Appalachian Trail

Tommy · Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 192

Project Insanity

Figuring that I am way overdue for a real adventure in my life, I've decided to drop out of regular civilization for a while and hike the Appalachian Trail this year.

My backpacking experience is somewhat limited - maybe a year and a half at best. Mostly overnighters. I am embracing the fact that I have no idea what I'm getting into.

If anyone out there has experience on the AT or thru-hiking in general, I would love any tips or insights or advice.

Thanks already to Ambika and company who were a treasure trove of information on the canyon Gems hike the other week.

some of my still lingering thoughts:

to filter water or just treat chemically? I'm bringing a filter to start.

to tent, tarp, or hammock? I'm bringing my solo Northface 12 tent, but may change later.

keep my heavy, yet sturdy Gregory Palisade pack (after gutting it, approx 5 pounds). or move to an Ultralight, yet not as sturdy, pack?

and so on...

Right now, I'm at my parents house in Salt Lake (where my truck and personal crap are being stored) while getting more and more anxious for the big departure. Train leaves tomorrow for Georgia.

I'll do my best to update the adventure here periodically, and maybe even post a few pics along the way.

wish me luck!

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

Goodluck Tommy -- I am sure you will do great Very Happy

Just don't get porched too long ... Wink

If at all you need anything let us know and I am sure we can help!

So how many pairs of shoes do you think you will go through ?
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Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream!

Suz · Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186

Wow! Sounds like a great adventure. I'm sure you'll do great, can't wait to hear all about it.

azbackpackr · Posted: 4/10/2007, 12:10 pm Post subject:

Hey, Tommy, Good idea! I'd suggest getting all info in advance and joining the AT Trail club. Learn as much as you can where to mail stuff to yourself, find someone who can mail it for you who you can trust, etc. I hear there are shuttle services from the Atlanta airport, assuming you are hiking s. to n.

I've hiked short portions of the AT in W. VA, VA, Maryland and New York, in the early and mid 70's.

Arizonaheat · Posted: 4/10/2007, 2:12 pm Post subject:

How soon are you planning on hitting the trail?
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Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life.

Davis2001R6 · Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy

I think he starts the 15th of this month.

Hikngrl · Posted: 4/10/2007, 4:39 pm Post subject:

Wow Tommy! That is so awesome! We will be watching for signs of you here! Can't wait to here your tales! Pictures would be awesome! You will be in my prayers!
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~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

Tommy · Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 192

Thanks everyone!!

My train leaves in about 9 hours from now. Should arrive in Gainesville, Georgia this Saturday, hitch or shuttle the 40 miles to the trailhead at Springer Mountain (haven't really worked this part out yet), and be on the trail officially Sunday the 15th.

--and I'm guessing 3 pairs of shoes (counting the new pair I just bought and have 20 miles on). we'll see..

bigfoot · Joined: 19 Oct 2005 Posts: 64 Location: Austin, TX

Good luck and God speed!. Indeed this will be a trip of a lifetime. Looking forward to your updates!!
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Do onto others as you would have others do unto you.

Do not compare yourself with others; you will end up bitter or vain - for there will always be people better or lesser than yourself.

Trishness · Posted: 4/10/2007, 8:09 pm Post subject:

Tommy,

I've hiked sections of the AT (and that was 25 years ago) but have never thru-hiked it in it's entirety. I'd recommend at least a tarp, it rains a LOT out there on the East Coast. You'll get soaked in a hammock. There are lean-to's every 20 or so miles in the northern sections of the AT, not so sure about the southern parts. Expect to share them with strangers but they are large enough for 6+ people.

I'd filter the water if I were you. The AT passes through many small towns and there are hostels that are "hiker-friendly". And you can stock up on supplies too (maybe grab a shower too!)

BRING BUG SPRAY Laughing

LOTS of it!

Are you thru hiking all the way to Katahdin? The 100 mile wilderness in Maine is just beautiful!

Be safe. Can't wait to see your pictures and read about your adventure as you are able to post them!

Mr. Green

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~~~Trish~~~

"Eastward the dawn rose, ridge behind ridge into the morning, and vanished out of eyesight into guess; it was no more than a glimmer blending with the hem of the sky, but it spoke to them, out of the memory and old tales, of the high and distant mountains." � J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of The Rings.

wanderingsoul · Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Posts: 2285 Location: Gilbert AZ

Tommy Stay Safe, Enjoy the trip and Good Luck
This trip truely sounds awesome!

What an adventure. I am sure you will do well. Hope to hear from you time to time with some wonderful tales.
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Wanderingsoul (Michelle)

Positive Thinking Is the Spark that Makes Dreams Happen~~~Unknown

Trishness · Posted: 4/10/2007, 8:15 pm Post subject:

Oh yeah, I forgot

Here's a great website for thru hikers on the AT!

http://www.whiteblaze.net/

Mr. Green

_________________
~~~Trish~~~

"Eastward the dawn rose, ridge behind ridge into the morning, and vanished out of eyesight into guess; it was no more than a glimmer blending with the hem of the sky, but it spoke to them, out of the memory and old tales, of the high and distant mountains." � J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of The Rings.

IGO · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 4144 Location: Las Vegas

4 months ago on Blood Mountain (about 20 miles NE of Springer Mountain; the Southern start) on the AT. Hog Pin Gap.

I can promise you that hiking the AT resembles nothing of hiking on this side of the devide. I've got about 100 broken miles on the AT between Springer Mountain and Smokey Mountain National Park.

Bring a tent!!!!!! Have a great trip!!!!!

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"Surely all God's people, however serious or savage, great or small, like to play. Whales and elephants, dancing, humming gnats, and invisibly small mischievous microbes - all are warm with divine radium and must have lots of fun in them." John Muir

Trishness · Posted: 4/10/2007, 10:32 pm Post subject:

Tommy,

Here's a link to the list of the shelters along the AT and water sources.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/index.php?page=shelters

Wait until you get to the Presidential Range in New Hampshire......go through it up Tuckerman's ravine and after crossing into Maine you have 2 days hke until the the 100 mile wilderness in Maine (truly God's country) you'll probably not see a soul along this route but will share the trail with at least 10,000,000,000 blackflies/mosquitoes.

If you come across other thru hikers on the AT and they are part of Whiteblaze.com, ask them to post that they saw you at "here" so we can track you.

Mr. Green

I LOVE IGO'S PICS ^5
_________________
~~~Trish~~~

"Eastward the dawn rose, ridge behind ridge into the morning, and vanished out of eyesight into guess; it was no more than a glimmer blending with the hem of the sky, but it spoke to them, out of the memory and old tales, of the high and distant mountains." � J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of The Rings.

azbackpackr · Posted: 4/11/2007, 7:03 am Post subject:

Tommy's on the train about now! I wonder if there are very many internet cafes, etc. along the AT route now. Probably there are. I expect we'll hear from him periodically!

I wanna go too!