Benton Mackaye

Discussion in 'Adventure, Hiking, Backpacking and Travel' started by Jeff Randall, Aug 3, 2020.

  1. Jeff Randall

    Jeff Randall ESEE Knives / Randall's Adventure & Training Staff Member

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    30 miles on the Benton Mackaye trail this past weekend with good friends. Started at Springer Mountain and even had pizza delivered in on the second night at the Highway 60 crossing. Beautiful section of trail.

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  2. DYSPHORIC JOY

    DYSPHORIC JOY Administrator Staff Member

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    It is almost camping and hiking time up my way. Never had pizza delivered before.
     
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  3. Strigidae

    Strigidae Administrator Staff Member

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    Having pizza delivered is EPIC.

    Looks like it was a very hot and humid trip. Ill bet you didnt need a puffy jacket.
     
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  4. Jeff Randall

    Jeff Randall ESEE Knives / Randall's Adventure & Training Staff Member

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    Yeah, I got way behind the curve on hydration. When we pulled out yesterday after 14 miles for the day I was holding back throwing up.
     
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  5. Strigidae

    Strigidae Administrator Staff Member

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    OH NO!
     
  6. Jeff Randall

    Jeff Randall ESEE Knives / Randall's Adventure & Training Staff Member

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    Shane and I had planned on doing the 19 miles yesterday and finishing out but when we got to a road crossing I knew I had to quit. So we came up about 5 miles short of our goal due to me being severely dehydrated.
     
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  7. Boker55

    Boker55 Member

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    Paddled under swinging bridge a few times. Great area!
     
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  8. Andy the Aussie

    Andy the Aussie Administrator of the Century Staff Member

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    Pretty countryside but the group looks like a bunch refugees fleeing a coup d'état.... ;) Dehydration is the worst feeling....... did you not prepare enough water it did you just not tip enough into yourself ?
     
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  9. Jeff Randall

    Jeff Randall ESEE Knives / Randall's Adventure & Training Staff Member

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    My dumbass always thinks I can drink later. Just get up the hill. Water can wait. I stayed hydrated better when I was carrying a flask of scotch since I would always take time to stop and take a little drink then have a drink of water. Nowadays I've decided it's probably better if I just take the ESEE jet instead of trying to hike.
     
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  10. Jeff Randall

    Jeff Randall ESEE Knives / Randall's Adventure & Training Staff Member

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    Funny you said that since that was the first impression I got when looking at the pics.
     
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  11. shaneadams90

    shaneadams90 ESEE Knives Marketing Director Staff Member

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    So.....it was HOT.......and Humid......and HUMID......did I mention it was HUMID?

    I drank till my belly sloshed each day and was still dehydrated. Was soaked in the first 1/2hr of the first day and never dried out..

    If someone steps onto the trail they need to be hyperaware of hydration levels and overall exertion. We all dug pretty deep on this trip and the fun meter was pegged a few times for sure.

    A note left by Jeff for Patrick and I as we ascended Licklog (ballbuster) mountain!

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  12. Strigidae

    Strigidae Administrator Staff Member

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    That elevation change is brutal!!!
     
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  13. Andy the Aussie

    Andy the Aussie Administrator of the Century Staff Member

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    I remember a time when "No Whiners" was the ESEE motto.... how things have changed..... :D ;)


    I HATE humidity, I am fine in heat but the other just sucks the fun out of most things !
     
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  14. Jeff Randall

    Jeff Randall ESEE Knives / Randall's Adventure & Training Staff Member

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    When you get my age, whining is allowed
     
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  15. C99c

    C99c Member

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    Where did y'all get water before you hit the bridge? Come off of one of the ridges down to a creek?
     
  16. Jeff Randall

    Jeff Randall ESEE Knives / Randall's Adventure & Training Staff Member

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    We pumped at No Name Gap then didn't pump again until the bridge. Probably 7 or 8 miles
     
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  17. Jeff Randall

    Jeff Randall ESEE Knives / Randall's Adventure & Training Staff Member

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    Correction, about 4 or 5 miles
     
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  18. Andy the Aussie

    Andy the Aussie Administrator of the Century Staff Member

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    .....what....31 ?

    ....but it felt like 7 or 8.... ;)
     
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