I've been processing my last solo trip for a little while, which was to Wildcat Hollow in Southeast Ohio.  I love Wildcat.  It's challenging with elevation, lots of spots to stop, pretty, has bug out points, and is perfect length for a weekend. That's why I love solo-ing there.....correction....LOVED solo-ing there.
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The last time I stayed there I was down in the spooky-ass valley.  I got there as dusk was falling, the camp I wanted to stay in was taken.  So I'm in the mostly overgrown, super creepy camp spot.  The ONLY spot I get icky vibes off of.  Of course.  And it was cloudy.  SO ZERO LIGHT.
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Whatever, I'm badass and awesome, so I just trundled off to bed with Lucy, my mostly fearless companion....and a book on tape to drown out my own imagination.
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Let me say I felt pretty comfortable.  I wasn't *super* creeped out, just my own imagination running wild.  I fell asleep, feeling good.  And then was awoken at 1:30ish to light beaming in my tent.  WTAF.  WTAF.  WTAF.  Bear spray in hand, I peered out.  First thought was aliens.  Second thought backpackers coming in late after work.  But I could see them on the trail, about 40 feet away, flashlights in hand and stumbling along, no packs visible.  Roads intersect Wildcat and they seemed drunk or high, so I guessed they were out there to party.  My campsite was overgrown, and it was very foggy, so I figured they didn't see me (Lucy just crouched low to the ground and stared, not barking for once lol).  I waited about fifteen minutes, prayed I wouldn't have to pee, and then snuggled back to bed with Lucy.  Quite proud of myself, I'd like to mention.
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Then the FUCKING GUNSHOTS STARTED.  Two in the morning, and close.  Like, it could be the guys kinda close.  And not one or two, like 20 or more.  I noped the fuck out after that.  Lucy was losing her shit, terrified.  I was afraid but not terrified, but I wasn't sticking around.  I jammed everything in my pack, called my dad to come meet me at a random road, and hiked four and a half miles out.  
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There were a lot of things that ran through my head - one dude just murdered another and I was going to see a body that night (drug deal gone bad? illegal dumping? all of those things are present down there).  Or, more likely, two drunk dudes illegally poaching deer.  Didn't wanna run in to them doing that, either.  I grew up 20 minutes from there.  Not folks you want to run in to. 
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It was legit scary.  But I'll tell ya what - I didn't panic.  I assessed the situation, deemed it no longer safe to remain, and got myself out of the situation.  And I don't feel bad for bugging out.  I go in to every solo (and regular bp trip to be honest) with a solid foundation of what to do if shit hits the fan - what are the ways out of the woods? Who do I call? Do I have a means to get help if I can't get out?  Do I have a means to survive the most obvious situations until help arrives?  
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These are all questions you should ask yourself - and have answers to - every time you go out in the woods, whether to hike or backpack, alone or with others. 
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In the weeks following my bug out, quite a few folks in my hiking groups have mentioned staying at Wildcat and the significant amount of gunfire they heard while there.  Not just me.  It's frustrating, but also good to know.
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I WILL be solo'ing again, and I'll post some of my theories at another time.
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What's the worst thing that's happened to you at night while backpacking? Solo or with others? How did you overcome it? 

Wild Cat Water - water water everywhere and not a drop to drink? Sorta.

A few people commented or sent messages regarding the water situation at Wild Cat Hollow in southeast, Ohio, for which there is a surprising amount of confusion based on responses to a post I made in a hiking group asking about it.

There are quite a few streams which are running at Wild Cat right now, thanks to all the Spring rains.  I would imagine that in summer/fall most of these streams would be dry.  I carried 3 liters of water with me, just in case when I went, and I ended up filtering twice for more.  

HEAVY METALS: I didn't know this when I first started planning my trip, but southern Ohio used to be KNOWN for mines of all sorts.  And while most of them are closed, the runoffs from the mines have tainted a lot of the water sources with heavy metals.  This means that if you're going to filter water, you need to MAKE SURE you're filter will filter heavy metals (along with all the other icks in the water).  Really, this is important.  Heavy metal poisoning is a THING.  And while there I saw a number of folks using the wrong types of filters. 

If you don't want to mess with filtering water, or taking a chance the streams might be dry, then there's another option - caching water.  There's several roads that traverse Wayne National Forest (where Wild Cat is) and it's easy enough to stash a couple gallons of water.  Make sure they're sealed gallon jugs, and put your name on it/initials, and "cached water" so people don't toss it.  The downside is navigating those back roads to find a cache location, but if you use All Trails, you'll be able to find where road meets trail fairly easily.

Lastly, people wanted to know what filter I use - it's the LifeStraw Flex with Gravity Bag Water Filter by @lifestraw.  It's hella light, acts as a back up water bag, and yes, it exceeds the NSF 53 standard for reduction of lead and other heavy metals and NSF 42 for chlorine. 

What water filter do you use? 

For my first solo backpacking trip this past weekend, I went to Wildcat Hollow in southeast Ohio.  A number of folks mentioned how much they want to do an overnight, but the idea of being out at night alone really freaks them out.  

First, I am a HUGE scaredy cat of the dark.  Despite my age, my imagination still completely runs away with me at night.  Whether in my bed or out in the woods, I can imagine all matters of ridiculousness (and some not so ridiculous possibilities).  

It all started many years ago, when I was about 5, when my father would drive down the wood-lined dirt road to our farmhouse.  He'd suddenly stall the car and say to lock the doors, the Gamork was in the woods (from the Never Ending Story), and then pretend to not be able to restart the car.  Needless to say, it absolutely sparked my life-long creativity and story-telling....and also freaked me the fuck out about the dark.

So how did I manage to get out there and make it through the night?  Between Tin Can Man, coyotes, and no fire?  And how the heck did I build up to doing it in the first place?  

There was a couple of freaky things going on that first night alone in the dark.  The most realistic problem were the coyotes.  They were really howling.  And not too far off.  In Ohio, even in daytime, you have to be careful.  They'll come right after you - or your dog.  Luckily, they just freaked out my dogs (who knew enough to stay quiet), and never got that close to camp.  But their yips were definitely unnerving.

I never did get a fire started, I got to camp RIGHT at dusk and all the wood was super damp.  It just didn't happen.  So it was a dark, quiet night at the beginning.

I was actually doing okay, until....Tin Can Man.  It was SO weird.  So at like one a.m., there was this weird, scraping noise from the direction of the trail.  Like someone with a bag of cans and other, heavy stuff.  They'd pull it, then it would stop for a second or two like they were resting.  The dogs and I were like WTAF, and I didn't even poke my head out.  Lasted for about 20 minutes until it was way down the trail.  It was really unnerving.  Next day, the ladies at the camp before me passed me on the trail and I asked about it.  They were still up.  Apparently, it was NOT my imagination, but a dude on the trail with a load of scrap metal from the weird shanty down that sits abandoned deep in Wayne (though there were folks there when I passed it...the ladies said the squat there, but I'm not sure if they were squatters or campers).  So there was that.  I was glad I had dogs and mace, needless to say. 

So how did I stay calm and carry on?  

1. (I think this was most important) I wanted to keep hiking over the winter, which with working full-time, that meant night hiking.  I didn't realize it at the time, but it really acclimated me to being in the dark and every time I went out, and nothing happened, I got a little more comfortable. 

2. It was a full moon at Wildcat, again not planned, but I think it helped tremendously being able to see without a light. 

3. I downloaded several books on tape and several t.v. shows, and played them throughout the night, so the weird night noises didn't bug me or the dogs.  I did have a battery pack to recharge my phone, and I think without the shows, I would have really just FREAKED out, because my mind would have focused on scary stuff.

4. I found a camp site on top of the valley, so I had cell phone reception.  It was comforting knowing I could still reach the outside world.

5. My dogs were freaked out and needy, and I had to comfort them, which weirdly enough made me not worry myself.  Cause they NEEDED me.  Lel. 

6. Sometimes, I would repeat a phrase from Stephen King's book, IT: "He thrusts his fists against the post and still insist he sees the ghost." I repeat it until I stop thinking about whatever it is I was thinking about. 

7. And finally, my WANT to get out there, to go backpacking, to DO IT, got me out there.  With no end in site for COVID, I didn't want to pause more of my life than I had to, while waiting to go with friends. 

So that's it! That's how I got through the night. Seems like a lot, but it all really seemed to help.  I don't think I'll ever LIKE sleeping alone, in the woods, and in the dark, but I now know it won't stop me from doing what I want to do.  Everyone's different, but hopefully one or two will help get you out there solo!

Did you face any obstacles to your first solo overnight? Any tips or tricks? Comment below!

It was at West Branch State Park, which has two large loops.  This is good for avoiding folks during the pandemic.  I'll do a full review of the trail later, but it was a lovely one.

The first six or so miles followed closely to the reservoir, which was beautiful.  This will sound weird, but I actually had a dream the previous week about hiking a longer trail.  I hadn't planned to, I was going to stick to my normal 10 mile weekend one.  But on Saturday morning, as I was driving to my normal loop, I went to put on the directions from All Trails and this one - literally across the street from the one I normally do - popped up.  It said 11 miles and I figured, "PERFECT."  Of COURSE with All Trails, I should of figured it would be longer.

Lucy and I even set up the camp stove for lunch at the turn around point.  I wish I could say I sat there, looking out over the water, thinking deep thoughts, but truthfully I just pet Lulu, ate some food, and listened to my book on tape.

I didn't see anyone on the first leg, but I did on the second - two rabbit hunters running their dogs, who were in the wild life portion.  The dogs eventually found us on the trail but were VERY nice.  The second gentleman I encountered was also very nice - and carrying a pistol - which was a little unnerving.  

I walked through the pines.
I walked through the trail that meandered up a creek bed.
I saw the view of the water and trees across the way.
I saw fields.
I saw many a fallen tree.
I saw the old rock wall in the quarry.
I heard the haunting sound of baying hounds as the wind carried it to me.

The new year is upon us! New decade, the return of the roaring twenties, what's not to love? 

This is the year that I was able to not just start hiking again, but hiking like a fiend.  So many firsts - 12 new trails, first backpacking trip, first time night hiking, first time hiking 3 times a week, first time hiking 500 miles in six months (or a year!), first time starting a business on my own, first time leading a clean-up hike, first time using instagram for something other than posting adorable dog pictures (well, I *may* still do that)....

This is the year I started Misfit Hikers & Adventure, Co.  The year I realized that there's a LOT of folks out there that are just like me - who want to enjoy the outdoors and the adventures that exist in this great big world, but who don't always feel like they belong or that have to do it a little differently.  There's so many wonderful hiking groups here in Ohio, but none with quite the slant of MHAC. 

​I'm truly thankful for those that are a part of the Misfit Community and the perspectives they're willing to bring to the table with such enthusiasm.  

MHAC is still finding refining its voice and slowly but surely figuring out what the next steps are, because I, as in Jenn, is still figuring this thing out.  For 2020 there's a few new things that Misfit Hikers would like to try:

- Organized Hikes for fellow Misfits!
- Keep showcasing folks and getting other narratives out there
- A talk or two about gear/hiking/etc.
- Find a partner out there in the great void of sponsers, so I can maybe get a bit more reach
- Keep the blog going twice a week

So thank you to everyone that supported MHAC this year - your support has made all the difference!

Wish me luck, and welcome aboard for the wild ride that will be the first year of the new decade!

Any suggestions to help grow Misfit Hikers? Want to participate in the upcoming fun? Comment below or email me here. 

Lucy and I did it!! ​500 miles since July.  BOOM.  DONE.  

BUT...funny story.  With the holiday and having a chest cold, I didn't actually pay attention to the date.  I wasn't going to go hiking today (Monday), cause it was raining and cold and I kept hacking up a lung, but I said &^%$ it.  I actually thought I had another day to finish it off - as in I thought New Years Eve was on Wednesday.

LEL.

But, it's done.  I did it.  Despite quite a few setbacks, even with my back, I did it.  Hell yeah.  

Hiking has opened up so many new horizons and connected me with so many new folks.  I can't wait to see what 2020 brings.

P.S. I don't actually give a *&^% about miles, it was a random goal I set mainly cause I like the song. ​

Tag #misfithikers to be featured!
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📍Sagamore Creek Loop, Bedford Reservation, this land originally held in stewardship by the Wyandotte, Mingo, and possibly others. 

​As always, please feel free to leave a comment or contact me here. 

The video at the top of this post is how I envision night hiking - always ready to FLEE.  As the days begin to cool and the temperatures drop, the sun dips out of sight faster and faster.

And it's *F83king* scary.  

I normally hike alone, which as a misfit hiker, already puts me on high alert thanks to the unique hazards that poses.  

This post is specifically about night hiking for beginners......who hit those dark and dusty trails all alllooooonnnne.

If you have an active imagination like I do, you literally think the worst the whole time.  Aliens.  Monsters.  There are two reoccurring images that constantly pop in to my head as I'm hiking in the complete blackness of the forest.  First, that I'll turn around and there will be someone just standing on the trail, legs slightly apart and head cocked, and they'll be staring at me.  Not moving.  Just standing.   
The second image is that someone will come running full sprint through the woods at me, like in "Get Out."

Once I'm on the trail, I check behind me at regular intervals (about every 50 feet).  I don't wear ear buds for my book on tape, for two reasons: so night runners, etc. will know there's someone else around and so I can listen more acutely.  I also keep an eye out upward for any potential deadfall (branches or trees about to come down on my head).   

You want to be extra careful during hunting season, that some yahoo poaching deer doesn't mistake you or your dog for the big kill of the season.  Be sure to check local park pages to see what's in season and when.  At night, consider reflective gear, too.

Some folks like to turn off their headlamps and hike in complete darkness.  That isn't me.  Besides my imagination, it's a safety issue for me, as I hike in areas with a lot of rocks and tree roots.  And monsters that I want to be able to see coming.  

If you're like me, and your imagination can carry you in scary, unhelpful directions, have a phrase you can repeat to redirect your attention.  I like a line from Stephen King's "The Stand" - He thrusts his fists against the post and still insist he sees the ghost.​  

And finally, have fun!  Night hiking isn't for everyone, but if you're willing to try it, it is a TOTALLY different experience.  
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I'll be sure let you know if it gets any less scary!

Do you hike at night?  Have a good story of terror in the darkness of the trail?  Have any additional tips for hiking at night or have a question? Post away or contact me here!

Last weekend I got to try out a new adventure - a 5k, hosted by Hermes Sports & Events. They partnered with Brewnuts, a local Cleveland joint that sells gourmet donuts and beer in a lovely, hipster atmosphere.

I've never done a 5k and wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but I figured something hosted by a local donut shop wasn't going to have runners with the intensity of the Boston Marathon.  Plus, you got a medal AND a delicious Brewnuts donut afterward. I've been following a runner on Instagram, Mirna Valerio, (themirnavator), a plus-sized runner who does crazy long runs and looks badass doing it, and I thought to myself that it looked hella fun.  I convinced my husband, Bill, and friend Ben, to accompany me. ​

I knew I was going to have to do the 5k a little differently.  I'm not supposed to run, if I can avoid it, due to my long-lasting back injury.  That meant I was going to have to walk it.  And so walk it we did!  

It was a beautiful fall day, and once we got going it was almost too warm for the layers we wore.  

​Positives:
- No one gave us any weird looks, and we weren't the only ones walking.
​- I got a lot of pics with me in them.  Usually, I'm the one taking the pictures, partly because I'm not always thrilled with how I look in them.  But one of the things I'm working on this year is getting more with me in them, because the memories are more important than how my anxiety-riddled mind THINKS I look in them. 
- For $30.00, totally worth it - got a neat shirt, a medal, and a donut (not the one listed below)
- I got to eat a delicious Dolce de Leche, custard-filled donut with caramelized white chocolate and kit kat bits.  It was the best <insert expletive> donut I've ever had.

To Strengthen: 
- There wasn't a lot of diversity in the race.  There were a couple of us bigger ladies, but I didn't see anyone wearing Pride Pack (my own term for the LBGTQIA++ group), minorities, or differently abled folks.  It was primarily white folks in their 20s, or middle-age white folks with their kids for the kids race.  (Note: Brewnuts provides a *very* welcoming atmosphere, and are having a Drag Show there tomorrow, Thursday the 24th (2019).  Part of this has to do with how the event was advertised, I'm sure, but there's also some other reasons I'll discuss in a future post after I have time to do more research.
- Hiking/Walking Poles - I'd debated taking them, but didn't.  It was only "three miles" and I *knew* no one else would have them (one person did!).  I should have taken them.  Walking on hard sidewalks and blacktop is more difficult for the knees and back.  I could have used the support, plus you get a better workout with them.
- Finally, I wish I'd spoken with more people.  I don't normally go out and just talk to people, it makes me uncomfortable.  But, I'd like to move out of that comfort zone a little more in the hopes of better community building and making more meaningful connections.

I'm glad I did it, despite my nervousness for doing it differently than most everyone else did.  It's all about the adventure, right? 

I definitely would like to do this in the future.  Anyone interested in joining me to walk a 5k?  Have you done a 5k? What did you like/not like about it? Let me know in the comments or contact me here!