View Full Version : New to site, Planning first mountain hike.
jimmyntanya
08-14-2014, 09:51
Hello everyone. My name is Jimmy and the wifes is Tanya. My wife and i have decided to take our walking/hiking to the next level. While she is much more fit then I am and with me struggling with weightloss my whole life (even my military stint) I'm using this as my motivation to get in shape and stay that way. I will hit 40yrs next month and need this. While im not crazy out of shape, my bloodwork sucks. I'm 5'9" about 250lbs. Shes 5'7" maybe 130lbs. We are looking to do Carver's Gap maybe in june of 2015. Gives us just less then a year to get ready. We plan on retiring in the Gatlinburg area one year as we got married there and love it. Hoping this only adds to our Love of hiking and of the BEAUTIFUL mountains. Any thoughts of Carver's Gap will be much appreciated!
saltysack
08-14-2014, 10:00
Just get out start hiking....pack light....no training needed....start w low milage and build up...
Another Kevin
08-14-2014, 11:33
Saltysack gives good advice: get out for day trips and then build up to weekends. Don't think of it as "I'm training for a trip to..." but just "I'm walking."
I had the same problem as you (perhaps to a lesser extent) when I started getting back into hiking after too many years in the Chairborne. I found that I dropped about 40 pounds in three years with no lifestyle changes other than walking more - and completely normalized my lipid profile and blood pressure. I've stabillized at a BMI of "borderline overweight" and my doc is happy with that as long as the other numbers are good. I've even got a deal with him that any day that I spend backpacking is a day that I can eat whatever I durned well please.
One important thing for me is to make it part of the routine. I got lucky there. I live just over a mile from my lab, and half the walk is on a rail-trail. I've made it a point for the last few years to walk to and from work with a pack - a daypack containing a laptop computer with its brick of a power supply, a water bottle and a few books. With the heavy computer, the water (I don't need it, but it's an easy way to increase the load) and books, I wind up carrying about the same pack weight as I take on a weekend trip. The walk is a pleasant break. But the side benefit is that I get a couple of miles of walk as part of my daily routine.
I find that I need to keep it up no matter what the weather. It gets me weird looks in the winter when I walk in the security gate wearing microspikes and using poles, or wearing a rainsuit. There was even one day that we got a big storm and I broke out the snowshoes, because the rail-trail that I walk on hadn't been cleared. But it's still a pleasant walk as long as I've got gear that keeps me warm, dry and upright.
I live within a couple of hours' drive of some interesting mountains, so I manage lately to get in at least a day trip a couple of times a month, and more often than not one of those trips is an overnighter. Almost anyone except the Midwesterners lives within that sort of distance of some sort of hiking. Maybe not mountains, but any walking is good. Even a few circuits of the local nature preserve can be fun.
Good luck!
Gambit McCrae
08-14-2014, 12:11
The advice given above is about as good as it gets. Remember, its just walking. As far as getting section details of the AT the best way to do so is to post the starting and stopping point followed by what your question is in the header. People familiar with that section will comment. As for myself, I just got a profile map and went out and walked it, (still walking it) I started in October and the Heat has beaten me down.
My thougt on carvers gap
Going NOBO or SOBO?
This is my favorite section on the AT. Cant go wrong with it
saltysack
08-14-2014, 12:30
I did 40 mile nobo section to mountain harbor hostel last winter....wouldn't advise in winter as it was icccyyy as heck and cold...trail was very deeply rutted up....14 deg in morning...awesome section but watch weather...
The advice given above is about as good as it gets. Remember, its just walking. As far as getting section details of the AT the best way to do so is to post the starting and stopping point followed by what your question is in the header. People familiar with that section will comment. As for myself, I just got a profile map and went out and walked it, (still walking it) I started in October and the Heat has beaten me down.
My thougt on carvers gap
Going NOBO or SOBO?
This is my favorite section on the AT. Cant go wrong with it
We just spent spent 2 weeks in Boone, NC. Wet. Soggy. Cloudy. Foggy. For most of the time. Daytime highs ranged from 64 F to 75 F. during the wettest part (most of the first week) we had to run the heater to dry out our creek walking shoes.
Then I returned to Texas.
Y'all are spoiled. Visit East Texas if you want to learn about heat.
jimmyntanya,
Back in the Dark Ages I wanted to go backpacking. I bought a copy of "The New Complete Walker". I assembled enough gear to keep me alive for a few days in the wilderness. I walked with my daughter in a kid carrier every chance I got. I drove from sea level to Colorado. I spent a week on the trail. Total time from book purchase to trip: Maybe 6 months. The first of too few great trips.
I did essentially the same thing for my first 2 week bike trip around Yellowstone & the Tetons.
Bottom Line: Just Do It!
Welcome and good luck.
Wayne
saltysack
08-14-2014, 12:41
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/15/ny2a8e6e.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/15/matabygu.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/15/e9u6e6eg.jpg
A must do section...just not winter....for newbie IMO...
Another Kevin
08-14-2014, 12:46
Yeah, winter hiking is kind of, uhm, specialized. Up North, we don't do a lot of long-distance hiking in the winter. We switch to peak-bagging. Of course, down in the Carolinas, winter is more like shoulder season up here.
I strongly recommend for that sort of stuff (icy, near freezing during the day and maybe in the teens at night) that you get a pair of Kahtoola microspikes or Hillsound trail crampons. They'll turn you from a skater into a mountain goat. I live in microspikes in cold weather, even walking around town in them when it's icy out.
Edited to add: Beautiful pictures! We get stuff like that around here from about November sometimes into May. That's microspike weather, although some of it looks as if I could manage OK barebooted. When you get into 6+-foot snowpacks and the trail packed down into a skating rink, that's winter. Spring is when the trails look like this:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/13524217645_79790ceb4d_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ke9tv/13524217645/)
Pond (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ke9tv/13524217645/) by ke9tv (https://www.flickr.com/people/ke9tv/), on Flickr
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/13524430555_05c4abea96_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ke9tv/13524430555/)
Hiking the abandoned road (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ke9tv/13524430555/) by ke9tv (https://www.flickr.com/people/ke9tv/), on Flickr
Microspikes just eat that sort of stuff up.
saltysack
08-14-2014, 13:16
Yeah, winter hiking is kind of, uhm, specialized. Up North, we don't do a lot of long-distance hiking in the winter. We switch to peak-bagging. Of course, down in the Carolinas, winter is more like shoulder season up here.
I strongly recommend for that sort of stuff (icy, near freezing during the day and maybe in the teens at night) that you get a pair of Kahtoola microspikes or Hillsound trail crampons. They'll turn you from a skater into a mountain goat. I live in microspikes in cold weather, even walking around town in them when it's icy out.
Edited to add: Beautiful pictures! We get stuff like that around here from about November sometimes into May. That's microspike weather, although some of it looks as if I could manage OK barebooted. When you get into 6+-foot snowpacks and the trail packed down into a skating rink, that's winter. Spring is when the trails look like this:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/13524217645_79790ceb4d_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ke9tv/13524217645/)
Pond (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ke9tv/13524217645/) by ke9tv (https://www.flickr.com/people/ke9tv/), on Flickr
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/13524430555_05c4abea96_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ke9tv/13524430555/)
Hiking the abandoned road (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ke9tv/13524430555/) by ke9tv (https://www.flickr.com/people/ke9tv/), on Flickr
Microspikes just eat that sort of stuff up.
Thx...I tried to buy a pair at a few rei but none instock...it was last minute trip..I didn't have time to order from bc.com...I've always debated bringing them but will def get some for this winter as I had a hard time making the 15 miles to over mountain shelter.. Roan was total ice....
Studlintsean
08-14-2014, 13:23
Jimmyntannya- If interested, send me a PM with your email address and I will send you a short trip report I wrote up for that section.
Saltysack- Those pictures are amazing.
saltysack
08-14-2014, 13:42
Jimmyntannya- If interested, send me a PM with your email address and I will send you a short trip report I wrote up for that section.
Saltysack- Those pictures are amazing.
Thx...I'm ready for winter! I really enjoy the solitude of hiking during winter..
Good on you man. Just get out there and walk up hills. It's harder than hell at first, but you'll be amazed how it gets better after a while. You'll have a great trip out of Carver's Gap!
Jimmy, where in NC are you? We have many trails in NC to hike, not all are on AT. I get out 2/3 times a week and haven't touchd AT this year.
jimmyntanya
08-15-2014, 11:50
Wow, Thanks for all the replies and help (and pics!) Will be heading NoBo from Carver's Gap to 19e. Seems like a common hike and we will have the shuttle option for a decent price. Like to do this 2nd or 3rd week in June. I'm guessing the weather may still be kinda cold in the mornings? I'm thinking were going to make it a 3 day even though its stretching it kinda long. That will give us plenty of time for views and stuff, really want to be able to stop and just "chill out away from everything" and enjoy some soul time away together"
Salty,Great pics! I hope You don't mind i stole one for my new desktop screen. I also love the winter time,and maybe one day will do a good winter hike. Have to convince the wifey that we will stay warm at night! lol.
78owl,We live in Cary area. moved here due to a job closing in Mo last year. I have two kids in Fayetteville area and had lived there for 18ish years. In which my family would meet in the Cherokee/Bryson city area at least every other year. We love the area and are going to try and buy some cabins in the future for a semi retirement type of living.
Another Kevin, Thanks for the advise.. I've been thinking about getting a bike, I live maybe 4-5 miles from work and being Cary,Nc its a super bike friendly place. Also being a mechanic it wont matter if im already pooring with sweat when i get there!lol
saltysack
08-15-2014, 12:13
Enjoy....NC is great place....it's no wonder everyone wants to live there....me too !!! Fl is too damn hot and far from the AT...
Another Kevin
08-15-2014, 13:09
78owl,We live in Cary area. moved here due to a job closing in Mo last year. I have two kids in Fayetteville area and had lived there for 18ish years. In which my family would meet in the Cherokee/Bryson city area at least every other year. We love the area and are going to try and buy some cabins in the future for a semi retirement type of living.
Another Kevin, Thanks for the advise.. I've been thinking about getting a bike, I live maybe 4-5 miles from work and being Cary,Nc its a super bike friendly place. Also being a mechanic it wont matter if im already pooring with sweat when i get there!lol
Also, when you get a day off, check out the opportunites for hiking in your area. I see that Umstead State Park is right there, and has a trail network. Raven Rock looks as if it's in easy range for a day trip, and even has a few hills. That'd be a good opportunity to get used to carrying a pack (a day pack with a heavy load works for me) and toughen up your feet a little. Even in a smaller park or preserve it can be nice just to walk a couple of miles, have lunch, walk a couple of miles more. You don't need to go far for that sort of thing, and your body will thank you for it when you have time for a bigger trip. It also looks as if both parks have primitive campsites (fee charged) which would also you an opportunity to fine-tune your gear close to home.
jimmyntanya
08-15-2014, 13:50
WE have been walking our greenway system here on and off for last year, we have found some of the off the trail stuff local also. We have planned Raven Rock for sunday. always wanted to go there when i lived in fayetteville. Funny i live like maybe 3 mins from Umstead and havent went yet! Thanks for looking into all that!
Salty, everyone should check into the tax rate first! is why were looking at the TN side for our future. and if you drink at all its over crazy prices and tax. I pay almost $25 more for a half of Jack then i did in Mo.
check out the Mountains to Sea tail in the area Asheville and east. Also checkout around Boone/ Blowing Rock. Good luck
Roanmtnman
08-16-2014, 18:43
I live in roan mountain so if yall need a ride or anything give me a yell have hiked that trail twice so far this year and plan at least once more before winter.
In mid-June you will hit peak azalea and rhododendron bllom. Mountain Laurel too. Hiking NOBO, the first bits up to and past Jane bald are straight up the bald. But it is easy and beautiful. Then some woods, the Barn is cool stop and depending on when you get on trail and your pace, may be a good place to camp the first day (though you could very easily go further). After that you have Little Hump and Big Hump...then it is down hill and wooded after that..some of the trail after the Humps is rocky. A bunch of switchbacks before you hit the road at 19E.
This was my first AT hike. It is my favorite hike and one I revisit whenever I can. Do it!
jimmyntanya
08-19-2014, 11:36
Thanks Bus, were going to probably make this a 3 day hike. i have read it doesn't take this long even for newbies but we want to be able to walk off trail (just a little) and really enjoy it all. lots of pictures and stuff, so stopping alot will happen. Do you think a gps is needed? cell phones get connection there at all?
Roanmtnman...Thanks! will try to keep in contact. was going to do that "leave car at resturant deal and shuttle us" someone said it was $10 a piece but when i read there site its $40 or something like that. so not sure.
We had a great hike at Raven Rock this weekend. we walked over 5 miles with some mild hills. Was beautiful! went for my normal walk this morning and my shins are on fire..lol. But if anyone is just looking for a day walk in the park this is a very nice place to be. we will use it to begin test our gear as we get build it up as it has primitive camp site that are a fun little walk to get to.
saltysack
08-19-2014, 12:05
Check out mountain harbor hostel...think I paid $40 to iron mtn gap.. Solo w dog last year
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I have a number of planning spreadsheets for gear (gear, weight, cost) , food and calories. If they might be helpful send me your email and I will forward. Good luck.
Roanmtnman
08-19-2014, 19:23
I use straight talk off of verizon towers and have service for all most all the trail from carvers to 19-e. I parked at the hostel and drove another car and left it at the roan so it was just 5 to park. I think it is 40 to park and them shuttle you but i think that includes a amazing breakfast i saw them cooking the morning i left my car.
Thanks Bus, were going to probably make this a 3 day hike. i have read it doesn't take this long even for newbies but we want to be able to walk off trail (just a little) and really enjoy it all. lots of pictures and stuff, so stopping alot will happen. Do you think a gps is needed? cell phones get connection there at all?
If you have a smart phone, you can download googlemaps for offline use (in an area): https://support.google.com/gmm/answer/3273567?hl=en
I found this very helpful when hiking in RMNP this summer. I rarely used it, but it was nice to turn the phone on when we stopped for lunch and get a rough estimate of how far it was until the campsite, to know how much time we had to spend lounging and picture taking.
jimmyntanya
09-02-2014, 10:52
Sounds great KidA24. Thanks.
Also we have changed our dates. Since the family likes to get together in june after school were going to do the hike in Oct sometime. We figure the leaves will look amazing. im just assuming it will cost us alot more to get cooler weather gear. As she is cold blooded!lol