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Brian, 42, from Lancaster, PA, has been hiking since his late twenties. As a youth, Brian (trail name "Prophead") spent many summers camping in his family's pop-up Coleman, instead of heading to the beach like many of his friends. One of his most memorable hikes was in 2012 -- a birthday hike at Trough Creek State Park, complete with great summer weather, beautiful views, plus his trail-staple: Swedish Fish and Gummy Bears.
Brian's advice to new hikers: "Get a good, fitted pack and a great pair of boots/trail shoes. Nothing is worse than sore feet and an aching back when you're several miles away from the trailhead. Resist the urge to buy and pack 'everything.' When I started my first long-distance hike several years ago, my pack had to weigh at least 40-50 lb, just for a weekend trip. It felt more like a forced march than an enjoyable hike. I didnt even use 3/4 of all the stuff I crammed into that pack! I've got my pack's base weight down to 12 pounds."
He sums up his favorite aspect of hiking: "Nothing beats the sound of the forest; the creaking of swaying trees and the hushed rustle of leaves in the breeze; the smells of honeysuckle and wildflowers. It's a sensory overload, but in a good way."
The 2012-2013 100-Mile Trail Challenge ends on September 1. It's not too late to finish (or even start!) your challenge -- ten 10-mile hikes this month will help you reach your goal in no time!
Click here to join Brian and the dozens of other Pennsylvania hikers that are challenging themselves this year, one step at a time. |