2012 AT Video Blog

I've put together some of the videos and pictures of my recent Appalachian Trail experience. Hope you enjoy!

First Encounter with the Appalachian Trail

First Encounter with the Appalachian Trail

Near the top of Blood Mountain

I unzipped the door to my tent and peered out, the clouds were still low and heavy. They had been keeping the warmth from the sun off the mountains all day while making sure everything under them was wet and chilly. I groaned from the thought I wouldn’t get to see the sunset, but also because I had to blow my nose again. I was out of toilet paper from using it to wipe my nose all day so I had resorted to the gauze pads as my Kleenex. I left the flap open and lay back on my sleeping bag, hoping my condition wouldn’t get any worse.

When I had woken up that morning, I had a deep cough, a sinus infection that made my eyes feel fat in my skull and a fever that would suddenly turn into a chill then back to a fever again. I knew it was going to be a tough day walking up and down mountains on this small trail. Plus, I had around 75 pounds of almost useless gear weighing me down and giving me serious neck and shoulder pain. With extreme discomfort and a cold getting worse, I set out for a 10 mile hike through the Appalachian Mountains of north Georgia.

Justus Creek crossing

On the trail I had I already hiked through, I passed dense forest full of old and young trees, creeks so inviting their steady music made breaking there an easy excuse. Mountain ridges were consumed with life, green thriving life. Life that smelled and felt ancient. The air all around was bursting with pleasant smells; fresh, clean air, the way God intended it to be. Surrounded by animals that wouldn’t let themselves be seen, but heard all throughout the day, busy with their tasks of finding food and avoiding humans. For 14 miles in 2 days, I had only seen a few people myself, and that was at the only dirt road that cut through my trail.

Cooling off

I started my journey at Amacolola Falls State Park. They host the 9 mile approach trail to the summit of Springer Mountain, the official southern point of the Appalachian Trail. My aunt Kari and cousins Ty and Tanner came with me to hike the first couple miles and get a view of the waterfall.  I registered my car and parked it in their long-term parking spaces. A few little adjusts to the gear and I was headed in the mountains.

1 mile in and ready for a break

Top of Springer Mountain!

After a rough start; meaning back tracking to my car to dump weight and fix a broken strap, I was now ready to try again. The approach trail is mostly uphill, and steep uphill. “Strenuous” is the word the state park uses. With a heavy pack the crooked walking stick my cousin found was much appreciated. I had 5 miles to go until I reached the summit, but the “strenuous” hike took its toll fast. I made camp early that day.

I finished the last 5 miles the next morning and so began my journey on the historic Appalachian Trail.

View from Neel's Gap

As I lay in my tent that third evening, I felt defeated. I was already sick and getting worse fast, I had blisters on my back, horrible pain in my shoulders and neck, a tent and sleeping bag that were meant for very cold nights in the Rocky Mountains, way too much gear that could have helped several damaged campers prepare for multiple days before rescue. What I was packed for was 7 days of wilderness camping, not long-distance hiking with access to resupply every few days. I started out ambitious and content that all my research and experienced hikers’ brain picking was sufficient, but reality was far different from talk.  Duh.

Then I began praying and talking to God, I wondered why I felt such a spiritual need to go on this journey just to have it grind me into the ground so quickly. He reminded me of my original intentions and reasoning for being out there. Jesus didn’t carry a 3 pound weather-proof solar charger, Moses didn’t have an assortment of food options (peanut butter with crackers and snickers or pre-flavored tuna on bagels with a Cliff bar, or maybe custom gorp on the side of my dehydrated chili mac and cheese with beef.) I wanted to have a walking experience like they had, a moment in their life to think, pray and learn. What I had done was surround myself with luxuries, like a 3 person tent, cushioned seat with no legs for leaning back and enough duct tape to build another tent.

Getting ready for my first night on the trail

I’m not complaining about everything I brought, I just had to be reminded that I was having an awesome time! I had so much to keep me occupied and comfortable that I was on the wrong trip. I was having a great camping experience. Yes I was sick and hurting, but there wasn’t one moment when I didn’t feel so much joy and peace. I was exactly where I WANTED to be.

I stared off into the trees, the clouds grew darker as the sun set somewhere behind them. I laughed at myself for the situation I was in. I accepted my self-torture of the weight of my gear as a means to get the “camping” out of my system. I knew  each step on the Appalachian Trail was exactly where I was MEANT to be.

"Crap" hanging from a tree

The next morning, I unloaded my pack, put 35-40 pounds of “crap” up in a tree the same way you hang food at night to keep animals and bears out of it. I put a note in a ziplock next to where I tied off the rope on another tree. I wanted other hikers to know I’d be back for my “crap.” 6.5 miles later at another road crossing, two older guys gave me a ride to the hostel at Neel’s Gap, an AT hiker’s paradise. They provide shelter, a warm meal, and a full service outfitter for hikers like me don’t who have the right gear or too much “crap.” They say they ship out an average of 9,000 pounds of hikers’ “crap” each year.

There I talked to other hikers, compared notes, learned how to test the right gear and had a ton of questions answered. Not to mention a hot meal, it was October Fest at the hostel. A beer, a brat and German cake where exactly what the doctor ordered. My bunk mates were two guys in their mid-60s, one headed north, the other south. They gave me tons of useful, much needed advice. The south bounder, or SOBO it’s called, had everything he needed in his pack weighing in at 29 pounds. Mine weighed 40, and that was only with the tent, sleeping bag/pad, 2 liters of water and a day’s worth of food, my other gear was still hanging in a tree. The next morning, I felt ten times better, more learned about the ways of long-distance hiking and ready to figure out what to do next.

I spent a couple more days in those mountains. I hiked back to my “crap,” made camp off the trail at a state park and did some day hiking. I spent a good amount of checking off items in my pack that had to be replaced with something better (including the pack itself), dumped or what I was missing to achieve a true long-distance hiking experience.

Before I made the very difficult decision to not officially get back on the trail where I left off, I met other hikers who were in my same shoes. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who ran into trouble this close to the start of the trail. They had reasons ranging from lack of skill, too much weight, not enough time, not for them or “that was good enough.” I left the Appalachian Trail due to a cold that wasn’t going away, but thankfully not getting any worse, and realizing in order to continue I have to invest a lot of money in mostly new and lightweight gear. I could have stuck around, bought all the gear at Neel’s Gap and waited for the cold to pass, but I knew I’d be coming back either way and I’d hit the trail fresh and prepared the right way.

The AT cuts right through the hostel at Neel's Gap

This trip fulfilled every reason I wanted to go this late in the season. I thought it would take me between 2 weeks to a month to learn what I have, but 5 days was all that was needed. I wanted to get hands on experience of the trail and make sure it was something that my soul connected with. I didn’t want to waste any more time of support of others if it wasn’t for me, which I was ready to admit if that be the case.

I am in love with the Appalachian Trail and each step it takes to hike the entire thing. When I return in 2013, I will be prepared to hike all 2,178 miles. There will be moments when you can only hike 1.5 miles in 4 hours when the way gets treacherous and 20 miles a day when the way opens its arms to you.

Yes, plans change. This blog has been covering each new plan as it comes along, from starting the trail in May as a thru-hike then pushing it off until August and then a short trip in September instead. Now it’s looking like a late March to early April return next is the next goal. Time and money are not on my side. To hike the AT will cost several thousand dollars, that includes gear, food, resupplying, paying off bills ahead of time, travel costs and more. My previous estimates for the Kickstarter project were way off, I’m happy that didn’t work out. Timing is crucial, family and loved ones make it difficult to be away from for long amounts of time. I know committing to the Triple Crown trails will take a long time, but I know it will pay off in the long run. But it still means missed memories, which I hope I won’t regret.

One of the nicer shelters along the trail

Keep following the blog, I’ll have more updates throughout the winter.

I’m back in Sarasota, FL to work for my uncle for another month, and then I’m going home to Colorado. When I’m not working or spending quality time with friends and family, I’ll be hiking and breaking in new gear. Preparation for this kind of long-distance hike is much more than just hitting the gym; all my shoulder presses and weight lifting didn’t make that 80 pound backpack any lighter.

I want to thank everyone who has supported me so far: you all have made this recent journey happen.

Mom and Dad; thank you for your moral support, the tent and sleeping bag and prayers.

Melanie; thank you for your encouraging words. I’m happy you and Blake had an amazing Pacific Coast highway adventure!

Uncle Don; thank you for your words of wisdom, advice, inviting me into your home, and being a dear friend.

Grandpa Tony, Grandma Marilyn, Jerad Birch, the Oakleys, Mr. and Mrs. Riddell, Nana, the Walkers, Big Mike; thank you for your kind words, your prayers, and encouraging support.

Lauren; thank you for the harmonica, it came in handy on those lonely nights.

TCWPJ Will Wait 3 More Months

The project funding page on Kickstarter.com was not funded 100%. There were 22 pledges made at $1,692. My goal was set for $3,500, which would enable me to begin the Appalachian Trail in mid-May. Although the project did not receive enough support, I am extremely grateful to those who expressed interest made pledges. The combination of support and media coverage has given me an extra boost of belief that the Triple Crown Wilderness Photo Journal is something people will appreciate.

My mind and heart are set to complete the entire journey. The timing may have changed, but that's not enough to hold back a dream. I will be leaving my family, friends, and girlfriend in Colorado to work for my uncle in Florida. I'll start work there in May and finish in July. My goal is to have at least $1,000 by the last week of July. I'll sell my car and take a train from central FL to Maine, where I'll begin my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.

How To Pack For Long Distance Hiking

Here is the unofficial list of what I'll pack for my trip. There are some important items not listed or shown, but those will be updated as the time comes closer for leaving for the AT. Read my sister's blog about her views on packing.
http://loveyourspacedecorating.blogspot.com/2012/04/as-americans-we-have-fought-hard-for.html

List of items in survival kit: 3 compressed face and body towels, 2 tubes of chapstik, 1 needle kit, 1 bottle of mixed pills (vitamins, allergy, cold and cough, sleep aids, pain killers; label for pills inside bottle), 2 pairs of finger nail clippers, 2 tooth brushes, 1 bottle of biodegradable soap, 1 disposable razor, 1 rubber band, 1 sticky note pad, 1 bottle of gorilla glue, 1 back of matches, 1 orange crayon, 1 pen, 1 fine point Sharpie pen, 1 wallet (to use as $, card, ID holder; don't bring anything else in your wallet, bare minimal), 1 GU pack, 1 red 12hr SnapLight, 1 miniature survival kit (items include: twine, 3 fishing hooks and line, extra small ziplock bags, 3 safety pins, 1 paper clip, 1 square foot of foil (mirror, bowl, stove top), wire (traps), 1 surgical razor, 1 map reading compass, 1 whistle, 2 rolls of duck tape, "Survival Guide" booklet), 3 hand warmers, 1 phillips head screw driver, 1 pen LED flashlight, 1, Buck knife w/ flashlight, 1 hat bill flashlight, 1 tent wall and sleeping bag repair kit, 1 bottle of Iodine pills (water filtration), 1 Swiss Army knife, 2 Emergency space blankets, 2 blocks of fire fuel, 1 waterproof bottle full of waterproof matches, 1 lighter with 2' of medical tape wrapped around it, 1 ziplock bag (full of gauze pads, bandaids, sanitizer wipes and ointment), 1 bottle of Neosporin, 1 pack of moleskin, 3 packs of EmergenC, a roll of extra ziplock bags, 4 2' cords of utility rope, the bags laid out above the REI bag is for organizing what is spread around.

List of items in backpack: 1 black trash bag, 1 white trash bag, 2 grocery bags, 1 Ebit foldable stove, 1 plastic bowl, 1 set of plastic ware, 1 pot, 3 sticks of SnapLight, 1 reflective ankle band (for walking by a road), 1 radio (with super bright LEDS, FM, AM, WeatherBand, USB plug for music, winder and solar panel to charge batteries), 50' of 500 lb para-chord, 1 pair Mechanix gloves, 1 pair YakTrax, 1 Swiss Army knife, 1 Gerber 6" knife, 1 bottle of sunscreen, 1 tube of deodorant, 2 pairs of earphones, 1 pack of organic meal bars, 1 map (or iPhone in my case), 1 USB battery charger, 1 small Bible, 1 small journal, 1 small draw pad (most pages ripped out to make it smaller).

Clothes (mine are not ideal, but I used them for a visual): 1 pair of REI pants, 1 pair of REI shorts, 1 swim suit, 1 pair of hiking shoes, 1 pair of sandals/toe shoes, 1 long sleeve shirt, 1 non-cotton t-shirt, 2 pairs of "workout" or "active" underwear, 1 warm-wind-waterproof jacket(not pictured), 1 pair of warm socks, 2 pairs of "active" socks, 1 warm head cover, 1 pair gloves, SLEEP WEAR; 1 pair underwear, 1 pair pajamas, 1 warm shirt, 1 pair socks (these items NEVER leave you sleeping bag!).

List of items missing in pictures: tent, sleeping bag/pad, hiking poles (optional), 1 week's worth of food, glasses/contacts case, solar charger for phone-camera-iphone(map), camera (lenses, memory cards, batteries), hat, bandana, water bottles.

Order to pack backpack: Start: bag must be empty, complete pre-made checklist of gear required before begin packing, lay out all gear, have a "spotter" double-check all gear for you.
Begin: bottom large pocket; trash bags, YakTrax, Mechaniz gloves, toe shoes, 6" knife.
Next: main pocket(go in this order); Survival kit, eating utensils, body care, warm weather clothes(assuming its nice out), extra underwear and socks, sleep wear(if not rolled up in sleeping bag), change of clothes. Look! Room for things on "items missing list."
Next: top-inner pocket; for things you may have to whip out and not rummage through your bag, 50' of 500lb para-chord, radio, extra Swiss Army knife, other pair of headphones that didn't go in survival bag, USB charger, ankle band, light sticks.
Next: top-outer pocket or side pockets; book, journal, notepad, maps(iPhone), water bottles.

Set aside the clothes you'll begin hike wearing for the moment you're ready to go. Double-check checklist, review with a friend. Unpack and repack to make sure wallet and essentials are there. Only have out exactly what you'll need to travel to the trail head.
Pretty basic. Most long distance hikers start out with WAY too much. I'd rather have the very basics and pick up what's needed along the way. Plus, I like being able to be paranoid about the worst happening and being prepared for it, that's where I invest my pack weight in survival gear.

I'm sure after 7,300 miles, this will be much different, but perfect! To see more pictures and follow a detailed packing procedure, go to https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.387430747945738.87975.372393302782816&type=3
Don't forget to "Like" the Facebook fan page to see updates and "follow" this blog for more information.

 

Reason and Motivation for the TCWPJ

With the project funding page on Kickstarter.com coming to a close and the time to leave home getting near, I'm eager to start this adventure. There are still a few things to work out and some important people to spend time with, but I'm making sure my time in Colorado Springs isn't wasted. My family and friends have given me plenty of support; most importantly their blessing, and I will miss them very much. I know there will be days I will feel depressed and wish for their company. I know melt-downs and fears will be encountered, but the strength has been provided to see through it and make this dream a reality.

I have found comfort and safety in the Lord during rough times before. He will allow me the ability overcome all circumstances, for each challenge and obstacle is a test to be a better person for His glory. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I find reason for this journey through the lives of Moses, Jesus Christ and Paul. With or without the support of others, God has expressed that wisdom is found while living in dedication for Him, and the opportunity He has provided to be on a journey is enough to strengthen each step.

There has always a been a special person in each of our lives that we looked up to. That could have been an elderly man who radiated wisdom and shared his experiences to cause you to be a better person, or a mother who stretched out her arms to you when they were already full only to touch your heart in a way that opened your eyes to the love that lives in this world. We see these people, public figures, legends, warriors, heroes and want to be like them. To live a life without regret and live everyday to it's fullest. To fight for our values, defend the weak, and lead the lost out of darkness. Our entire lives are meant to save, inspire and help others. But we miss our chances to rise up, we fear the day we're called to be more.

Too many people have gone through living in regret and fear. We must deny to live that way. Rise up! Stand for what you believe in! Take that chance and follow your heart!

I refuse a life incomplete of the things my heart reached out for. It's not always easy and there are those who want to keep you held back. There are days when we feel unsuccessful or beaten down. If we are blind to the outcome and fear the worst, then we reject to honor those who have touched us the most.

Along with those in the Bible who impact the path I walk on, I have also discovered a few people alive today who motivate me in certain areas. These people remind me why making a difference is so important, they show me that adversity does not mean lack of success, or that we sometimes miss the meaning right in front us and show us where to look.

One man I owe respect to is J Michael Fay. Mike Fay has spent his entire life saving the wildlife and environment from destruction. He has made many sacrifices to achieve the bigger picture, something that gave a positive impact to the world with no reward for himself. He walked 3,200 miles across one of the most dense and dangerous regions in Africa. He spent 8 months flying over the continent, photographing civilizations' impact of the land. After years of fighting for the endangered wildlife and shrinking jungles in Africa, he returned to the USA to explore the beauty of the redwood forests and seek support for their preservation. He recently spent a winter in Alaska, far from people, to get in touch with his personal attraction to nature. Read more on Mike Fay here: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/explorers/bios/michael-fay/

Sometimes I come across a song that attaches itself to my soul and speaks to more than my feelings, but defines my unspoken thoughts. Thrice is Christian band making their mark in the secular scene. Listen to their song "In Exile" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDrTkd1618Q

I came across an article about 2012 Presidential Candidate ex-New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson. Mr. Johnson is a successful business owner and entrepreneur. He is also an avid technical skier, iron man, and marathon runner. He has had his share of mistakes and failures, but always came away with a great attitude and went on to the the next challenge. He's been humble and grateful during success and continues to fight for his beliefs. Read an article on him here: http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/politics/Failure-to-Launch.html?page=all

I loved the book AND movie called "Into the Wild." I read the book when I was younger and thought it was one of the greatest stories I have ever heard. It struck me on such a deep level that I couldn't stop thinking about it and fantasizing of adventures I'd have in my future. As I learned more about the author, Jon Krakauer, I found him intriguing. He is very outspoken on what is true and real. He supports people all over the world who work to make this a better place to live. His books are based on personal experiences and his own adventures. He ridiculed the media for glorifying the summit of Mount Everest as something every idiot should do. His book "Into Thin Air" is on the Mt Everest disaster of '96, which claimed 15 lives; including members of his team. Read more on Jon here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Krakauer

Jennifer Pharr Davis is a person I recently came across while researching the Appalachian Trail. She holds the fastest time for thru-hiking the AT. She has written a book based on her experiences and views of living in nature. She continues to hike when she's not giving inspirational speeches and helping kids get outdoors. I understand her love for the outdoors and passion to increase awareness for saving the nature in our backyards. Read more on Jennifer here: http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/adventurers-of-the-year/2012/jennifer-pharr-davis/

There are many others who have given me reason and motivation to complete the Triple Crown of American hiking trails. Some are my dad, Robert Liparulo, my mom, sister, and the life of my Uncle Kurt, who has been called away to be with the Lord. Their lives have shown me what it takes to see past the easy-going highway and focus on the everlasting rewards at the end of the unbeaten path.

With their love and support, with the influence of those who continue to fight for what means most to them, and the perfect life of my Savior and Lord, I am able to walk on my own path that is lined with courage, strength, rooted with my morals and values, and an unconditional love for the gift God has blessed us with, the world.

Leave me a comment on who inspires you to follow your dreams and motivates your life to reach your goals.

Donation Period Video Updates

Here are some updates I have made for the last 2 weeks of the Kickstarter.com donation period. If you'd like to donate, receive rewards for supporting and learn more about the project, please go to: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/270485860/triple-crown-wilderness-photo-journal

The first video below was the first one I made for the project. It is pretty rough, but it was a trial-and-error type of video. The videos go in descending order from 14 days left to donate until closer to the end of the donation period.

For more of these video updates, go to https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL91A8527D0AAFE9CB&feature=plcp. Thank you!

Pictures around CO

Find more at photobucket.com or flickr.com under Liparulo21.