A friend has asked me to hike the Chilkoot trail in 2013.... and I said sure.
Panic!
Here is what the website says about the trail:
The Chilkoot should only be attempted by persons who are physically fit and experienced in hiking and backpacking. It
should not be attempted by novice hikers. Individuals who have
previously injured their ankles, knees or back, or who have chronic pain
frequently experience flare-ups while hiking the Chilkoot. To avoid
unnecessary problems test your strength and endurance on shorter, less
demanding overnight trips prior to hiking the Chilkoot. Hiking with a
partner or small group is preferable.
Physically fit.
Experienced in hiking.
I am none of those things. But it sure does give me a goal now doesn't it?
This morning a friend from Whitehorse put this quote of facebook:
"A
man would do nothing, if he waited until he could do it so well that no
one would find fault with what he has done." —Cardinal Newman
While she was talking about performing musically, I have found that it applies to so many situations in my life as I reflected on it today. Even to this idea of a week long hike. I am scared shitless of the idea, but I want to do it so badly. I could have come up with a heap of excuses not to do it, but I said yes.
This is something I could have never done at over 300lbs. But at 250 and dropping fast, I know I can get my body ready for it.
Now I am going to have to come up with a training plan for this adventure! Send all advice my way.
Thank you Jill for giving me something so amazing to look forward to.
16 comments:
Go for a mini-overnight-hike with the kids as soon as the snow's gone. Keep doing it until you've mastered it and broken in your footwear.
Nice!! That is a fabulous goal - the Chilkoot is on my bucket list. Work your way up to carrying a pack with you on your practice hikes. It sure feels different when you are lugging a full pack.
Also, use your gear list as a bit of a reward system (i.e. need a new headlamp? Can't buy it until you've reached a training goal!). This helps reduce the cost of a big trip by spreading out the purchases but also feels good to reward yourself for all of your hardwork!
You go, girl! One day I'll be marvelling at you running marathons. (I hate running.)
Oh AWESOME... you are so inspiring me Kara... I'd love to hike that trail too! Love the advice you are getting already... can't wait to support/encourage you on to your ultimate goal! :)
Wow! You can do this!! Get good, supportive footwear. I'd say that's the most important of all gear. Then, break 'em in. Good socks are important too. Nylon next to the skin, and a sock that wicks moisture on top. You don't want blisters.
Now there's some motivation for you! You can do it - slow and steady.
Kara! We could hike the Dena Cho! It"s only 50km, but we would have to backpack everything.
Don't be scared off by the Parks comment. It's long but not all that tough unless you try to do it in 24 hours as many people do. I've done it twice, the last time when I was 59. My chronology and photos from the last crossing may help - http://www.explorenorth.com/articles/chilkoot_trail.html With what you've accomplished over the past year, the Chilkoot will be a piece of cake :)
Oh how exciting!!! This sounds like a wonderful goal. I am so happy that you can do things now that you could never do before. Wow how inspiring!!
You're nuts!! But I wouldn't do that if I was 120 lbs and in great shape. :) You can do it lady, so proud of ou for saying yes.
Awesome! What a great goal to work towards. You will have a blast and feel like you conquered the world when you finish!!!
You can do it Kara!!!!! I really want to invite myself along on your trip! Its been too long since I've gone camping with you!!
I agree with the comment not to be scared by the website caution. It's really not so terrible! Remember, men and women who'd never done anything even remotely like that, did it during the gold rush...the women in long skirts!
I hiked the Chilkoot two summers ago, and it was such an amazing experience. Definitely get some smaller overnight hikes in. I'd only done one other back country camping trip in preparation, that was into Grizzly Lake, in Tombstone park. That's a really beautiful hike, about 11 km. I recommend it as one of your preparatory hikes!
Good luck!
Right on!! Toughmudder nothing!! So excited for you!! Whoop, whoop!
Ps... now you know how I feel!
xoxo T
My dad and I did it together...him at 60ish, me at 18. We took all day to summit the pass, but at the top, the sun came out ... I've about never seen him move so fast to get some shots with his camera off. It was a terrific trip, and taken seriously enough, a totally approachable trip.
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