Tagged With: dudetrek
Indiana- The Crossroads of America
Indiana’s state nickname is “The Crossroads of America”. What an appropriate name for such a diverse and interesting state. In my mind, Indiana represents a great transition. I no longer feel close to home, yet i feel so far from California. Thankfully, it wasn’t hard to stay motivated with such generous hospitality pushing me forward. I was surprised by how vigorous some of the terrain in Southern Indiana could be, but walking through the hills of the Ohio River Valley only strengthened my willpower. The greatest challenges were often mental rather than physical: learning to cope with the cold, rerouting on a moments notice, homesickness, etc.… Read more
Ohio- Ups and Downs
In a single day, I managed to experience more comfort, fear, thrill, and awe than I have within any given week of Dudetrek, perhaps since I began.
Hurricane Sandy began wreaking havoc on the East Coast sometime on the 29th of October, showing her full force throughout the night and into the 30th. I could hardly believe the stories I heard, and the pictures I saw. I was just in Ocean City, Maryland for “Senior Week“- where Maryland high school Seniors take over the entire city in massive numbers to party nonstop for an entire week at the beach.… Read more
West Virginia- Wild and Wonderful
Well, here I am. After crossing the Ohio River, I’ve left Mountaineer country and entered the Buckeye state. While I’m certainly glad that I’ve made it over the Appalachians, I will miss them dearly. Some of my first glimpses of unmanned wilderness took place back in Cub Scouts: hiking the Appalachian Trail and learning the basics of survival, gaining an appreciation for nature, and generally utilizing the outdoors for everything they have to offer. Within the past few years I gained a newfound love for these same mountains, and they are symbolic of the general terrain that I’m used to and have hiked most often.… Read more
Delaware/ Maryland- Steps Towards Success
CHECK OUT ALL THE PICTURES FROM DELAWARE AND MARYLAND
Just as I crossed the creaky, one lane wood bridge to leave Maryland and enter West Virginia, I stopped to take a picture of the sign that had the quote above in giant bold letters. I can’t help but feel accomplished after reaching this first momentous milestone, but I am quick to stifle my excitement as soon as I see the mountains I will soon be climbing. While taking my first couple steps up what would eventually feel like an endless ascent, I briefly wonder whether or not this is all worth it.… Read more
My Gear/ Dudetrek Eve
Dudetrek begins tomorrow, and I am as ready as I will ever be. All my gear is packed and ready go, and at 5:30 tomorrow morning, I will see my last glimpses of Eldersburg for a while. People often ask me questions about my gear, and what exactly i will have with me tomorrow morning when i take those first steps. Well, I have decided to lay it all out for you in the following diagram. To see everything up close, click on the picture
- Martin “Backpacker” guitar
- ALPS Mountaineering 45L “Orizaba” backpack (100oz. “Omega Waterbeast” Camelbak inside)
- Hygiene/ Spiritual/ Misc.