Team Rugby – January 13-14, 2024

By Stephen D. Bowling

Getting two or more people to agree to anything is often difficult. 

During the Team Rugby Hike of the 2024 Sheltowee Trace Hiker Challenge, a unanimous consensus was reached among the sixty-one hikers who left the Northern Terminus in two groups. The first two groups of hikers all agreed that it was cold and windy. The two teams of hikers headed into the woods on Saturday, January 14-15, with temperatures hovering around 16 degrees and strong winds that dropped the wind chill to -6.

Up Henry Short Hollow to the ridgeline, hikers made their way as the tree limbs swirled above their heads as the 30-40 miles per hour winds.  Hikers, including several who ventured out for their first real hike and many veterans, reported less than favorable conditions as the wind on the ridge tops increased and temperatures dropped. At one point, a few rays from the sun did break through the cloud but were quickly darkened by wind-driven clouds.

The hikers made good time and reached the Clark Family Farm when most stopped for a short break or a quick lunch. Most traveled a few miles more to the second camp at Holly Fork. Trail magic from the Cave Run Chapter helped warm the stomachs of most hikers who gathered around the campfires to warm themselves. Soup with the trimmings and hot drinks seemed to lift the spirits of many who huddled in the cold camps. The closeness of the fire allowed hikers to get to know their fellow adventurers as they talked about a wide variety of topics, including the usual comparisons of hiking equipment like “who has the biggest tents” and a discussion of the master class on “cuddling for warmth.” Then, one by one, we all slipped away to cold sleeping bags and a night of rest.

The snow started falling before sunrise on Sunday morning, and the wind blew hard as hikers headed out for Morehead. A large group of eleven hikers left the Clark Farm and walked together to the swinging bridge at Holly Fork. Small groups of hikers left the two camps and walked up Big Tom Brown Hollow to the bridge over Interstate 64. Crossing the interstate, the hikers walked the six miles out Forest Service Road 799 and reentered the woods. They braved the “Bunny Hops” and down the hill to Morehead and their cars.

Here are a few images from Team Rugby during the January hike:

Hike One, as usual, was a valuable learning experience for most new hikers. They learned that weight matters and that we usually pack far more food and other items than we need. Many new trekkers found value in their choice of footwear and will emerge as stronger Challenger for the February hike. 

Several hikers chose not to finish due to minor injuries or other issues. There is no shame in that. Learn from your time out there and grow stronger. Plan for the next hike and resolve the issues that challenged you as you walked along.  Remember- we are in a Challenge and have just begun. 

There are miles to go before we rest (and earn the title of End-to-Ender).

I hope to meet and hike with each of you in February.

© 2024 Stephen D. Bowling