First 5 Mile Hike
By Hikerdana
Took my longest hike so far at Pawtuckaway State Park in New Hampshire on
Saturday. It was a mixed bag, but I'm proud of my accomplishment. The hike up South Peak was relatively easy. The trail was very kind on the feet and on the way up there was plenty of big rocks for the kids to climb and explore.
We took a different route on the way down. As we descended, I would often think how I would be hiking this differently in shoes and how much faster I could be going. How much easier it would be and I was missing my shoes. Not that I'm a speed hiker, I'm just a slow plodder, it still would be faster with shoes. At one point I did stub a toe, but no damage done. Eventually it leveled out to a rolling trail and thoughts of shoes faded, for a short time.
After a little while we came to a gravel road, Round Pond Trail. This road / trail presented a major hassle and obstacle for me. So far during the hike I had not slowed down my fellow hikers, but this road certainly made me slow down and the group pulled ahead. I think if I was by myself it would have taken twice as long to hike. But when your with a others you can get pushed a bit at times. I found myself seeking out the gutters where the leaves had collected to obtain a few moments of relief. At one point I found a nice flat rock that felt cool under my feet and gave me a bit more relief.
I had some Vibram FiveFingers in my pack, and was definitely tempted to put them on several times during this section. I was very conscious of the fact you need to take it slow and easy to start. I kept trying to listen to my feet, (well besides the constant complaining my feet were raising about the rough terrain) and ascertain if my feet were sustaining real damage. It was a tough struggle between pride, stubbornness and pushing it to get stronger. How much would be too much? That was the question that was on the front of my mind. After about 1.5 miles the gravel end and we were back on a hard packed dirt road.
Apparently I did it right since I made it out without any lasting pain. They were a little more sensitive that evening, but no soreness or bruises. Our feet are truly amazing if we only give them a chance and spend some time toughening them up a bit, they will surprise you on how far, and how well they can carry you.
We did pass many people during the day and I didn't hear one comment. Even my friend who joined me didn't ask any questions. He knew that I was attempting to give up shoes whenever possible, so I guess he felt that nothing needed to be said. I am very much encouraged and can't wait for my next hike on June 18th, Mt. Moosilauke