View Full Version : Just how dangerous.......
J.L.M.Webb
08-10-2009, 18:11
.......is the AT trail for a thru hike? Just to get everyone up to speed who doesn't know me (I'll try and be brief): I wanted to go to South Korea and New Zealand for a gap year in 2010. After several arguments with my mum, I gave in, not wanting to argue anymore.
After some thinking, I decided I would do the AT. I want to start the hike mid June 2010. I am doing a SoBo hike. Now, this certainly seems safer and I have read a lot about the AT. Obviously there are things to look out for i.e. weather issues, going of the trail and steep areas of terrain. However, we are still having arguments. She wants me to go with someone else for 'safety'. She think I'll get hurt or killed (and I am not being over the top). She thinks this is because of my age (I am 17, one month off being 18).
Now, no matter how old you are, you can't see some things i.e. tripping over a root etc. She seems to take situations and blow them out of proportion (I hear bears won't come near you so long as you don't 'sleep with a pizza on your face').
Now, I know that I am not able to do the AT right now. I need to train up and become accustomed to the equipment. I also need to know not to push my body. Basically, could I have some first hand accounts of how safe the AT is, and how to be safe? Thanks,
Jake.
The AT is not very dangerous. As you noted, tripping is probably the number one hazard to hiking health.
Have you looked at trailjournals.com? People of all ages, genders, and walks of life hike the AT every year. Many of us write more-or-less boring accounts of our journeys, including detailed whines and rants about problems we encountered.
Old Grouse
08-10-2009, 18:33
Jake, I still get the same arguments at my age - just not from my mother. Be prepared for the fact that no matter what anecdotes and other evidence you provide, your mother will still worry. Keep at it, and good luck. But be practical, as well. You might be able to work out a compromise, perhaps involving starting farther south. Better to do a big section of the AT now and return another year to do the rest, than to be disowned (not that she would, of course).
OG
johnnybgood
08-10-2009, 18:54
You sound like a smart ladd to me J.L.M. with a good head on your shoulders .
Listening to others and their experience on the trail will serve well in your future endeavours.
Anything and everything has calculated risks.
I believe though there are no more risk hiking the AT than driving to the trailhead....probably less.
Jack Tarlin
08-10-2009, 19:09
JLM, it's great that you're wondering about this, and it's fine that your family is concerned, but really, let 'em know: There is probably more violence and unpleasantness in St. Austell at pub closing time on any given Saturday evening than there is on the A.T. in an entire season.
The Trail is a very safe place, and you'll have plenty of company on your trip.
Have a great hike!
we had a similar thread a while back. at that time some one suggested "tell your mom you want to get a high powered motorcycle.... and then talk about the dangers of the AT."
i've been sectioning the AT for more than 20 years, and i can tell you for a fact that its more dangerous getting to and from the AT than it is to hike it.
fifo
J.L.M.Webb
08-10-2009, 20:18
Thank you very much for the kind comments everyone :) I will not quote you one by one because you all right. I will show my mother more facts and what you guys have written to try and persuade her into agreeing. She is, of course, right that she worries about me, however, sometimes I believe it spills over into over protection.
I will look at Trail Journals and do more research about the AT. As I said, I am definitely not prepared to go now :p
Oh, and by the way, you are right Jack Tarlin; there is more violence in a pub in St. Austell...maybe even more so in Camborne... Thank you very much for the support, you have all been very helpful.
Jake.
Hiking the AT is less dangerous from outside influences than the dangers associated with large cities in America. The greater dangers, if that's what you want to call it, comes from not accepting(adapting to) the unknown(change), being unprepared, or not being raedy to confront who you are.
The real danger is that after hiking the AT you may no longer become a productive member of society. ;)
Happy Trails!
Blissful
08-10-2009, 20:54
You're safer on the AT than in a car. :)
SassyWindsor
08-10-2009, 20:56
Just how dangerous?
Walking the trail would probably be less dangerous than:
1. Driving to the end.
2. Walking / biking / rollerskating / hitching / (yellow blazing) on the \
motorways.
Flying to the end and parachuting out wouldn't be too bad as long as you land on target.
If your from the UK it is understandable that your folks would be concerned, being that your so far away from them. Before you even get to the trail, you must navigate airports, customs, and the transportation pitfalls of getting you and your equipment to the trail in one piece. So I would think from a parental point of view, hiking the trail is down the list of concerns.
Of course, I don't know your travel experience nor any of your abilities. You might want to try and start out small and build.
Just my two cents.
ShelterLeopard
08-10-2009, 21:01
.......is the AT trail for a thru hike? Just to get everyone up to speed who doesn't know me (I'll try and be brief): I wanted to go to South Korea and New Zealand for a gap year in 2010. After several arguments with my mum, I gave in, not wanting to argue anymore.
After some thinking, I decided I would do the AT. I want to start the hike mid June 2010. I am doing a SoBo hike. Now, this certainly seems safer and I have read a lot about the AT. Obviously there are things to look out for i.e. weather issues, going of the trail and steep areas of terrain. However, we are still having arguments. She wants me to go with someone else for 'safety'. She think I'll get hurt or killed (and I am not being over the top). She thinks this is because of my age (I am 17, one month off being 18).
Now, no matter how old you are, you can't see some things i.e. tripping over a root etc. She seems to take situations and blow them out of proportion (I hear bears won't come near you so long as you don't 'sleep with a pizza on your face').
Now, I know that I am not able to do the AT right now. I need to train up and become accustomed to the equipment. I also need to know not to push my body. Basically, could I have some first hand accounts of how safe the AT is, and how to be safe? Thanks,
Jake.
Well, I'm a solo, anglo saxon 19 year old female, and I'm not worried. (Though I admit, I do prefer to hitch rides with fellow hikers- you never know). And you really don't need to train- just walk, and you'll be fine. It really is very safe- besides, there will be plenty of other hikers on the trail (at least for the first couple months), and if anything goes wrong, they'll be able to help you.
Jim Adams
08-10-2009, 21:03
your mom's house is more dangerous than the AT.
geek
J.L.M.Webb
08-10-2009, 21:05
your mom's house is more dangerous than the AT.
geek
LOL :D
Thanks for the comments guys. Yes, it is understandable that they would be worried about me being so far away from them. That's fine. I think my dad would be more understanding. Thanks again guys :)
The real danger is that after hiking the AT you may no longer become a productive member of society. ;)
Happy Trails!
Meaning what? - that you don't conform to the norm or how someone else defines being productive or being a member of society?
ShelterLeopard
08-10-2009, 21:16
Meaning that you can't survive off the trail! We all lose our minds away from those white blazes...
max patch
08-10-2009, 21:16
Waiting for you know who to chime in with the murder count and to recommend packing iron.
ShoelessWanderer
08-10-2009, 21:18
.......is the AT trail for a thru hike? Just to get everyone up to speed who doesn't know me (I'll try and be brief): I wanted to go to South Korea and New Zealand for a gap year in 2010. After several arguments with my mum, I gave in, not wanting to argue anymore.
After some thinking, I decided I would do the AT. I want to start the hike mid June 2010. I am doing a SoBo hike. Now, this certainly seems safer and I have read a lot about the AT. Obviously there are things to look out for i.e. weather issues, going of the trail and steep areas of terrain. However, we are still having arguments. She wants me to go with someone else for 'safety'. She think I'll get hurt or killed (and I am not being over the top). She thinks this is because of my age (I am 17, one month off being 18).
Now, no matter how old you are, you can't see some things i.e. tripping over a root etc. She seems to take situations and blow them out of proportion (I hear bears won't come near you so long as you don't 'sleep with a pizza on your face').
Now, I know that I am not able to do the AT right now. I need to train up and become accustomed to the equipment. I also need to know not to push my body. Basically, could I have some first hand accounts of how safe the AT is, and how to be safe? Thanks,
Jake.
My mother use to FREAK out everytime I'd leave for a hike (even a short weekender). Now, she's so use to be doing it, with nothing going wrong, that she doesn't really worry. Go out, do the weekend thing, step up and do a weeklong trip, and she'll get use to it. Oh and the more hiker friends you bring around the better...more proof that hikers normally come back alive.
J.L.M.Webb
08-10-2009, 21:21
Waiting for you know who to chime in with the murder count and to recommend packing iron.
lol and who is 'you know who'? Excluding Voldemort...
cheap joke I know but it had to be said :p
And thanks ShoelessWanderer that helped a lot :)
saimyoji
08-10-2009, 21:37
check out the "what do you fear about hiking the AT" thread to see what most people perceive as the more pressing dangers.
why not get your mum to join on here as a member and ask questions for herself. :cool:
J.L.M.Webb
08-10-2009, 21:40
why not get your mum to join on here as a member and ask questions for herself. :cool:
Brilliant idea :D I shall see. Thank you :)
take-a-knee
08-10-2009, 21:42
The most dangerous things you will likely encounter on the AT are ticks.
J.L.M.Webb
08-10-2009, 21:46
Yeah, I've heard woodticks can be quite dangerous due to the infections they can give you.
Lone Wolf
08-10-2009, 21:55
Waiting for you know who to chime in with the murder count and to recommend packing iron.
you're a troll/baiter for even bringin' it up :rolleyes: what is packing iron" anyway?
johnnybgood
08-10-2009, 22:05
Having mum involved in your information gathering phase should help lessen her anxiety .
Parents will always worry about their kids , just understand that is part of what parenting is all about.
Has anyone suggested purchasing the SPOT (satellite positioning tracker) so your mum can follow your hike ?
check Out The "what Do You Fear About Hiking The At" Thread To See What Most People Perceive As The More Pressing Dangers.
Why Not Get Your Mum To Join On Here As A Member And Ask Questions For Herself. :cool:
Now, That's Some Goood Advice.
Meaning what? - that you don't conform to the norm or how someone else defines being productive or being a member of society?
Cripe dude..get that 2X4 out of your posterior. :)
You need to learn to laugh.
Watch this. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p32OC97aNqc) Then start posting again. :)
what is packing iron" anyway?
I believe Campmor now sells a titanium, solar-charged, iron. I hate it when my pants and shirts are wrinkled in the backcountry.
EDIT: However, this one looks much bette (http://camping.about.com/od/campinggearreviews/gr/pieiron.htm)r if you want to pack an iron.. .Mmm..apple cobbler.
ShelterLeopard
08-11-2009, 00:17
Having mum involved in your information gathering phase should help lessen her anxiety .
Parents will always worry about their kids , just understand that is part of what parenting is all about.
Has anyone suggested purchasing the SPOT (satellite positioning tracker) so your mum can follow your hike ?
I hate the idea of being tracked- really weirds me out. Isn't the point of being on the trail (for most people) being on your own and off the grid?
Just type up a schedule (which you will most likely not follow) and update her at every resupply.
(My realitives wanted to get me one of those trackers, and I flatly refused)
Yea no iron on the trail......just STEEL
Where do you come up with this Mags? But LOL. Can't help it watching that through.
Trailweaver
08-11-2009, 01:26
I'm a female NOBO section hiker and often go alone. I've only been in "trouble" one time - got hurt in a fall. I managed to hike to the next campsite, spend the night, and hike out the next day to get treated medically. The trail is safe. I know - been doing it for years. There are people coming by all the time so if you do get into trouble, there is always someone there to help within a short time. You'll do fine. You will meet people on the trail after you start hiking, and soon you'll have a regular posse if you feel you need one.
Tennessee Viking
08-11-2009, 09:42
The AT is not that dangerous as long as you are prepared. The Whites and 100 mile Wilderness are probably the hardest sections for the unprepared.
Bears are more interested in getting your food than eating you.
Stay covered during cold temps.
And just know to keep away from snakes. Just remember to step on logs & push off, and not walk right over one. And you will do fine.
J.L.M.Webb
08-11-2009, 10:24
Thanks very much for the advice all :) Greatly appreciated!
And thanks Tennessee Viking, I didn't know that about the logs :) The 100mile wilderness looks very interesting from the images I've seen!
Concerned Parent
08-11-2009, 13:45
I can see from your statements you understand the concerns of your mother and I understand them as well --- Recently our soon to be 22 year went on the AT for solo hike and my wife and I were concerned enough to check out the comments of those who have hiked the trail and posted here as well as others we know who have done things like this --- I received a ton of positive replies and suggestions --- My son ended up having a great time on the AT but his trip was cut short as he got extremely sick, caught an intestinal virus probably from someone else on the trail that he fellowshipped with in the evenings --- It was good we suggested he take his mobile phone along so he could contact us --- We had to drive several hours to pick him up --- By the way, I think texting mom or someone with location every couple of days might be a good middle ground that mom might be able to go along with --- good portions of the AT have reception and texting uses little energy on the battery --- Even though our son got sick he plans on going again --- I say all this to say plan to have fun, get out in nature with God, be prepared (plenty of water, tick spray, etc, but not so much you can't carry it) and have contingency plans in place (ex. someone to come pick you up if you can't make it through to your destination) --- In conclusion being an x-cop currently working in the security field, I'm always concerned with safety but I have to also think practically and realize living in a bubble isn't really living --- I guess you have to do a "risk verses return" analysis to see what is best for your life now and for when you look back in the future -- As a side note I would suggest >>> as long as mom pays the bills I would say her opinion rules --- If you're mom would feel good about contacting me, feel free to send a private reply.
peakbagger
08-11-2009, 16:46
The one comment is to consider a NoBo hike. The support network for hikers going northbound is pretty well fine tuned to match up with Northbound thru hikers as they are the majority. Southbounders still get lots of support but are sometimes "pushing" the seasons a bit especially up in New England. Its also a lot easier to "finetune" you gear down south as there are many locations usually a day or so apart where you can drop off the trail if need be and swap out some gear and maybe check in with the folks. In Maine, the road crossings are fairly infrequent and require a longer hitch to civilization so its a bit harder to get your gear straightened out in the early days of the hike.
J.L.M.Webb
08-11-2009, 20:10
The one comment is to consider a NoBo hike.
I did consider it but I'm leaving mid June 2010. If it takes (on average) 5-6 months and Katahdin closes in October, I don't want to push myself and my body to see it before it closes :) Thanks for the reply ;)
take-a-knee
08-11-2009, 20:18
Yea no iron on the trail......just STEEL
How 'bout cast-iron balls?
I'm,, well, a "few years older than you". In fact, it's likely Im a few years older than your mom :p And MY mom still "freaks out" when I go for a hike on the AT. It's a "Mom thing" & they never get fully over it.
Call her every chance you get, send pictures of all the neat things you see. Hint: Take pictures of your hiking companions ONLY after a town shop when they have had a chance to clean up & look a bit more human. Showed my mom a pic of ME after 7 days out of town, & her response before I could tell her it was me was "I hope you didn't hike with him, he looks dangerous!" She was serious. I'm just sayin.
Welcome aboard & have a good hike!
I am doing a SoBo hike. Now, this certainly seems safer and I have read a lot about the AT.
The AT has some dangers, just like each of our homes do.
But why do you think a SOBO is safer?
J.L.M.Webb
08-11-2009, 20:51
The AT has some dangers, just like each of our homes do.
But why do you think a SOBO is safer?
I meant it is probably safer than South Korea :)
I meant it is probably safer than South Korea :)
That makes sense!
My mom was something of a worrier, but she quickly came to the conclusion that it was safer to have me on the AT than staying in Colombia.
J.L.M.Webb
08-11-2009, 21:14
My mom was something of a worrier, but she quickly came to the conclusion that it was safer to have me on the AT than staying in Colombia.
Haha that makes sense :D
You might want to google "Kirby" and look for his journal. His wisdom is also here on WB.
He is about your age and seemed to it together. Faced some of the same issues you are having, I think. He started with a group.
Groups form readily, whether you arrive on the trail alone or with a buddy. Perhaps less so as a southbounder, but Trailjournals.com will give you a good flavor for that. Hiking alone or with someone has almost ZERO bearing on your safety, but that argument is better left for old farts on the internet and not broached with mothers.
Just tell her you WILL be hiking with other like minded sorts you meet at Baxter State Park. To help sell that idea, you might even connect with a few in advance here at WB. How your hike unfolds in that regard will be determined later.
J.L.M.Webb
08-11-2009, 21:33
Yeah I have posted a thread saying if anyone is interested in partnering with me for some of the way, just send me an email :)
Could you give me the link to the journal please? Kirby comes up with the Nintendo character and also a deviantART journal :p
Yeah I have posted a thread saying if anyone is interested in partnering with me for some of the way, just send me an email :)
Could you give me the link to the journal please? Kirby comes up with the Nintendo character and also a deviantART journal :p
Since you have not had the benefit of a quality American public education, I will supply the link.
Fair warning: I have have not read the journal, but Kirby seems to make sense here on WB. Which has its own search function, BTW.
http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=5132
J.L.M.Webb
08-11-2009, 21:43
Since you have not had the benefit of a quality American public education, I will supply the link.http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=5132
lol thank you :D
That makes sense!
My mom was something of a worrier, but she quickly came to the conclusion that it was safer to have me on the AT than staying in Colombia.
Seriously. I had an interesting few months in Colombia in '74-'75. (My apartment in Bogota was on the Calle de la Muerte.) The AT is dangerous? No comparison.
Try posting on the "Class of 2010" forum under "Thru hiker classes". You might be able to find some other southbounders who will be starting around the same time, just to show you won't be hiking completely on your own.
Tenderheart
08-12-2009, 16:19
You will be in much more danger driving to the first trailhead than you will ever be actually hiking on the trail.
litefoot 2000
Jack Tarlin
08-12-2009, 19:54
Well, since other people have mentioned different geographic locations, I guess it's OK for me to add a further comment......the A.T. is probably safer than Korea, and certainly safer than Colombia.
And as a special aside to Mr. Webb, who I am sure will appreciate the historical reference, it's LOTS safer than Bolivia, too. :D
J.L.M.Webb
08-18-2009, 20:54
Try posting on the "Class of 2010" forum under "Thru hiker classes". You might be able to find some other southbounders who will be starting around the same time, just to show you won't be hiking completely on your own.
Yeah, I have done. Patience is the key :p Got an email off a guy already showing interest so should be fine.
Thanks to everyone who replied :)
msfirehiker
08-19-2009, 14:31
MOM's will be moms, now im not telling you to go against your parents wishes, but being 27 now and if i was your age again and i wanted to hike the AT, like i did, remember that you are only young once, so do the things that you probably will not beable to due later in life while you are still young, Good luck and happy hiking, hopefully you will be in the States soon