Concerns: Into the Woods Where Witches, Ghosts and Wolves Appear

What Concerns/Anxieties Do I Have?

“You go into the woods, Where nothing’s clear, Where witches, ghosts And wolves appear.
Into the woods And through the fear, You have to take the journey.”
— from “Into the Woods” by Stephen Sondheim

I’m finding that “What concerns/anxieties do you have?” is a pretty common question from family and friends. I would like to answer that I don’t have any, that I am fully ready for this trip. But I know that isn’t true. And the questions do prompt me to think about the trip, what could go wrong, and what I might do to prepare. 

So, here are some of those thoughts…

Cognitive Dissonance

That is my biggest anxiety right now. My mind hasn’t quite wrapped itself around two incompatible thoughts. Logically, I know I can – in theory – handle this. Many people have completed this trail. I am in better shape than most people my age. I have more outdoor experience than most people I know. But… two thousand six hundred fifty miles (2650) is mind boggling! Going for a 10 mile trail run once a week is not the same as hiking 20 miles a day for 4+ months. Can my body really do this without falling apart? I hope the logical side of my mind wins this one, but the only way to really answer it is to try.

Flowing Water

I’ve done lots of “wet foot” creek crossings with a backpack. In college, I worked a couple summers at a mid-Atlantic beach where waves tried to push me around and pound me into the sand. Even if it isn’t entirely a bad thing, there is still trepidation about deep, fast-moving water. At the beach, I have been an involuntary body surfer. I would rather not experience being an involuntary white water rafter, especially since I don’t think my pack would be a very useful raft.

Frozen Water

In particular, snow and ice on steep slopes. I like snow skiing (and snowshoeing). But I also have an understanding of the physics of what happens when you glissade (voluntarily or involuntarily) down a steep snow field and the rocks/trees at the bottom are what stop you. I have very limited experience using an ice axe, so I’m less comfortable with this. Fortunately, I have enough experience with heights that my brain’s fear of them is rarely debilitating, instead having been mostly converted into a “healthy respect.”

Falling Water…

…accompanied by flashes of light, loud booms, and wind that is determined to relocate either me or my tent. I’ve been through lots of storms in the woods, many with thunder and lightning. But there is always some danger involved if you can’t effectively get/stay warm and dry.

Injuries

It is funny how you go from indestructible/immortal in your 20s to investing in duct tape and SAM splints in your 50s. But humor around it only partially offsets the daily aches and pains and the slower recovery from injuries. My achilles, hip, and thumbs have been somewhat painful for a couple years now. I have to pay close attention to my body and avoid doing the kinds of things my brother used to which could immediately take me off the trail.

And some things I’m not as worried about…

Family and friends ask if I’m worried about a bunch of other things. Generally, I am cognizant of them, but not overly worried about them. 

Bears

“Baker: Do you think it was a bear?
Witch: A bear? Bears are sweet.”
— from “Into the Woods” by Stephen Sondheim

My perspective leans towards that of the Witch. In all my bear interactions, the bear has not been the least bit interested in me. I’ve also had a lot of experience and practice with bear-proofing, so I hope the bears remain uninterested. I honestly find mini-bears (squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, etc.) more annoying, as they are more persistent in their quest to lighten the amount of food in my pack.

Drinking Water

I like my water filter. I’m comfortable with it. I carry backup purification tablets and have used them extensively. I understand the use of boiling to sterilize. It is never fun to carry extra water on long dry stretches, but I carry extra weight for safety when leading youth, so I should be okay with it.