Originally Posted by Rains2girl Are you suggesting that we don't go? I've read in several different places that everyone should "hike their own hike" and that is exactly what we plan to do. Thanks for the advice but in the future, positive comments only, please Absolutely not! I was just cautioning that that part of the trail can get a bit crazy at that time. I do know someone that did exactly what you are planning this past April, and they were a bit offended that they seemed to be snubbed by some thruhikers. Just have to realize that there may be 20 new thruhikers at a shelter, they all have something in common with each other, but not with you. Most will be considerably younger too. Naturally, they tend to hang and talk with each other mostly. Thats all part of it if you are into it with the right mind set and expectations. You are sure to meet many interesting people and have some great memories. Good luck, and HYOH!
Originally Posted by Jeremy Peyton congrats, my wife and I are doing out first AT trip as Well Thanks, Jeremy. It's so exciting!
congrats, my wife and I are doing out first AT trip as Well
Originally Posted by MuddyWaters Good luck. I assume you are aware how many hikers will be on that part of the trail will be in April. If company is what you desire, you wont be lacking for it. As section hikers, and slow paced ones at that, you will be in a literal sea of *aspiring* thru hikers at that time. Some will be congenial, many will keep to others of their kind, trying to forge early friendships and cliques, and you may even encounter a few attitudes of snobbery or superiority. Dont let it bother you. Are you suggesting that we don't go? I've read in several different places that everyone should "hike their own hike" and that is exactly what we plan to do. Thanks for the advice but in the future, positive comments only, please
Unless you're really out of shape you can easily average 12, 14 miles per day. There is something to be said for going slow. Keep the pack below 30 lbs. and make sure your hiking boots are broke in & that you bought one size larger than you normally wear. Do gym work before you start. Purchase a guide that details resupplies and has town maps, Awol's guide for example. I'm 51, have section hiked the AT for several years, and should finish in 2014. I'm excited as I leave for a 100 mile trip starting in Rutland Vt, in early September! Hiking the AT is the best ongoing experience I have ever had. What MuddyWaters says of Thru-Hikers is generally true. Most folks on the trail do have one common theme, the need get away. It is a very social trail. Good luck.
Unless you're really out of shape you can easily average 12, 14 miles per day. There is something to be said for going slow. Keep the pack below 30 lbs. and make sure your hiking boots are broke in & that you bought one size larger than you normally wear. Do gym work before you start. Purchase a guide that details resupplies and has town maps, Awol's guide for example. I'm 51, have section hiked the AT for several years, and should finish in 2014. I'm excited as I leave for a 100 mile trip starting in Rutland Vt, in early September! Hiking the AT is the best ongoing experience I have ever had. What MuddyWaters says of Thru-Hikers is generally true. Most folks on the trail do have one common theme, the need get away. It is a very social trial. Good luck.
Good luck. I assume you are aware how many hikers will be on that part of the trail will be in April. If company is what you desire, you wont be lacking for it. As section hikers, and slow paced ones at that, you will be in a literal sea of *aspiring* thru hikers at that time. Some will be congenial, many will keep to others of their kind, trying to forge early friendships and cliques, and you may even encounter a few attitudes of snobbery or superiority. Dont let it bother you.
We're in Florida-no REI dealers in the state. The closest for us is Atlanta.
I take it you have no REI or outfitters nearby to test/try out gear? I feel fortunate if this is the case to be able to try gear on at EMS and REI and some others and get suggestions from many of the whiteblaze and alike websites to see what will work for me. Good luck with your gear search!
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