Hiking the Appalachian Trail

OK, so we can’t go to movies. We can’t go to restaurants. We can’t explore new cities, make new friends, photograph churches, practice Spanish, soak up the culture. But we can get outside and explore nature!

So while we have been living in Grandma’s condo in Mechanicsburg, PA, this Spring and summer, we at Messy Suitcase have been spending a lot of time on foot exploring the Appalachian Trail here. You can access an interactive map to get info about the trail in your region, if you live in the northeast United States.

Here are a few facts about the AT

Total Length: 2,190 Miles

Number of States the ATTraverses: 14

Approximate Gain/Loss in Elevation: 464,500 Feet

Visitors Each Year: 3 Million

Here in Cumberland County, the trail has its lowest, flattest stretches, but there are still some hills to climb. Much of it runs along the Conodoguinet Creek.

How to Hike Safely in the Age of COVID-19

We have several rules we follow when hiking. We wear lightweight gators around our necks to pull up for use as masks should we pass anyone. We start early (to avoid heat) or hike during off-peak times because NO ONE else bothers to mask. We move well off the trail to let people pass. We wear long pants because of ticks. We are gluttons when we pass wild black raspberry or wild raspberry patches.

Frozen Pineapple Margarita

If you can't be adventuring because of COVID-19, then it's time to go on some journeys of the palate! So last night I created Frozen Pineapple Margaritas. I didn't have Triple Sec but Simple Syrup did the trick. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup ice
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapples
• 1 1/2 ounces tequila (White is recommended but reposado is also delicious)
• 1 ounce triple sec (or Simple Syrup)
• 1 ounce lime juice
• Garnish: Slice of lime

Instructions:

• In a blender chop ice and pineapples. You may need to add lime juice at this stage.
• Add other ingredients.
• Blend until smooth.
• Poor into chilled class with lime garnish.
• Enjoy!

Makes 1 margarita. Obviously multiply the recipe to make more. A blender will have enough room for three. Feel free to add extra ice depending on how thick you like your margaritas and how hot it is outside.

(5 minutes)