View Full Version : Is this budget too much? $10,000
blackbird04217
01-08-2009, 21:10
After hearing a lot of price estimates from $1000 to $4000 I am trying to plan out my price costs. I am trying to fully commit to the trip and although I know I will be 110% committed once I am starting Springer Mountain, I need to commit now. One thing holding me back is finances: Equipment Costs, Getting to Springer Mt, College loans for ~7mos, Moving my stuff back with the parents, Food, Emergency Reserve, and such. This is putting a damper on my plans.
I have been planning this for my trip budget:
$500-$750 Equipment
$300 Getting to Springer Mt
$0 Getting from Mt Kahtadin
$500 Emergency Reserve
$2000 for food. (24 weeks at $80wk)
My biggest question and reason for posting is to figure out if $80 a week for food, (and misc. supplies; batteries, stove fuel, occasional map), is enough or too much.
I don't plan on staying at many hostels, motels - and I believe I have what it takes to not be lured into the desires, (that or I am too stubborn in the way I want to hike my hike!)
Thanks all for any help you give!
Is it normal for the full costs of everything for the trip, including non-trip specific costs; (student loans, moving twice, etc ... to rise to $10,000? (Planning 7 months time off even if its closer to 6 I don't want to rush at all)
Rockhound
01-08-2009, 21:33
after gear and initial transportation you say that leaves you $2500. Can you do the whole AT with that? sure, but it will be tight even with minimal hotel/hostel stays. Not trying to discourage you but the $1 per mile days are gone. My feeling is you'll be breaking into your "emergency reserve" somewhere around Harpers Ferry
Serial 07
01-08-2009, 21:37
i'm gonna be honest...you're young...the lure of the towns will draw you in...they are called "vortexes" for a reason...if you are gonna be takin' your time, it will be time spent not in the woods that will be adding the days/weeks/months (77 zeros)...that's good...stay focused on things early, cause that's when a lot of kids can blow their wad...of cash...early is rich with nectar, late is rich with nectar...know that the middle is where miles will be made...with $3000+ in the spend account, you should be okay...have fun!
Simple (but maybe difficult):
Buy used gear as much as you can: limit yourself to $500.
Find someone else who is further midwest than you, who can take you to Springer and you can split costs with.
This gives you an extra $250-450 to play with, a better buffer.
The big deficiency is lodging. You're looking at no overnights in towns, no showers, no hostel or hotel stays over the course of six months. It's possible, but is it realistic? Add some more for the occasional stay in town, maybe $800-$1000. You'll be much happier.
Wise Old Owl
01-08-2009, 21:48
Just do it
$500 for gear? A good lightweight sleeping bag only will put you out $200+.
But I don't know what you already have.
Not to mention batteries, water filters/aqua mira, ziplocks, journals, maps, etc. Don't forget all that, it adds up.
$80 per wk for food, misc, etc. is bordering on too much, particularly if U R not planning on constant hotel stays. What ever money U have extra can be mailed to me so I can invest it in the U.S. economy. U have more than enough funds committed to your trip. Enjoy the journey.
Lone Wolf
01-08-2009, 22:42
After hearing a lot of price estimates from $1000 to $4000 I am trying to plan out my price costs. I am trying to fully commit to the trip and although I know I will be 110% committed once I am starting Springer Mountain, I need to commit now. One thing holding me back is finances: Equipment Costs, Getting to Springer Mt, College loans for ~7mos, Moving my stuff back with the parents, Food, Emergency Reserve, and such. This is putting a damper on my plans.
I have been planning this for my trip budget:
$500-$750 Equipment
$300 Getting to Springer Mt
$0 Getting from Mt Kahtadin
$500 Emergency Reserve
$2000 for food. (24 weeks at $80wk)
My biggest question and reason for posting is to figure out if $80 a week for food, (and misc. supplies; batteries, stove fuel, occasional map), is enough or too much.
I don't plan on staying at many hostels, motels - and I believe I have what it takes to not be lured into the desires, (that or I am too stubborn in the way I want to hike my hike!)
Thanks all for any help you give!
Is it normal for the full costs of everything for the trip, including non-trip specific costs; (student loans, moving twice, etc ... to rise to $10,000? (Planning 7 months time off even if its closer to 6 I don't want to rush at all)
if you've got it, go with it
Blissful
01-08-2009, 22:54
I don't plan on staying at many hostels, motels - and I believe I have what it takes to not be lured into the desires, (that or I am too stubborn in the way I want to hike my hike!)
It is not being lured into some "evil" desire like it's somehow bad to stay at a hostel. It's known as wisdom to give yourself and your muscles time to recover from quite a harrowing and tough physical effort day in and day out.
You might think differently once you have been out there for weeks on end, the days are all rain, your gear is soaked, your hiking buddies that you have come to know for several weeks are all staying at the hostel, you're sick with a cold or your knee is bad or your feet ache from rocks. So you might consider some bucks figured in for those possibilities, which will happen, guaranteed.
Pokey2006
01-08-2009, 23:47
See if you can defer your student loans.
blackbird04217
01-09-2009, 00:22
Where as deferring the loan would drop the immediate costs, it would also increase the overall costs in the end, due to interest. And that isn't really amusing to me!
I get that people have different views and views can change from sitting here at my keyboard to when I get out there for a few weeks. With that if people still want to give me advice about hostels and such then please include a price range that you would believe to be correct for a light schedule as far as staying in.
Beyond that I'm still getting a wide variety of responses from $2000 is too little for the trip, and $80 is too much per week (average), yet those are the same numbers from what I have calculated. From my seat, $80 a week seems plentiful for food and simple supplies. I guess this value varies wildly based on HYOH, but just looking for some good average numbers to base my weekly budget from.
Where as deferring the loan would drop the immediate costs, it would also increase the overall costs in the end, due to interest. And that isn't really amusing to me!So just not hike and put all your savings onto the loans. Surely that fancy school that made you rack up those loans taught you about opportunity cost.
Serial 07
01-09-2009, 01:55
be thankful for the advice...it seems you have the idea and just want confirmation? take what you have, worry about weight when you can...the hike is the priority, not the weight...you're 23...i had a seven pound tent until mid PA...if you can save more, do it...but if you're budget is locked, then that's the budget and hike as long as you can...
as far as hostels...at first, my paid nights would be IMO: mountain crossings, standing bear (tent and resupply), franklin, elmers, shoot...there are so many great spot's along the stream before hampton, i'd rather stay at sutton's (take the old AT to hampton)...ah, damascus...you do that and maybe you've spent $80 (and i threw in 2 nights in franklin and damascus)...and damascus is, what, 450 in? you spend that little on lodging through the first fifth of the trail, you'll be better off...
Pokey2006
01-09-2009, 02:34
Sure, deferring your loans would cost more in the long run, but the loans are also putting a "damper" on your hiking plans, so you say. It's just one thing you can do to alleviate some of the financial burden of the hike, and could even mean the difference between being able to do the hike or not. Something to consider, is all.
Johnny Thunder
01-09-2009, 10:10
After hearing a lot of price estimates from $1000 to $4000 I am trying to plan out my price costs. I am trying to fully commit to the trip and although I know I will be 110% committed once I am starting Springer Mountain, I need to commit now. One thing holding me back is finances: Equipment Costs, Getting to Springer Mt, College loans for ~7mos, Moving my stuff back with the parents, Food, Emergency Reserve, and such. This is putting a damper on my plans.
I have been planning this for my trip budget:
$500-$750 Equipment
$300 Getting to Springer Mt
$0 Getting from Mt Kahtadin
$500 Emergency Reserve
$2000 for food. (24 weeks at $80wk)
My biggest question and reason for posting is to figure out if $80 a week for food, (and misc. supplies; batteries, stove fuel, occasional map), is enough or too much.
I don't plan on staying at many hostels, motels - and I believe I have what it takes to not be lured into the desires, (that or I am too stubborn in the way I want to hike my hike!)
Thanks all for any help you give!
Is it normal for the full costs of everything for the trip, including non-trip specific costs; (student loans, moving twice, etc ... to rise to $10,000? (Planning 7 months time off even if its closer to 6 I don't want to rush at all)
Dude,
This is going to be a tough pill to swallow...wait 1 year. It's easy to sit at home and imagine how $80/wk makes sense on paper and that $500 is a solid emergency fund but, to be honest, it's not. Unless you have some other source that will bail you out (assuming you're not too proud to ask when it eventually comes down to it) this will not be enough even if you do finish your hike slightly under the financial wire.
I had a similar situation going into 2007 but decided to wait a year to be totally secure. It was a drag but the extra year allowed me to save more money and temper my resolve to actually do it and not just wing it.
It was the right decision...I put away the proper amount to enjoy the hike and stopped kidding myself about how I'd ignore the pull of the group, the draw of town, and the delicious splendor of a cheeseburger. Also, I socked away enough money so that when I came home I could move into an apartment and not have to be terrified about getting work my first day back so's I could pay that second month's rent.
But, it's possible that you just came hear for us to confirm that it's possible. And, since you're a recent college grad I think we share some things in common. So, let me ask you some questions and you can answer yourself (honestly) to decide if this is the right year for you...
How much spending money did you burn through your senior year? Was it $100? $200? $1,000? $4,000?
When you needed new clothes for school where did you get them? Donations from family and friends? The thrift store? A discount store or Walmart? An expensive department store?
In college, when your friends went to the bar did you go? Or, did you stay at home? When they went out for pizza did you head to the dining hall alone?
Whatever you do, good luck. I hope that you make the right decision for you.
Johnny
The Solemates
01-09-2009, 10:21
Where as deferring the loan would drop the immediate costs, it would also increase the overall costs in the end, due to interest. And that isn't really amusing to me!
I get that people have different views and views can change from sitting here at my keyboard to when I get out there for a few weeks. With that if people still want to give me advice about hostels and such then please include a price range that you would believe to be correct for a light schedule as far as staying in.
Beyond that I'm still getting a wide variety of responses from $2000 is too little for the trip, and $80 is too much per week (average), yet those are the same numbers from what I have calculated. From my seat, $80 a week seems plentiful for food and simple supplies. I guess this value varies wildly based on HYOH, but just looking for some good average numbers to base my weekly budget from.
I'd pay off the student loans and get everything in order with my finances and logistics of hiking a long distance trail before I even attempted to step on springer. thats what we did and were better off because of it.
$80/week is doable in my opinion, but thats coming from someone who only took 10 zeros on my whole thru hike. but I also think its going to cost you more in gear than you have budgeted. and i also do not think $500 is enough for your emergency reserve.
some things to think about:
-do you have adequate medical insurance? you need it.
-is your car paid off? can you cancel your car insurance and then get it back when off the trail? i would not sell your car as some do.
-try storing your stuff for free with friends and family rather than renting storage
-cancel your cell phone
-cancel anything that has a monthly payment
-pay off all loans before starting...the borrower is slave to the lender
-do you have back up equipment, esp. shoes?
-how are you going to get home from katahdin? if you drive back home, will you have adequate funds left to eat and perhaps sitesee along the way?
as far as hostels...at first, my paid nights would be IMO: mountain crossings, standing bear (tent and resupply), franklin, elmers, shoot...there are so many great spot's along the stream before hampton, i'd rather stay at sutton's (take the old AT to hampton)...ah, damascus...you do that and maybe you've spent $80 (and i threw in 2 nights in franklin and damascus)...and damascus is, what, 450 in? you spend that little on lodging through the first fifth of the trail, you'll be better off...
Thats the cost of lodging, but when you figure that cost you have to figure the cost of restaurants, beer, pints of Ben and Jerrys, and whatever other vices that you have.
Johnny Swank
01-09-2009, 11:52
I usually figure about $100/night for every town stop. That includes lodging, a couple of meals, and enough food to get me to the next resupply. Sometimes more, sometimes less, but that's my rough number. Cut out the overnight lodging a few times and you've saved some real money.
Here's some stuff I wrote awhile back on this
Cutting Down on Town Time (http://sourcetosea.net/thru-hiking-cutting-down-on-town-time/)
Thru-hiking on the Cheap (http://sourcetosea.net/thru-hiking-on-the-cheap/)
I wouldn't even consider less than $100 a week, and I mail drop my food. This year, with no mail drops, I'm budgeting $150 a week. For a thruhike that would be $3600 for six months. I'd take $4000 with $1000 in reserve for emergencies. I like to be comfortable.
lonehiker
01-09-2009, 12:54
My biggest question and reason for posting is to figure out if $80 a week for food, (and misc. supplies; batteries, stove fuel, occasional map), is enough or too much.)
$80 a week for "Trail" food (and misc. supplies) is more than sufficient. I averaged between 6-7 dollars a day for trail food and misc supplies. A couple of places it was as high as 10 but I also had a few where it was a little cheaper as well. I would like to point out that this was only for trail food and not for eating in town.
Keep in mind, even if you don't stay in a town, you will be very tempted to drop down to one just to get something to eat. Your body will be craving something all of the time.
Jack Tarlin
01-09-2009, 13:33
If you're REALLY disciplined with your town time and days off, then I think you'll be all right, except, as some other folks have pointed out, the temptations of towns and hiker facilities can be very hard to walk away from. This is particularly true with younger hikers, who tend to join small groups and travel together. If you get to a town and all your trail friends want to stay over and you don't, or if you stay overnight and wake up to horrible weather and your buddies want to take a day off and not hike at all that day, it'll be REALLY tough to walk away from them. Towns eat money, and a lot of times, this involves money that one hadn't planned on spending.
So personally, I'd try and bring along more money.
It's great that you've budgeted $500.00 for unforseen expenses and emergencies, but on the other hand, I see you've budgeted nothing for getting home from Katahdin. It's a long way from Maine to Iowa......how were planning on getting there?
One last possibility. Instead of leaving Georgia in early spring, consider a Southbound hike. You'd be starting your trip in June, and not March, thus giving you an extra 2-3 months to work and save money. This could make a big difference.
Good luck!
Johnny Swank
01-09-2009, 13:46
^ I second the SOBO suggestion. You're pretty close as it is, but another $1000 or so squirrelled away would give you much more breathing room and options.
That, and SOBO's are widely known to be better looking and such. :)
LISTEN! If U want some solid, although not universal, advice on what costs R involve with an AT thru-hike U came to the right place, but unless someone here is your personal accountant, we, here at WB, R not in the best position to tell U what U should be doing with your entire financial life. Although, some advice is also offered here to help U possibly think about some things U might have missed.
I have been planning this for my trip budget:
$500-$750 Equipment
$300 Getting to Springer Mt
$0 Getting from Mt Kahtadin
$500 Emergency Reserve
$2000 for food. (24 weeks at $80wk)
If it helps ease your mind, based on the numbers quoted above and how U plan on hiking, YES, U have budgeted enough($3300-$3550) for your thru-hiking expenses. Good job planning for this aspect of your hike. That part of the financial planning is done. NOW, seperately, consider your "other" expenses that U mention, like college loans, moving stuff back with your parents, etc. If U have the "other" expenses covered U R set to go. If yes, enjoy the journey. Does that help make it a little clearer?
Blackbird, if U R smart enough to come up with a budget like this U would seem smart enough to be able to adjust and readjust along the way to stay within that budget. That is after all what a budget is, isn't it? Of course, if U had 8-10 K to spend on an AT thru-hike U could probably find a way to spend the whole 8-10 K. Likewise, if U had $3300-3550 to spend on an AT thru-hike, under the conditions in which U plan on hiking, U can also do that comfortably!
blackbird04217
01-09-2009, 22:27
It's great that you've budgeted $500.00 for unforseen expenses and emergencies, but on the other hand, I see you've budgeted nothing for getting home from Katahdin. It's a long way from Maine to Iowa......how were planning on getting there?
One last possibility. Instead of leaving Georgia in early spring, consider a Southbound hike. You'd be starting your trip in June, and not March, thus giving you an extra 2-3 months to work and save money. This could make a big difference.
Good luck!
Where as I live in Iowa this moment, I plan on moving all my stuff back to Maine with my parents to store during the trip. The trip came about due to a break in jobs where I will probably need to relocate again for the next one, so things lined up and I figured if I had to move why not take the time to do the trio. That said, my parents being in Maine would be my transportation back, and i wouldn't need to worry about that cost. I have thought about a Southbound a little bit, but I feel that I would be rushed during that type of trip due to Winter, that and the motivation of walking back 'home' would be much better than that of walking further away. Thanks for the input though, and with the extra 2 -3 months, as I previously said my job is really IFY at the moment. Not too stable, I think I have work through till the start of March at this point, but can't say much beyond that.
blackbird04217
01-09-2009, 22:35
If it helps ease your mind, based on the numbers quoted above and how U plan on hiking, YES, U have budgeted enough($3300-$3550) for your thru-hiking expenses. Good job planning for this aspect of your hike. That part of the financial planning is done. NOW, seperately, consider your "other" expenses that U mention, like college loans, moving stuff back with your parents, etc. If U have the "other" expenses covered U R set to go. If yes, enjoy the journey. Does that help make it a little clearer?
Yea, I realize nobody here can tell me about my budget as it comes to loans, and the other costs I was able to cover those myself because I know them, they are solid and set in stone at a certain guessable rate.
My main questions were about my thru-hike expenses and seeing if they did sound reasonable. So from your side of things it looks like my trip budget looks good, and that is what I am looking for so thanks.
blackbird04217
01-09-2009, 22:56
Dude,
But, it's possible that you just came hear for us to confirm that it's possible. And, since you're a recent college grad I think we share some things in common. So, let me ask you some questions and you can answer yourself (honestly) to decide if this is the right year for you...
Johnny
As far as the question of is this the right year, yes. I am not so recent of a grad as my age might lead to believe. I actually graduated 2 years ago now, which is semi-recent, but its not like I am fresh out of school. As far as going with friends and those other questions you asked. I possibly spent a total of $500 on mics 'fun' things in my 2 years of college. Partly because it was a 4yr degree accelerated to 2yrs and partly because I didn't have the money. My clothes came from high-school since they fit, they work well and I didn't need new clothes. As far as hiking with a group, I believe I will meet people and such, but I am not doing the hike for them. I am doing it for me. When they wanna get zero days, it won't hurt me to keep going.
If the trail changes me into wanting that company, than so be it and I will figure out the way to deal with it then, letting the friends take a zero day in town while I hike out and spend an extra day camping for them to keep up, or some other compromise. The occasional hamburger might catch me off guard here and there, I can't kid myself about that. But I figure $20 town days and $10 camp days is a decent price for food. That is 1 town day a week, and 6 camp days. Might be a little more and less depending on the area, but town days would be meant specifically for resupplying and getting back out.
To everyone else, about the emergency money. That money is not to be used in continuing my trip in any fashion. Emergency money means, I have run out of funds, I have twisted my ankle, or something is caused me to stop the hike and that money is used purely to end the hike and get back home. I appreciate the suggestions on raising that for ability to dive into it but the only way I am diving into it is if I am within reach of friends/family and don't need to worry. Emergency use is getting back home, and much different than 'running out of funds'
Thank you all for your responses. I believe I have found my answers, and it seems a lot of people are contradicting each-other: Some say $3500 is the lowest and others say the budget is good. Most of the reasons giving for staying in town don't seem like me. Sure, I will make friends, might even hike with some people for aways, but I don't see myself taking a zero day to enjoy their company. I could be wrong, and I'll face that challenge then as I said above.
About the remark on gear being more than, I currently have priced the big three for $300. And the weight isn't bad at less than 10lbs. Still need stove and some other items, but I am not going to be an ultralight, I will get used to the weight and complain in my head if that is the case. I already cut more than 5lbs off my big three from listening to your advice so I will probably appreciate that!
It is not being lured into some "evil" desire like it's somehow bad to stay at a hostel. It's known as wisdom to give yourself and your muscles time to recover from quite a harrowing and tough physical effort day in and day out.
You might think differently once you have been out there for weeks on end, the days are all rain, your gear is soaked, your hiking buddies that you have come to know for several weeks are all staying at the hostel, you're sick with a cold or your knee is bad or your feet ache from rocks. So you might consider some bucks figured in for those possibilities, which will happen, guaranteed.
Very true, among the sadest moments on the trail in '93, were the kids at Damascus waiting over a long weekend for their money to arrive in the post office, only to discover on Monday that they had blown their entire wad at the bar and pizza place around the corner from The Place.
It was easy to do. The beer and pizza place only asked for their driver's license for security for booze and drink charges. Those chits added up fast.
Weary
Johnny Thunder
01-10-2009, 00:11
Very true, among the sadest moments on the trail in '93, were the kids at Damascus waiting over a long weekend for their money to arrive in the post office, only to discover on Monday that they had blown their entire wad at the bar and pizza place around the corner from The Place.
It was easy to do. The beer and pizza place only asked for their driver's license for security for booze and drink charges. Those chits added up fast.
Weary
Yeah, I saw more people quit from having too little money than I saw quit for having too much money. Just saying.
blackbird04217
01-10-2009, 00:42
Yeah, I saw more people quit from having too little money than I saw quit for having too much money. Just saying.
I'm not saying thta I won't try getting MORE than what I am proposing, I certainly will. But that is what I have calculated that I'll be able to make from now until then and be able to do the trip. Like my first post said, I am trying to get myself committed. Commitment won't be an issue once I take the first step in Georgia, but its a big step buying the gear I need, and committing to this. The proposed budget is possible for me to get, from what I can tell. Getting more may be possible, but I can't count on it and just making the leap is what I am attempting to do, in a smart manner rather than just going for it all.
River Runner
01-10-2009, 00:56
Blackbird,
Seems you had your mind made up you had enough before you even asked. When you ask a question on a public forum, you are bound to get a wide variety of opinions. A lot of them WILL be contradictory. This can happen for a couple of reasons - one, people aren't always experienced or honest, and two, people have different lifestyles and ways of seeing things. Can you hike spartan on a small budget? Sure. Can you be miserable doing so? Sure thing. You might even be able to be happy doing so - and you probably won't even know yourself until you are out there trying to do it.
For most people an AT thru hike is probably going to be a once in a lifetime deal, so most will probably advise you to have enough money to do it comfortably and to be able to have some extra dollars for little luxuries. It's sort of like taking a luxury vacation - could you go somewhere exotic and live frugally on peanut butter sandwiches? Sure. But would you feel you missed something by not experiencing the authentic local cuisine while you had chance? Probably.
Concerning your budget - there are two things to bear in mind when you think about food costs - one, you are expending a tremendous amount of calories. After the first week or two, your appetite will increase greatly, so you will most likely be buying a lot more food than you consume now. Two, you will be buying a lot of that food in convenience stores or small stores near the trail and it will be a lot more costly than a supermarket or megastore in a larger town. It's real easy to go in a convenience store and spend $5-$7 and get nothing but drinks and snacks.
Also these days it would be really tough to eat three meals in town on $20, unless you are downright spartan. Even two meals might be difficult depending on your taste in beverages.
Just "food" for your thought as you decide whether $80 a week is enough for food and supplies.
Where as deferring the loan would drop the immediate costs, it would also increase the overall costs in the end, due to interest. And that isn't really amusing to me!Certainly it will be cheaper to pay the loan of without deferring, but the loan payments may keep you from hiking.
So, what is your goal? If it is to hike, then a hike costs money and this is one expense.
If your goal is to spend as little money as possible over the next few years, then why are you considering a hike?
Priorities are confusing, especially in the abstract, and even more so for younger folk, but as time for the hike gets closer, I'm sure you will start to feel in your gut what you really want to do. And you will do that thing.
Commitment won't be an issue once I take the first step in GeorgiaYou will be surprised how much an issue commitment will be after a few solid days of rain :D
blackbird04217
01-10-2009, 01:50
You will be surprised how much an issue commitment will be after a few solid days of rain :D
I've camped in enough rain before, sure its not as happy as sunny camping, but I do know what its like. You'll be surprised how much stubborness will keep the original commitment solid :P
There U go! Someone who invests in a multitude of counsel, sorts through the info that they think they need, plans ahead, makes a decision, and committs to it, all the while being adaptable and knowing that they don't know everything. For a 23 yr. old U seem ahead of the curve. Enjoy the journey!
Rockhound
01-10-2009, 13:52
Yeah, I saw more people quit from having too little money than I saw quit for having too much money. Just saying.
I wish I knew the person who quit because he had too much money. I could have helped him out.
I have no trouble resisting a $100 overnight stay, not matter how dirty I am, unless I'm with my wife.
I would find it difficult to resist a $20 overnight, or even a $40 overnight if the folks were really nice.
Food can be really tough to resist if the entertainment and company is really good.
I'm not sure you can evet know for sure ahead of time on your first trip. I think the advise of exercising discipline early in the game makes sense, but I think having some money for some well placed $20s now and then makes sense also. For myself, $100 nights are strictly reserved for travelling with my wife and daughter, or if I was younger, with my girlfriend. When alone I always consider motels and hotels a waste, but hostels can be fun.
I'm not saying thta I won't try getting MORE than what I am proposing, I certainly will. But that is what I have calculated that I'll be able to make from now until then and be able to do the trip. Like my first post said, I am trying to get myself committed. Commitment won't be an issue once I take the first step in Georgia, but its a big step buying the gear I need, and committing to this. The proposed budget is possible for me to get, from what I can tell. Getting more may be possible, but I can't count on it and just making the leap is what I am attempting to do, in a smart manner rather than just going for it all.Why is it so important that you commit? Just asking, but why not be prepared to stop if it gets to expensive, or if you decide to do something else, like go on a bus trip or canoe trip or a different trail, or back to work or school early or something like that? Not saying commitment isn't a good thing, but I think some flexibility is reasonably also. I've stopped mid-campaign and gone back to work, and stopped work and gone on a sailing campaign for 8 months. Flexibility is good.
I'm just not sure if your commiting to hike, or commiting to spend? Commitments can be expensive. I've overspent on such commitments before, and its limited the sailing I could do later. I think its important to ask yourself if you want to hike forever, or just for a year. If you are committing to anything, I think it should be to commit to hiking and other such activities, including some long extended activities, as part of a long and healthy and active life, and not just a one shot deal.
Yeah, I saw more people quit from having too little money than I saw quit for having too much money. Just saying.
Yeah, Johnny Thunder, sure do see more of that, but also consider, in 06 I personally knew 3 homeless people, 1 couple and 1 male, who completed their thru-hikes. They found a way, even with much more limited resources, to make it happen! Quitters will always find a reason to quit! Now, I know thta's not going to sit well with some people!
Johnny Thunder
01-10-2009, 16:29
Yeah, Johnny Thunder, sure do see more of that, but also consider, in 06 I personally knew 3 homeless people, 1 couple and 1 male, who completed their thru-hikes. They found a way, even with much more limited resources, to make it happen! Quitters will always find a reason to quit! Now, I know thta's not going to sit well with some people!
I agree with you...people who have the right determination will always finish. But, the poster is used to at least some level of comfort and admitted to spending money he didn't "have to" in the past. There's nothing wrong with him waiting a year... for all the reasons people quit their hikes money is the one that you can absolutely control on the way in. It just defies logic to go into something without being fully prepared.
blackbird04217
01-10-2009, 19:13
I agree with a lot of whats being said, especially JAK where your saying the hike is about getting away from society and depending on people. And that leads me to the reason I ask this question is so that when I am on the trip I won't be worredi on depending on people helping me, be it friends I've met or family etc... As I've stated, this is the time. I know that based on how things opened up for me. A little job instability at the moment, but should be enough to get to my minimum budget as described in post one.
Johnny Thunder, I don't really know what the post above was about that nonsense, I am sure parts of it is true based on this being an AT forum, and January is only three months before most leave for their hike. It is no where near a New Year Resolution, and I have been planning this since early November. That being said, I am not looking to be treated like the average joe-smoe who gives bad reputation based on your response, sure you might get a few of these, at the time of writing I didn't find any on the main page. I didn't use the search because this was specific to my current plans which are developing a bit deeper. I am adding $250 for overnighters for when the temptation is too much and the price is right, I will easily be able to turn away $100 nights and such as JAK said, and I will take his advice to my best ability and make a small budget for those $30 nights that may capture me a handful of times.
About the commitment issues, I just don't feel quite ready to spend $500 on equipment and not do it. Sure, I could take some smaller trips and use it, and might do so if I had the equipment but there are many other things I'd like to do that as we all know costs money as well. The question isn't what I want to do more or less, its all about even, though the ordering is pretty important. The AT is something I've always envisioned doing, as a self motivated goal to be able be in the wilderness for a long trip and make do with out a television and the other modern appliances. Lately I've needed some thinking to do, and I feel being away from everything thats distracting will allow me to think through what I want to do with my life. I have a long time left of it, but what do I truly want, not just what I think I want.
I want to point out I am not looking for a free ride, I may be semi-near just out of college but I certainly NEVER got anything for free or ever expected anything for free. I don't feel those comments are pointed at me, but I want to make it abundently clear I work for what I want. I'm a very goal oriented person and rather good at meeting them. Sitcking back to the original topic, I was just seeing it its reasonable, to do a thru-hike based on the information I provided in the first post, which I felt I covered the basics, my goals and such quite well, although others had points with the friends on the trail - but like I said, I am doing this for me, not for them. Later on if things change, then I will adapt, or stick to my original plan.
Yeah its gotta be doable, but I don't know if it is ever reasonable. People are still gonna track you down.
If I ever hike the AT and all those corrupt people down south start plying me with free cheeseburgers and beers I'm just going to have to turn around and start being nice to people first chance I get. You can't win.