Day 159 | More streams to ford | Appalachian Trail 2024

[@sticktheeagle]

Riley wants to celebrate 2100 too!!

[@sticktheeagle]

Did you bring waders with you? Big Wilson was the deepest ford for me on my hike, about thigh deep. All of the other fords I did were ankle deep. I remember sitting on the rock on the far side on this river and enjoying the warm air as I dried out. It's just best to cross where the water is slow, even if it is deeper. The rocks there might be close to the surface, but you know they are going to be slick. I preferred walking on even ground if it's deeper just so I make sure that I am steady.

[@HikingWithRiley]

@@sticktheeagle I did not have waders with me. I was not aware of this, but I should look into getting some if I hike this section again in the future! I remember searching pretty hard for a good place to cross but not finding anything that looked easy. I remember the water being very fast in Big Wilson and most of the other streams in this area.

[@sticktheeagle]

Did Riley just swim across while you balanced yourself crossing? You did not address how Riley crosses, at least as of the 24 minute mark.

[@HikingWithRiley]

@@sticktheeagle Riley was always close behind me because I always kept him on leash. Whenever I was able to rock hop, Riley would try to follow the same rocks and he was usually very good at this. When I was not able to rock hop and had to walk right through the water, it was usually not so deep that Riley had to swim. Riley would just walk/run through the water with me. It was not enjoyable at all since the air and water temps were so cold, but we just got through it as quickly as we could. A few times, we lost our balance while crossing and got all wet and then we just trudged through the water as best we could to get to the other side….. good times!