET to go back! And I also want to tell you to do what you want, and this may be an unpopular opinion, but your family does have some say.”
Um. Huh? Instead of feeling stifled by that last part, I felt loved…incredibly loved and missed. Had anyone else said it, it probably would have backfired. Only a best friend can tell you the truth sometimes. It’s hard to explain, but I knew she was right and it comforted me. I want to be a person who’s family has a say in my life. Ultimately it was my decision, but honestly, at that moment, I didn’t want to keep hiking alone, I just wanted to go home and save the rest for another adventure. It’s also worth noting that we had cold rain forecasted for like 10 out of the 11 days left on our trip…I’m not a fair weather camper, but I was ok with skipping that. The pressure to finish the hike lifted off and I was good with our decision.
Our oldest son agreed to come pick us up in the morning and seemed to enjoy the irony of “rescuing” his mom. We enjoyed a relaxing morning at camp (surrounded by RVs), said goodbye to the lake and even stopped at Tobies for Cinnamon Rolls on the way home. Mom met us with chocolate and flowers and I felt like a dirtbag beauty queen. My heart was happy knowing that we accomplished hiking 100 miles together and that we were making our way back home early.
Enjoyed your video journey so much. Just did a quick three days on the SHT ending yesterday and I agree that the best part is the people I met. I have done a lot of long trails and hope to add a thru-hike of The SHT as well. Noticed your Altras. Would you change your choice of footwear next time? I did wear Altras last year for JMT thru-hike with zero issues but I feel that the footing overall is not as uneven as the SHT. Just curious. Congrats on your journey!
Thanks Gail! Maybe we’ll meet on the trail! Love my Altras, but the sizing is a bit off and I think mine are about a 1/2 size too big and too roomy in the ball of the foot. I also blame the texture of my balega socks for contributing to the shearing and sliding happening under there. I am going to look for a different style of Altra and see if they work. I used to suffer from plantar fasciitis, ankle and hip probs and have been happy with going to a wide toe box trail runner. I’ll let you know if I find something better. Do you wear the Lone Peaks or another style? And thanks again!
I wear the Lone Peaks but add a Sole insert. Always wear Injinji toe socks with them. Works for me!
Man, I want to love my toe socks again, but Ive been getting a pinky blister when I wear them lately! I have a couple of pairs and even with toe lube—pinky blisters! 🙁
The zero Day, for sure …. and slow your Roll. I don’t like crushing miles like you did. I always fell like it robs me of the opotunity to wander and explore once I get to camp. I enjoy the side hikes and waterfall explorations. 😉 Redheaded Redhead.
PS> I can’t wait for the next adventure blog!
Thanks RR! Yes, we learned a lot and could have definitely slowed our roll, solid advice. Sectionhiking the last 200 is going to change how I look at it for sure. Looking forward to meandering a bit more when I hit the trail again next month.
Hi. I am wondering how easy/hard the trail is to follow. Is it well marked?
Very well marked with blue blazes. But you’ll still want to have a map and compass along in case you get turned around. We did that twice because we weren’t paying attention but easily hot back on track. Are you thinking of hiking it?
Thank you. I will have maps but I am planning to solo thru hike it and navigating the trail is my biggest concern. Glad to hear it was easy to find the markings.
Awesome! If you are looking for a hiking buddy, or other women who have hiked the trail solo, I highly recommend the SHT Wild Women and Women Who Hike Facebook groups. How exciting!