Destination Unknown

Today is Friday! I'm glad because that means tomorrow I get to go hiking. Before I go, I have to pick up some appropriate gear. The weather is too cold for jackets and jeans now - that means a short shopping trip is in order. Tonight I may go by Mahoney's or Dick's and pick up some thermals or lined pants. I also need a long jacket with deep pockets, a pair of gloves, and a hat. I hate wearing hats - if you have ever seen my hair, you'll know why. It is long and very curly and makes finding a hat that fits almost impossible. However, after my evening hike to the top of Round Bald last week when I came down with aching ears because of the constant, cold wind, I think I'll put the effort into finding good head-gear.

Sunset from the slope under Round Bald on the Appalachian Trail, 11-12-11

Earlier this week I purchased a backpack. It's a narrow-frame Real-Tree Camo print with lots of compartments and side holders for the water bottles so they balance. With chest and waist straps to stabilize and balance the load, it should make climbing easier. Until now, I've just brought along a string bag, but I'm getting tired of the bouncing and I'm getting serious about my trips. Another thing I'll probably be investing in soon is a pair of hiking poles. All you friends, take note: you just saw my Christmas list!

Necessities aside - I have yet to decide where I'm going tomorrow. I've hiked along the Carver's Gap trail twice in the past three weeks and though I do plan to go back and get more distance, I want to save that for another time. Tomorrow I want to forge new pathways to unseen destinations! I thought about hiking the low trail to Laurel Falls. That would certainly be different and it is a longer hike than the upper trail. But I have somewhere to be at 4 pm, so that puts a bit of a limit on what I can do.

I think I might visit Buffalo Mountain. It's practically in my backyard. The White-Rock Trail and the Tip-Top trail both sound good, and I can take Tucker along if he's feeling frisky tomorrow. And that reminds me - last time, it wore me out carrying his water and snacks. If he's going to be a good hiker, he needs a backpack...or at least saddle-bags. That way he can be responsible for his own equipment.

Tomorrow evening or Sunday there should be pictures and a new entry about where I went and what I learned on the way, so stay tuned.