Who? Tom Jones. [Backpacking All 9 of Harriman's Stone Lean-tos]

Today I am sitting here writing this with a smile on my face. D and I crossed another one of Harriman's Stone Lean-Tos off our list. We had made a challenge earlier in the year to camp at all 9 before the year was over. Unfortunately life got in the way and we took a 4 month break from hiking/camping. With a break that long, it was nice to put the pack on and get our miles in. Originally we had a friend who was supposed to come with us, but he was unable to last minute, which meant a late start for us and not many hours of sunlight. I was grateful as a shorter trek was a perfect way to ease back into backpacking. Earlier in the year, hiking almost every weekend with a 30 lb bag had made my legs stronger. Taking 4 months off seems to have been enough time for them to revert back to what they were. On some of the ascents I found myself wondering why I enjoy these things. By the time we approached the shelter, I mentally cursed my quivering quads as we descended and ascended again.

First Overnight Hike/Backpacking Trip

Backpacking has been on my list of things to do for years now. I've written about my plans for it. I've read up on it (classic - "Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson). I've watched videos. My level of admiration and fascination with thru-hikers of the Appalachian Trail is on par with my fascination with ultra-runners. As a hiker (and as a runner), it feels like these people are both superhuman and yet oddly attainable. If I put in the time, effort, and most importantly, the consistency and dedication, I took could be one of those epic people too. So I've fantasized about it for years. However, there were a couple things I allowed to get in my way. One was that I made excuses about the cost of equipment. About four years ago, I decided to begin investing and made a really preliminary purchase from Sierra Trading Post when they were having a sale. I got a 30L pack (Gregory Freia), a stuff sack, a 30-degree sleeping bag (Marmot), flashlight, and pocket knife. Plus I accumulated a couple of other camping things over the years (thermarest sleeping pad, percolator, etc). Another thing holding me back was that while I never had any issues hiking alone, overnighting or backpacking alone didn't always seem as obvious or maybe accessible. It was a longer time commitment, obviously. I don't know. Whatever the reasons were, it just never happened.