2002 GSMNP - 10. Summary

“Links to previous segments:
2002 GSMNP - 2. Introduction
2002 GSMNP - 3. Pre-GSMNP
2002 GSMNP - 4. Pre-AT Hikes
2002 GSMNP - 5. Backpack Contents
2002 GSMNP - 6. Food
2002 GSMNP - 7. AT Hike
2002 GSMNP - 8. Post-AT Hikes
2002 GSMNP - 9. Back in Florida

This trip was successful in that I did return in better shape than when I started. However, I failed to reach my objectives. I did lose weight, but not enough. I did strengthen my legs, but not enough. However, after the trip I was able to walk up and down a stairwell in a more normal fashion, one foot per stair, and without using a handrail.

My normal 5 to 12 day hikes became trips of 1 to 3 overnights. Since I would eat more before and after each trip, my condition did not improve as rapidly as normal.

Scheduling problems arose because of: excessive rain, my laziness, fear of parking where there had been recent break-ins, reluctance to park on the Road to Nowhere on Friday HS football nights, a car problem, meeting TT'ers on September 7th, and starting a strenuous trip before being ready (condition wise).

I usually proceed to improving my condition first and then making reservations for the strenuous hikes, when I feel ready. On this trip I was pushing to meet a deadline for starting a strenuous hike.

Chief adroitly noted, "At times you seemed to drive yourself too hard, and then other times you say the heck with it, 'I'm also here to enjoy and have fun.'" Part of this attitude switching is due to the fact that for years my backpacking has been primarily to lose weight. Now that I have some control over my weight, I feel entitled to some R & R on these trips. Or, I could be making excuses for laziness.

I did increase the number of backcountry campsites and shelters in GSMNP at which I have spent at least one night. The addition of CS#36 and CS#90 brought my list to 72 of the current 99 locations. Camping one night with a tarpaulin instead of a tent was a new adventure, also.

The trip has resulted in my making moves toward ultra-light backpacking. It, also, has influenced me to search for some better trails outside of GSMNP. However, my next trip plan is: A Happy New Year

I tried to format this trip report in a manner that you might enjoy. It was too long. I hope you enjoyed some of the links. The remaining two sections will be delayed until after this New Year's Day hike to Mt. LeConte.

Paul

End of 10. Summary

To be posted soon.
2002 GSMNP - 11. Photographs
2002 GSMNP - 1. Index & Links”

“I didn't find it too long, not for a month's worth of hiking. Next time you ought to take notes, and publish them in book form. Great report, nowslimmer.”

“great report slim.”

“it was very enjoyable to read it all, I have been looking forward for the remaining parts.

We all hike for different reasons and they are all good reasons to hike. You hike to get/stay in shape, and in doing so you drive yourself too hard at times. I hike to get out in the wilderness, and to enjoy everything it has to offer. I spend more time doing nothing when hiking. I like to spend a full week with making a concerted effort to make sure we stay in the same place for at least two nights straight to relax and either do nothing, or do some exploring. I like to make two of these during each trip. It cuts down on the mileage, but I'm not into doing miles. More getting back to where no one else is and kicking back. Probably be sipping on some bourbon and who knows what else, huh jerbear?”

“Hiking becomes more enjoyable as my condition improves. And I do try to enjoy nature, while I'm there. Someone else pointed out how much more clearly one can see things when alone in the woods, and how much easier it is to solve some problems there and decide upon a course of action after you return.”