Today we hiked the Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain Trail in near Oswald State Park. The trail is one of the best trails that I have hiked in a while. There was ample parking and despite there being quite a few cars there, only ran into a few people. At the top of the mountain were cell towers where I was able to pull a good signal, one that rivals what I have at home. Needless to say that the wheels started turning and thought to myself, all I need is a chair, small table, and solar panels…WFH!
But on the hike itself…starting at the lower entrance provided to be good as it was a quick up and seemed to be not quite as strenous had we started at the service road. We did take the service road down and pleasantly surprised at width and length.
After we finished up, I popped into Garmin Connect and found there to be enough of a difference in the map used to layer that I would opt for Google Maps all the time. I am including the maps for each layer to show you the differences. I thought that Google Maps showed the best detail as well as elevation points, neither HERE or Open Street maps provided the detail. I found this also to be true when running street.
I always run with Altra Lone Peak and for a Nathan hydration pack. The Lone Peak shoe exclusively for the wide toe box. I have tried quite a few when it comes to trail shoes and found this one to be true to size as well as a toe box that is forgiving when feet swell AND allow my toes to splay for improved stability. The hydration pack by Nathan has a wide pocket which will fit a Samsung Note 9 with Otterbox case, small zippered pocket for a few goos or a couple of snack bars, zippered pocket that is 2-3X the front pocket, corded straps to carry a jacket for rain (I am in the Pacific NW), and enough water for a couple of hours of running. (For me the water lasts 3-4 since I don’t hydrate nearly as much as I should.) Gu (goo), Vanilla Orange for the win as the flavor for me never gets old despite downing them time and time again for hours. If I were to eat snack bars I love variety which is why I recommend the mix below. If they have too many nuts I have found they do not settle easily on my stomach and the different varieties give me options when on the trail.
Some of you will ask about friction when running, some use nut butter or baby products. I prefer something a heck of a lot easier, cheaper, and readily available…..Vaseline. If you have to ask then your problably haven’t run long enough or far enough to warrant using it, but trust me…it’s better to prep before you need it.
Take a look for yourself and the differences are readily apparent, see below.
South Neahkahnie-Mountain Trail Google Map near Oswald State Park
