Appalachian Trail Institute

[sylvia_claire]

A friend just told me about this class she heard about that claims to increase your chances of completing a through greatly , the Appalachian Trail Institute. I looked up the site and to me it looks like a great way to burn money($300 for four days) but I was wondering if anyone here has actually gone and what they thought about the experiance?

-sylvia

[warraghiyagey]

. . . and to me it looks like a great way to burn money($300 for four days)

-sylvia

agreed. . .

[beakerman]

agreed. . .

who are you and what have you done with warrawhateverthingy?

you actually posted something and it was pertinent to the OP!!! I am shocked!

[jenpharr]

I went to the ATI before my first thru-hike in 2005. I just stumbled upon it over the internet and I am so glad that I did. It is run by Warren Doyle, I didn't know who he was when I signed up, but he has hiked the trail almost 15 times now and - in my opinion - knows the trail better than anyone. The cost of the workshop is pretty cheap considering that it considers food, lodging, and info. It was so worth the money and the time. I had done some research about food, and physical prep, but Warren really helped me mentally and emotionally prepare for the trail. It was a workshop that not only helped me on the trail, but in life. I would highly recommend it. : )

[Panzer1]

and - in my opinion - knows the trail better than anyone.

Panzer

[sylvia_claire]

...The cost of the workshop is pretty cheap considering that it considers food, lodging, and info.

I would not consider much of that money going to food and none to lodging (it is an additional fee to park your tent in his yard).

"lodging - People can stay in our house or tent in our yard for a small additional donation Local motels/campgrounds are also available."

I am cynical about the food becase especially as a vegitarian (who doesn't like eggs or milk or common american cheeses...) and as someone who doesn't drink, I hate the flat rate no matter what you get thing cause I always get the short end of that deal

"meals - A combination of college cafiteria, home cooking and local eateries. Participants with special dietary needs can cook their own meals (kitchen privileges). "


I guess what I want to know is if people actually think the learning experiance is worth the 300 dollars?

[warren doyle]

Since the ATI from now on will be situated out of my home (10 miles from Damascus) rather than at Lees-McRae College, the tuition covers instruction, materials, transpo to and from the trail for the three day hikes and lodging (our 19 room home has beds for 20 although the ATI enrollment is limited to 14 folks a session). The tuition does not cover lunch and supper at a variety of local eating establishments 4 miles away, or kitchen privileges at our home for folks with special dietary needs.

[Tin Man]

I guess what I want to know is if people actually think the learning experiance is worth the 300 dollars?

You can learn most of what you need right here on WB and by taking a few practice hikes (be sure to do this) before going long distance. The annual ALDHA gathering that was held this past weekend in Gettysburg is a relatively inexpensive way to get a brain dump from many past thru-hikers (including Warren) who share different approaches and perpectives. Many of them will answer your questions here.

[Marta]

I went to the ATI before my first thru-hike in 2005. I just stumbled upon it over the internet and I am so glad that I did. It is run by Warren Doyle, I didn't know who he was when I signed up, but he has hiked the trail almost 15 times now and - in my opinion - knows the trail better than anyone. The cost of the workshop is pretty cheap considering that it considers food, lodging, and info. It was so worth the money and the time. I had done some research about food, and physical prep, but Warren really helped me mentally and emotionally prepare for the trail. It was a workshop that not only helped me on the trail, but in life. I would highly recommend it. : )

I'd like to point out that this is the only post by someone who has actually attended the ATI. And that Jen has had a couple of wildly successful AT hikes, in that she completed them.

IMO, the key factor in completing a hike is commitment. Going to the ATI is a significantly more serious commitment than spending a lot of time on WB, which gives the illusion of commitment without any of the pain.

[Tin Man]

I'd like to point out that this is the only post by someone who has actually attended the ATI. And that Jen has had a couple of wildly successful AT hikes, in that she completed them.

IMO, the key factor in completing a hike is commitment. Going to the ATI is a significantly more serious commitment than spending a lot of time on WB, which gives the illusion of commitment without any of the pain.

No need to spend a lot of time on WB. The operative phrase that Lone Wold reminds us is: "it is only walking". Someone could quickly glean the essentials of gear choices, guide books, re-supply, etc and go try it out for a couple of shakedown hikes. Yes, ATI and WB are two different approaches for sure. That is why I suggested a few practice hikes. ATI does practice hikes and so should WB followers. It's a matter of whether a person feels they need a teacher/guide or wants to do it on their own. An AT hike is on your own and, my opinion, learning on your own will make you stronger. Some folks need more encouragement and that is fine too.

[Lone Wolf]

A friend just told me about this class she heard about that claims to increase your chances of completing a through greatly , the Appalachian Trail Institute. I looked up the site and to me it looks like a great way to burn money($300 for four days) but I was wondering if anyone here has actually gone and what they thought about the experiance?

-sylvia

some people spend 10 times that amount on gear thinking it will get them to maine from georgia when in reality most don't make it

[John B]

Isn't that a line from a Paul Simon song? "Why don't we get together and call ourselves an institute..."

Before my very first section hike when I knew even less than what little I do now, I gave serious thought to attending, going so far as to try to schedule it into my time away from work. I recall sending the director a couple of emails asking about the average age of participants, etc because I didn't want to stick out. But after reading lots of threads on WB, I didn't think that I'd get much from it. The "articles" section on WB I found to be invaluable for their advice on clothes, packing, etc. And I never care much for someone telling me when to jump and how high.

But to each their own! Obviously some get a lot out of the "institute."

[modiyooch]

There was no ATI when I started. No WB. I did good to find reference material. I couldn't find anyone that was interested in hiking with me. Today, people have a wealth of information at their fingertips. I survived. I developed my own game plan and to this day still follow the "old school" techniques.

[SawnieRobertson]

If you have the money to "burn." why not? It will surely not hurt anyone who can afford to and wants to go. Warren, even at just the comparatively short talk at The Gathering, helped me about attitude and miles/day expectations. You will become expert about Warren too with some Warren stories, most of them kind of endearing. He is, after all, human and, therefore, subject to foibles of one sort or another. That, however, is not why you would go. You would enjoy the camaraderie and would very likely learn some things that would come back to help you when the going gets rough out there. If I were you, I'd jump at the chance, but, if you go, be sure to report back to us your evaluation of how helpful you have found it.--Kinnickinic

[modiyooch]

Even without the training, a $300 stay in the high country isn't a bad deal.

[Panzer1]

he's running a business and has the right to charge whatever he thinks is a fair price. That's the way capitalism works. In a communist country it would be free.

Panzer

[modiyooch]

he's running a business and has the right to charge whatever he thinks is a fair price. That's the way capitalism works. In a communist country it would be free.

Panzer

was this challenged?

[Spokes]

......... That, however, is not why you would go. You would enjoy the camaraderie and would very likely learn some things that would come back to help you .............--Kinnickinic

Hats off to ANY former thru hiker doing something to make a few bucks on the side but.......

Isn't the entire jist of the course summarized in "Warren's AT Hiking Book" as found on this webpage? Why not just print it off and save $300 bucks?

Or even better- pay me $300 bucks and I'll be your comrade for an entire week! As an extra bonus I'll show you an alcohol stove I made out of a couple discarded soda cans!

[Tin Man]

was this challenged?

nope. and it is really not a money issue. personally, i wouldn't hang on one source's word, but utilize many, WB being one of the better sources. if you need an extra push or personal helping hand, in addition to consulting other sources, ATI type services are probably worth the time at a reasonable price point, which ATI appears to be.

[Pootz]

Since the ATI from now on will be situated out of my home (10 miles from Damascus) rather than at Lees-McRae College, the tuition covers instruction, materials, transpo to and from the trail for the three day hikes and lodging (our 19 room home has beds for 20 although the ATI enrollment is limited to 14 folks a session). The tuition does not cover lunch and supper at a variety of local eating establishments 4 miles away, or kitchen privileges at our home for folks with special dietary needs.

My hiking partner for about 75% of my thru hike took Warren's class and loved it. I also hike parts with 2 other that had taken the class. All 3 of them completed their thru hikes and had nothing but good things to say about the class.

I met Mr. Doyle in Pa during a section hike in 05 around Dalton MA during my thru, he is a very nice guy. His hiking resume is very impressive.

One of the reasons people do not complete their thru hikes is that they are delusional about the AT experience before they hit the trail. Mr. Doyle's class will give someone a good picture of what they should expect on the AT. I say if you have the time and money learning about the AT in could help your chances of finishing a thru.