NOBO vs. SOBO

[Blissful]

Hurray for Marta!!


I'm looking forward to at least attempting a SOBO in 2011 if it works out with my job, family etc (still not sure yet, but hoping it will). It should be a good but tough experience, as the toughest part of the trail awaits you right off the bat (the black flies of Maine, he he, oh yes, and the trail itself)

[warraghiyagey]

I could try SOBO. Think it would be cool

Yup. . . you got a SOBO spirit. . . enjoy

[JAK]

I like the idea of ending at the Big K, but I also like the idea of going SOBO because going on an adventure in the direction outbound from home seems most natural to me, especially when its the first time.

I think the solution for me is to first do a hike from my home to Mount Carleton by some route other than the IAT, then the IAT to the Big K, then if I ever get a chance to do the AT, SOBO to Springer. Probably not thru. I'm currently a weekend and week hiker, but might get a chance for a big section to Mt.Carleton this summer. Perhaps a combination paddle/hike or bike/hike.

[jersey joe]

I like the idea of ending at the Big K,

Agreed JAK, Katahdin was an awesome way to end a thru hike.

[Chaco Taco]

Agreed JAK, Katahdin was an awesome way to end a thru hike.

No doubt. One of the common discussions I had with SOBO's was the fact that you have an anticlimactic ending going SOBO. But I would loveto have the solitude

[Blissful]

Agreed JAK, Katahdin was an awesome way to end a thru hike.

Very true. Excellent place but wild.

Now I would like the simple, home, woodsie feeling and accomplishment to end at Springer.

[JAK]

I've never climbed the Big K, though I dropped someone off at Katahdin Stream once. That was enough to give me the hunger. I am torn between doing it myself this Spring/Summer as a day trip, or doing it at the end of a good long hike, perhaps from the IAT direction. Also haven't climber Mt.Washington yet. Almost did it by car last Fall but I'm really glad it was closed that day, as I really thing the first time should be on foot. Might do a hut this year also. My wife and I climbed Mt.Carelton years ago as a day trip, but of course it is only half the height of Katahdin, and even less that in terms of distance and elevation gain, because I'm pretty sure the Mt.Carelton hike starts at a higher elevation. Still lots of great hiking up there and around here. The Big K can wait until the end of a decent hike, or maybe not. Daughter is getting older. That will dictate the urgency of things for me more than anything else in the next 10 years. So we will just do as much as we can this year, and not worry so much about my own personal druthers.

[Almost There]

If most people had to climb Katahdin to start their hike then alot more would quit after the first day. We joked about it last summer in the Wilderness quite a bit while it rained every day.

[fiddlehead]

No doubt. One of the common discussions I had with SOBO's was the fact that you have an anticlimactic ending going SOBO. But I would loveto have the solitude

Another plus for finishing at Springer is that it's easy for friend's and family to meet you and wait for you at the finish.

You can even sit on the grass there without getting a fine!

No rangers!
No rules.
Shelter within a mile.
Parking lot within a mile.

It's all good. Just different.

[Chaco Taco]

Agreed JAK, Katahdin was an awesome way to end a thru hike.

That is one day that I will never forget

[Chaco Taco]

Another plus for finishing at Springer is that it's easy for friend's and family to meet you and wait for you at the finish.

You can even sit on the grass there without getting a fine!

No rangers!
No rules.
Shelter within a mile.
Parking lot within a mile.

It's all good. Just different.

No doubt, my family was big in my thoughts. Would have been cool to have them there!!!

[hammock engineer]

No doubt. One of the common discussions I had with SOBO's was the fact that you have an anticlimactic ending going SOBO. But I would loveto have the solitude

I didn't think finishing at Springer was anticlimactic at all. It was the stopping point to where I hiked across the country. It is what you want it to be. I loved it just as much as I would have loved finishing at Katadin.

[hammock engineer]

If most people had to climb Katahdin to start their hike then alot more would quit after the first day. We joked about it last summer in the Wilderness quite a bit while it rained every day.

I wonder how many northbounders that drop out early would drop out after the first day in Maine. I had to laugh when northbounders were telling me how hard GA was. It was hard because you were starting. Maine was hard because it was hard, made better by we were just starting. I like to think it of thinning the herd right off the bat.

[Analogman]

I cant wait to leave SOBO this fRIDAY

Best wishes for a safe hike and remember, it's about the journey, not the destination.

[Nina]

SOBO July 7th YAY!!! I"M GOING!! I"M GOING !!! YAY!!!

[Chaco Taco]

Best wishes for a safe hike and remember, it's about the journey, not the destination.

True words!

[leeki pole]

Blackflies are overrated. Can't be any worse than yellow jackets or fire ants. So sayeth the redneck. Go SOBO.

[Marta]

Katahdin is an amazing place to start a long hike. If you start in the normal SOBO starting time, you're seeing it at the height of summer, with alpine plants blooming all around.

[warraghiyagey]

Katahdin is an amazing place to start a long hike. If you start in the normal SOBO starting time, you're seeing it at the height of summer, with alpine plants blooming all around.

[rickb]

I wonder how many northbounders that drop out early would drop out after the first day in Maine. I had to laugh when northbounders were telling me how hard GA was. It was hard because you were starting. Maine was hard because it was hard, made better by we were just starting. I like to think it of thinning the herd right off the bat.

I can see dropping out in a relatively plain, uninspiring stretch of trail that is really very forgettable.

But dropping out when Maine is all around you?

If you do that, then you might as well take up sailing.