EPISODE · Mar 28, 2026 · 11 MIN
Entry 25 Part 2 Sandals and Suds: The Rainy Experiment at Mile 545
from Book of Moron · host Kenneth Pararo
The Rainy Day Experiment Sandal Logistics: Testing whether sandals allow feet to dry more quickly than traditional shoes after a soaking. The Umbrella Advantage: Crediting the umbrella as the "unsung hero" for keeping the head, torso, and pack mostly dry during the downpour. Field of Victory: Finding refuge at a gas station to avoid pitching a tent in the middle of a storm, choosing instead to wait for the rain to ebb. Atkins & The Hiker Bubble Ahead of the Pack: Noting that reaching Atkins (Mile 545.9) before April puts the journey significantly in front of the primary Appalachian Trail "bubble". Resupply Strategy: Supplementing the food bag with a gas station burrito and a $3 box of Liberty Creek wine from a nearby Dollar General to save on-trail rations. Nostalgia Trip: Recalling the exact campsite 1.7 miles ahead from the 2019 hike, contrasting the current "pragmatic" road-walking approach with the "cruising for a bruising" intensity of 2022. Looking Ahead Weather Shift: Preparing for a significant cold front tomorrow, with temperatures predicted to be 19 degrees colder than today, though the rain is expected to clear. Bland, Virginia: Eyeing a potential 30-mile push in the coming days to reach Bland and refresh supplies. The "Buzz" Into Camp: Planning a final ascent of 276 feet to reach the evening's destination once the burrito and beer are finished.
Embed this episode
What this episode covers
Recorded at 6:23 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, from the shelter of a gas station in Atkins, Virginia. After the rain finally caught up with him, the evening became a tactical experiment in ”hike-and-dry” logistics: testing the comfort and drying speed of wool socks and sandals in wet weather. While waiting for a ”famous” trail burrito and enjoying a covert pint of Miller Lite, the discussion reflects on being well ahead of the traditional April 1st ”hiker bubble”. With 24.2 miles already completed for the day, the plan is to ”buzz on” into the woods for a final 1.7-mile trek to camp, prepared for a 19-degree temperature drop tomorrow.
Ready to play
Entry 25 Part 2 Sandals and Suds: The Rainy Experiment at Mile 545
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.