View Full Version : Got my ATC mega bundle of guidebooks & maps today!
Can you guess how happy I am?! It's awesome. Got another 1/2 hour at work, then I'm running out to play with this new smorgasbord of hiking possibilities.
Thanks to WB for letting me know about the fall discount.
Did I already tell you how happy I am?! I can't wait to dive in!!! If there was something other than the dancing banana, I'd be plastering it all over this post.
StarLyte
12-08-2006, 18:23
Can you guess how happy I am?! It's awesome. Got another 1/2 hour at work, then I'm running out to play with this new smorgasbord of hiking possibilities.
Thanks to WB for letting me know about the fall discount.
Did I already tell you how happy I am?! I can't wait to dive in!!! If there was something other than the dancing banana, I'd be plastering it all over this post.
All right 1Pint !!! I'm really glad for you. :jump
take the maps, leave the books at home.
Can you guess how happy I am?! It's awesome. Got another 1/2 hour at work, then I'm running out to play with this new smorgasbord of hiking possibilities.
Thanks to WB for letting me know about the fall discount.
Did I already tell you how happy I am?! I can't wait to dive in!!! If there was something other than the dancing banana, I'd be plastering it all over this post.Do I sense some excitement and anticipation here? :D
Great timing. You have a whole weekend to wallow in trail descriptions and elevation profiles.
You may want to take notes as you read transferring what seems valuable into your Companion or A.T. Data Book. You will find much potentially useful information in the A.T. Guide Books.
Be sure you write down my phone number and call me if I can help in some way when you reach The Green Diamond.
Godspeed Laura!
TJ aka Teej
12-08-2006, 22:32
Gotta love the '105 days' countdown!
Have fun planning and dreaming with those maps and guides!
terrapin_too
12-08-2006, 23:45
Are the maps from PA still crappy? My set of maps & guides are mostly from 1990, and the PA maps really rot. By contrast, the newer maps (ca. 2005) for NY/NJ are beautiful. But the PA maps were the worst of the lot.
Ill second the notion of leaving the section guidebooks at home...
terrapin_too
12-09-2006, 10:41
Ill second the notion of leaving the section guidebooks at home...
OK, I'll third it. :D But I carry the maps. OK, I know a lotta hikers don't even do that -- they just carry the AT data book. Me, I like a map so I can really appreciate how crooked the trail is. But the data book (from ATC or from ALDHA) is very useful for planning resupply and town stops.
Jack Tarlin
12-09-2006, 13:26
Terrapin:
The PA maps have all been re-done and are now excellent.
Are the maps from PA still crappy? My set of maps & guides are mostly from 1990, and the PA maps really rot. By contrast, the newer maps (ca. 2005) for NY/NJ are beautiful. But the PA maps were the worst of the lot.
They must have been updated b/c my PA maps range in age but most seem reasonably current. Map 1 - Susquehanna River to PA Rt 94 says "Field checked and reprinted in 2001", Maps 2-3 PA 94 to US Rte 30 says "Revised Sept 2004, Map 4 US Rte 30 to PA/MD state line says "revised Oct 2000." the oldest appears to be Delaware Water Gap to Swatara with a 1998 date.
OK, I'll third it. :D But I carry the maps. OK, I know a lotta hikers don't even do that -- they just carry the AT data book. Me, I like a map so I can really appreciate how crooked the trail is. But the data book (from ATC or from ALDHA) is very useful for planning resupply and town stops.
Okay, so I spent the weekend hiking and pouring over my maps. Bottom line? I'm pretty intimidated. For some reason I can't figure out, I didn't really get the fact that the trail goes up and then the trail goes down and then up and then down and then up..... and that's just 1 day!
So, I'm scared. But, the good part of getting scared is that now I am getting serious about my physical training. I had read all the comments like "nothing can get you in shape for hiking 10 hours a day except hiking 10 hours a day". Those made it seem like I could be pretty casual about my fitness and just do my normal routine and then let the trail get me in shape. After looking at the topos all weekend, I figure I need to do a lot more than I am doing and anything I can fit in before I leave will help me on the trail.
Anyone else have this reaction when you got your guides and maps?
terrapin_too
12-11-2006, 21:16
Anyone else have this reaction when you got your guides and maps?
Not really. I'd hiked most of the Whites, several times over, before I ever tried a "thru." OTOH, nothing can quite prepare you for the real thing. This trail kicks butt, no two ways about it. It's attitude that'll get you up those hills, as much as any physical training you can do.
I like the books. I don't care what the weight weanies say. Those books are cool for springs, shelters, and just something to read. They may be a little heavy but if you like them don't be afraid to bring them along.
They're my comfort food. Well I guess along with a good drink:) .
Okay, so I spent the weekend hiking and pouring over my maps. Bottom line? I'm pretty intimidated. For some reason I can't figure out, I didn't really get the fact that the trail goes up and then the trail goes down and then up and then down and then up..... and that's just 1 day!
So, I'm scared. But, the good part of getting scared is that now I am getting serious about my physical training. I had read all the comments like "nothing can get you in shape for hiking 10 hours a day except hiking 10 hours a day". Those made it seem like I could be pretty casual about my fitness and just do my normal routine and then let the trail get me in shape. After looking at the topos all weekend, I figure I need to do a lot more than I am doing and anything I can fit in before I leave will help me on the trail.
Anyone else have this reaction when you got your guides and maps?Just go slower on the uphills and take more breaks, even a two minute breather will help a lot if you take enough of them. With few exceptions, how much weight is on your back will have a bigger effect than the elevation changes.
max patch
12-11-2006, 23:55
I like the books. I don't care what the weight weanies say. Those books are cool for springs, shelters, and just something to read. They may be a little heavy but if you like them don't be afraid to bring them along.
They're my comfort food. Well I guess along with a good drink:) .
I agree. You don't need them to navigate the trail (the "trail crosses a stream at miles 6.2 and then follows an old fs road for the next 1.2 miles" type of info isn't necessary) but I enjoy the mini "history lessons" the books provide as you hike. I enjoy knowing the name of the mountain up ahead that I'm looking at. I like knowing where that blue blaze trail goes.
Most of my books are 20 years old. I still use them today. They are a great source for finding road access to the trail when planning trips out of state.
terrapin_too
12-12-2006, 00:19
Most of my books are 20 years old. I still use them today. They are a great source for finding road access to the trail when planning trips out of state.
I've gotten into trouble hiking with old books & maps. Mine date from 1990, and there have been numerous changes since then. The trail gets rerouted. Shelters come and go.
I've taken to buying current books and maps for major sections. It's worth the peace of mind. The ALDHA guides are great, too -- and they're free (just download from the web and print 'em yourself.)
I've gotten into trouble hiking with old books & maps. Mine date from 1990, and there have been numerous changes since then. The trail gets rerouted. Shelters come and go.
just wondering how often one should update their maps.
terrapin_too
12-12-2006, 09:41
just wondering how often one should update their maps.
No hard rules here, I imagine. Speaking personally, I'm not that hard-up for cash, and my time on the AT is precious (unlike some long-time denizens of W.B. ;)) So the cost of the maps isn't much of a bother. Others may see it very differently.
Also depends on your hiking style, and how important it is to you to get to the next shelter. With the right gear and attitude, it might not matter.
98% of what's on those old maps will still be accurate. It's the other 2% that'll getcha. :D