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Bigfoot86
09-21-2014, 18:31
Anyone preparing for a 2017 thru yet, besides me.

Astro
09-21-2014, 22:19
Anyone preparing for a 2017 thru yet, besides me.

No, but I plan to complete my section hike 2017, so perhaps I will see you on to Mt Kathadin.

Praha4
09-21-2014, 22:20
never know, I'm trying it in 2015 first.

Bigfoot86
09-21-2014, 23:11
Hopefully I'll see you there astro

RangerZ
09-22-2014, 12:02
I am but I'm not saying it out loud yet because it means I'll be retired and I don't want that date out yet. How's that for convoluted thinking?

Bigfoot86
09-22-2014, 17:40
Thats actually very well put.

Grizhicks
09-22-2014, 17:42
RangerZ -- I fully understand; I'm looking to retire in the fall of '17 and start the Trail in spring of '18. Good luck.... Grizhicks

erieite
09-22-2014, 21:26
I'm also retiring in the fall of '17 and plan a thru in the spring of '18. See you on the trail!

2000miler
10-16-2014, 11:38
Anyone preparing for a 2017 thru yet, besides me.

Hey man, I'm in the early stages of planning a 2017 thru starting late March. Looking for a buddy to plan with?

Bigfoot86
10-21-2014, 14:48
Heck ya id love to have a starting buddy

Bigfoot86
10-21-2014, 15:05
Heck ya id love to have a starting buddy

Beccah
10-29-2014, 09:31
I am! But, I'm nervous about committing too quickly because my 2015 thru plans were cancelled. Hoping the stars all come together for 2017, though.

hooshr
10-29-2014, 10:44
Yes, 2017 is my year. Wish it was sooner, but work commitments drive a 2017 thru hike.

hooshr
10-29-2014, 10:49
RangerZ - you said it well regarding future plans.

RangerZ
10-29-2014, 22:54
RangerZ - you said it well regarding future plans.

Originally (2012) was going to be this year but life, work and daughter's wedding scotched that plan.

Ox97GaMe
10-30-2014, 18:25
Several hikers from the class of 1997 are talking about doing a 20th anniversary hike. Still too early for us to be thinking that far ahead. We are more of the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of guys. :)

Bullit
11-24-2014, 14:00
2017 is going to be the year for me.

windels11
12-14-2014, 11:33
I am planning on doing my thru in the spring of 2017. I'm thinking about starting on the first week of March. If anyone wants to talk about some early planning message me!

Deadeye
12-14-2014, 12:57
Retiring in 2018, hiking in 2019 . See ya on your second (or third) time around! Not decided yet on a one-time thru or long sections where I can go where the weather suits my clothes.

7MeilenStiefel
01-07-2015, 10:56
I am planning my thru hike for the first week of march 2017 to. See you on the Trail!!!

Dahoyt
01-10-2015, 18:35
2017 is it for me. Have had two different planned thru hikes not pan out due to many reasons. But 2017 is it, all obligations will be taken care of, and putting it far out enough that I'll be prepared in every way possible. I do live along the AT / LT in Vermont, so I have the best practice grounds.

RabbitHole
01-27-2015, 21:58
I'm currently planning for 2017. It will be down to amount of money saved but so far I'm on target. Haven't decided if I want to leave before, during, or after the bubble. Any thoughts?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

hoozurmama
02-22-2015, 13:32
I'm planning on starting March 27, 2017. Would love to hear from other class members. Right now I'm working on a 2 year prep plan. It give me something to do and look forward to while waiting.

Feral Bill
02-22-2015, 14:13
That's my planned start. Sometime in March, depending on weather.

windels11
02-25-2015, 00:41
I'm currently planning for 2017. It will be down to amount of money saved but so far I'm on target. Haven't decided if I want to leave before, during, or after the bubble. Any thoughts? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I am planning on starting the first week of March and that seems to be a pretty big bubble. I love to home alone but it'll be pretty cool meeting all of the different kinds of people at the shelters. Hiking in the bubble is is for me!

flibbit
02-28-2015, 15:09
Nice to see some other folks who are looking this far in advance. I've been dreaming of a thru-hike for 10+ years now and mentally penciled in 2017 as the year to do it (I'll be turning 40 on the trail.) My younger son who will be 16 then is planning on joining me as well (husband & older son are not intrigued by spending 6 months in the woods!) So far the only thing really set is starting around April 1st, so that by the end of the month we land in Hot Springs for my birthday. The rest is yet to come.

mark2017
03-12-2015, 16:51
I Just signed up to this website for that very reason. I have recently decided to finally do my thru hike 2017. What date are you planning for? I figure id better start planning now.

Mayday_Belle
06-21-2015, 09:46
My wife and I are dead set on thru-hiking in 2017, although the continued drought has given us pause about whether the PCT will still be feasible at that point. Hopefully the water situation doesn't keep getting worse.

I noticed a lot of people are planning to start in March - would you plan to factor in some rest time before hitting the Sierras? I know April is the usual start time due to the snow pack needing time to melt. I suppose it's a moot point if the snow is as low as this year.

Katywoo
06-24-2015, 04:35
I'm making plans to hike in 2017, and I've told a couple of people (but I haven't achieved critical mass there, yet!)

To put it another way, I'm walking more now and my pinterest board has a link to a really nice spork.

RMillerWV
07-02-2015, 23:33
I'm planning a Flip Flop starting from Rockfish Gap, VA or Harpers Ferry in 2017.

ATMustang
11-19-2015, 22:20
I'll be hiking NOBO leaving March 16, 2017.

codrock
01-24-2016, 03:02
I am in the planning stages for a mid March leave out from Springer...have the pack...now for the rest of "the STUFF"...the logistics of this venture are mind boggling at first, but starting to get organized as time goes on...Anyone else planning on a mid March leave out?

codrock
01-24-2016, 03:05
[QUOTE=codrock;2035695]I am in the planning stages for a mid March leave out from Springer...have the pack...now for the rest of "the STUFF"...the logistics of this venture are mind boggling at first, but starting to get organized as time goes on...Anyone else planning on a mid March leave out?[/QUOTEthats mid March 2017 so as to not look like a complete fool with my response...oops...]

T-Rx
01-24-2016, 09:08
That's my plan. I did 600+ miles in 2015. Hope to go all the way in 2017.

DoPandasRead
01-24-2016, 16:14
Leaving on Feb 24, 2017, GA-ME.

bcdinosaur
01-24-2016, 22:08
Anyone preparing for a 2017 thru yet, besides me.

I am planning a 2017 Thru Hike with a couple, maybe three section hikes to work out my gear choices and hills.

I am cautioned by an old Yiddish proverb, "Man plans, God Laughs"

Feral Bill
01-25-2016, 01:17
Another for NOBO mid March, depending on weather forecasts. I'll be the really slow guy.

Booty2015
01-25-2016, 12:30
Leaving from Springer 03/30/17.

Kestrelchick
01-27-2016, 17:08
my 14 year old son and I are planning a 2017 thru-hike :-) Super excited and overwhelmed all at the same time

Patrickjd9
01-27-2016, 21:14
Planning on finishing my section hike with a long southbound from Maine to Pennsylvania or New Jersey in 2018. Though it could end up being 2019.

stenmark
02-05-2016, 14:32
Looking to be on the trail on March 21

OldFireman
03-17-2016, 18:00
I am but no sure yet nobo / sobo or flip flop ... Would love to see the leaves changing when headed south...

OldFireman
03-17-2016, 18:27
I'm planning a Flip Flop starting from Rockfish Gap, VA or Harpers Ferry in 2017.

I may be doing a flip flop also in 2017... I live in Florida and like the ideal of walking home ..

RMillerWV
03-17-2016, 22:39
I live in Morgantown, WV, which is only 3 hrs from Harper's Ferry. So, a flip flop makes a lot of sense for me. Plus, I want to avoid the whole hiker bubble mess in GA in March.

stoffa
03-18-2016, 12:53
Anyone considering a flip flop starting in Harpers Ferry north and then Georgia north to Harpers Ferry? I like near Front Royal so the last half would be hiking home and it would be all northbound.

hubcap
03-18-2016, 14:52
That's what I'm considering for 2017. I think it'd be awesome to finish at Harpers Ferry / near home!

left52side
03-18-2016, 17:55
I am nobo in or around third week of march if all goes right.

Dogface
03-19-2016, 14:49
Its consuming my every thought. It will be my first AT hike and short of death or severe injury.... I will finish. I will be taking my dog with me and would like to find a partner to start and hopefully finish with doing the same..

Huli
03-19-2016, 16:13
SoBo starting in mid June 2017 here. Will be sure to put trail updates in the log books as I go.

left52side
03-19-2016, 20:19
Its consuming my every thought. It will be my first AT hike and short of death or severe injury.... I will finish. I will be taking my dog with me and would like to find a partner to start and hopefully finish with doing the same..

PM sent dogface

jemster
03-19-2016, 22:17
I am taking the plunge and planning to step foot as a NOBO on March 1, 2017.
My plans are to do it solo, but do not expect to be alone on the trail and look forward to meeting people as part of the AT experience.
Would love to chat with peeps who are also planning for 2017. I just read the posts on a forum titled " What am I thinking" or something like that which discusses someone's anxieties about taking the plunge and doing a thru hike. It would be cool to relate to others who are feeling/doing/thinking/planning same stuff. I cannot discuss it with co-workers 'cause I cannot let the boss find out I am pulling anchor and leaving next year. And I do not discuss it with those family/friends who would think I am insane and pop my dream bubble. So, I go chew the ears off of staff at local REI store who I know are going to quickly get tired of that.
Today I fitted for a backpack and bought one. And today was my first post on this website.
Jemster is just my username. Do not have a trail name yet 'cause most of my miles have been logged doing urban hiking, biking or running.
Retired Navy sailor, currently work in the medical community, and it appears as if the stars have all aligned for me to go for this long-time dream in 2017.

StuartCairnie
03-19-2016, 23:57
Hi All My wife and I will be hiking NOBO in 2017. Is it just me or does it it dominate your every thought planning this out ? In a good way of course.:D

Cheers Stuart & Heather

admirald7s
03-20-2016, 10:00
Planning for my 2017 NOBO has taken up the majority of my evenings for several months now, usually while the wife and I are watching one of our TV shows via Netflix. This last week, I've been making my own KML of things that are important to me.

I imported ATC's centerline, but had to manually enter data for all the shelters (free version of Google Earth only imports KML/KMZ files). Last night, I finished putting in resupply locations which are based on another user's plan of not straying more than a mile from the trail (with a couple exceptions). I've also been adding in points of interest like the Doyle. My next big piece will be identifying 3-5 places for my wife and family to come visit (most likely in the segments that are 7-10 days between resupply).

But, yeah, it's pretty much on my mind every day. For folks like myself that aren't just out of HS/college or retired, the planning has to get kicked up a notch to make sure all the little gears are in sync.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

English Detective
03-20-2016, 15:21
Anyone preparing for a 2017 thru yet, besides me.
Yes due to start mid February to miss the crowds. having problems getting accident/health insurance in the UK because of age/ long stay.Is there a stand alone policy you guys sign up for?

Christoph
03-20-2016, 16:24
Well, I attempted to thru hike in 2015. Made it just past Daleville/Troutville, Va when I had to pull off due to loosing 46 pounds in 43 days. That scared the heck outta me, my new hiking partner pulled off trail due to a sickness, and I got some news my uncle had passed. So there was too much "down" for me to handle. BUT, using what I learned and if everything goes as planned, I got the OK from the wife to leave her once more and try to go "end to end". Hopefully this will be next year and I'll plan on starting around the same day as my 1st attempt: April 19th. I know things change, but as of now, that's the plan. So come on 2017! Hurry up and get here.

left52side
03-20-2016, 16:36
Hi All My wife and I will be hiking NOBO in 2017. Is it just me or does it it dominate your every thought planning this out ? In a good way of course.:D

Man tell me about it, it is all I sleep eat and live at the moment.
I know it sounds ridiculous but it keeps me busy and gives me stuff to do in between work ... now that all my big gear is purchased it is straight just saving away money and planning how many mail drops I want/need to,and what contents will be in my bounce box .

gypsy97
03-20-2016, 18:34
Several hikers from the class of 1997 are talking about doing a 20th anniversary hike. Still too early for us to be thinking that far ahead. We are more of the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of guys. :)
I hiked about 800 miles in 1997 and had to quit for health reasons. I did get back and section a hundred or two miles over the years. I'd love to know who from 97 is going to hike in 2017.

StuckInFlorida
03-21-2016, 09:55
We are in the researching phase of planning a flip-flop starting in Harper's Ferry, going north, then back to HF and going south. We are also in Florida.

I'm still in the oh-crap-what-are-we-doing phase though. We'll see. It would be me (Mom) and twin 14 year old daughters. THEY are the driving force behind this so I have to figure out if *I* can do it.

Huli
03-21-2016, 10:01
Yes due to start mid February to miss the crowds. having problems getting accident/health insurance in the UK because of age/ long stay.Is there a stand alone policy you guys sign up for?

There is a special insurance only available to Europeans. I think I came across it while reading about Camino de San Diago. Will PM ya if I find it again.

Huli
03-21-2016, 10:05
For those of you still planning, I suggest getting the guide put out by AWOL if you don't already have it. Will help with the stress. The A.T. Guide Northbound 2016 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982980892/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_k9.7wb2XPYYKM

DADOFAPBC
03-21-2016, 13:06
My son who will be 18 plans on starting a F/F in Harper's Ferry Memorial day '17. I will join him Labor day in Harper's Ferry for the south bound portion.

buzz48843
03-21-2016, 16:32
I will be hopefully heading north from Harper's Ferry and finishing my section hiking or if all goes well, I will make it a flip flop! I have tried several times from Springer, but had to leave due to injuries. I am hiking the Inca Trail this year and will continue to train for next year's hike!

RMillerWV
03-21-2016, 21:01
We are in the researching phase of planning a flip-flop starting in Harper's Ferry, going north, then back to HF and going south. We are also in Florida.

I'm still in the oh-crap-what-are-we-doing phase though. We'll see. It would be me (Mom) and twin 14 year old daughters. THEY are the driving force behind this so I have to figure out if *I* can do it.

StuckinFlorida - check out the Florida Flip Floppers' blog on TrailJournals.com. It was a Mom and two daughters (12 and 16, I think) who started a Flip Flop at Rockfish Gap, VA. You Willis find it an amazing read!

trailsROC
03-22-2016, 10:03
I am starting to think about my thru hike for 2017! Planning to start Late in February so I can finish by early August since I am going back to school in the fall of '17.

Wanderingventurer
03-23-2016, 22:52
Sunday, March 5th will be D Day. 80% of my gear is purchased. I am working on menu (I am planning on a lot of FB cooking) and trying to figure out MDs. Feel free to message to discuss any topic. By the by, I am close (less than 350 miles) to completing the Trail in sections, but this will be my first go at a thru hike.

4mph
03-27-2016, 20:49
I am planning on starting a thru hike in march of 2017. Hoping to find someone to start the hike with (atleast for the first month or so),

Christoph
03-27-2016, 21:12
For those of you still planning, I suggest getting the guide put out by AWOL if you don't already have it. Will help with the stress. The A.T. Guide Northbound 2016 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982980892/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_k9.7wb2XPYYKM (http://The A.T. Guide Northbound 2016 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982980892/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_k9.7wb2XPYYKM)

The 2015 guide sure helped a lot with finding water, shelters, and rides into town. Highly suggested. I might try the PDF version next trip though, just to save a little weight.

mchouse
04-12-2016, 05:09
I will be retiring on January 3, 2017. I am planning a thru hike starting in early to mid March 2017, depending on the weather.

~Dynamite~
04-16-2016, 20:46
I will be step off from Springer March 14, 2017. I've been planning since 2011. I'm consumed with it.

Oppenheimer
04-20-2016, 09:31
I'm looking at the end of this year because I'm insane or Jan/Feb of next year. Extra saving for those tasty flight costs T_T

George
04-20-2016, 18:17
if trump is elected he is going to build a fence to stop thru hikers - and make them pay for it

soumodeler
04-20-2016, 18:23
if trump is elected he is going to build a fence to stop thru hikers - and make them pay for it

And this is relevant to the discussion how?

skinnbones
04-20-2016, 19:11
Planning my NOBO thru hike for April 2017

Oppenheimer
04-21-2016, 04:42
And this is relevant to the discussion how?


At least one thru-hiker will be muslim, that'll be his argument for it

Ethos1Prodigy
04-29-2016, 12:46
I have my plan's made for March 2017,I'm thinking on Maine to Georgia this will be my 1st hike I'm excited and anxious can't wait I'm doing this to find myself again!

WiredMonk
04-29-2016, 19:10
(First Post)

I'm financially and emotionally committed to my Harpers Ferry Flip-flop starting April-ish 2017. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything I cannot control allows it. So much can happen in a year.

Oppenheimer
05-01-2016, 17:46
How alone will I be in January/February? I'm not able to hike it in March otherwise I would :'(

bobbyp68
05-01-2016, 18:29
I will be starting March 1of 2017

Phlashlite
05-01-2016, 18:57
Planning a southbound in 2017 as a ten year reunion hike when we went northbound in 2007. It will be nice to be going "downhill" HA HA!!!

Tiggerhiker
05-01-2016, 20:17
I will be starting late January early February.

Huli
05-02-2016, 13:50
I have my plan's made for March 2017,I'm thinking on Maine to Georgia this will be my 1st hike I'm excited and anxious can't wait I'm doing this to find myself again!
Make sure to keep in touch with Baker Park. Katahdin may not be open in March. We will be right behind you on 17 June

jjozgrunt
05-10-2016, 08:48
Arriving Atlanta 10 Mar 17, start date 12 Mar 17. Visa done, flight booked, accommodation in Atlanta booked. Just need to get some food on the Saturday and get to Springer Mt on the Sunday to start.

FiftyNine
05-10-2016, 09:39
I'm planning on doing a flip flop thru Hike in 2017

WalkingYogi
05-11-2016, 18:47
I am planning a thru starting on or around March 19, 2017 (my 50th birthday) I haven't decided on NOBO or Flip Flop. I'm starting to lean toward a F/F because we are working toward moving to TN this year and it would allow me to hike toward home and get Katahdin out of the way at the mid-way point.

bobbyp68
05-30-2016, 19:53
I will be starting March 1 2017!

left52side
05-30-2016, 20:15
I will be leaving sometime around the 17th of march

JEgestad
06-08-2016, 03:14
planning on starting around 28-29 March, had all planned out for this year, but had to abandon all plans close to take off because family trouble

The Roaming Gnome
06-08-2016, 09:36
I am, though I haven't picked the exact date or direction. I've hiked the Ga. and NC. sections already so I really don't feel like starting at Springer lol. So I may do a flip, Harpers-Kahtahdin, Harpers-Springer. I'll have my mind made up by this fall and will register with the ATC. In the meantime I've been obsessed (having fun) with maintaining a base of 10lbs.

MadRanger
06-08-2016, 15:06
Targeting an SP from Springer Mtn on 22 Feb 2017. I would leave on inauguration day, but my Bride requested that I attend a wedding in mid-Feb here in GA.

Boots and Backpacks
06-08-2016, 15:33
We'll be on the trail going for #2. We hiked NOBO in 15 finishing in Maine on 7/9.

This time around we'll be heading SOBO, and leaving around the beginning of August. We're also going to be taking a different route this time around. We'll be starting at the northern terminus for the Long Trail, and hiking south to Hot Springs NC. From there we'll connect NFS trails, and old forest roads to skip around the Smoky's ending up in Bryson City NC. Once there we'll canoe the length of Fontana Lake taking out at Fontana Village, and hike to Springer on the AT. After that we'll be connecting to the Pinhoti Trail to finish out the trip.

jjozgrunt
06-10-2016, 22:47
When do they put up a Sub-Forum for the "Class of 2017"?

Tolmann
06-13-2016, 13:33
Planning a flip-flop starting in April 2017; I've come to understand that the trails in Vermont are "closed" prior to Memorial day, so I think I'll start with the Flip-Flop Festival at Harper's Ferry.

squeezebox
06-13-2016, 14:40
I heard rumor that the AT will be closed for 2017. Maybe there will be no 2017 hikers!!!
:D:D:D

Fireplug
06-13-2016, 15:46
Squeeze box. You funny. I'm planning on starting Springer March 13th. NOBO. I did consider a flip-flop but for some reason in my mind I just can't consider a flip-flop a THRU-HIKE. IDK why. It just doesn't click that way with me. I know it's still a thru-hike. So. Yuppers!!!!!!! March 13th day after time change.

Bark
06-14-2016, 09:43
ABSOLUTELY!! Been prepping for 3 years, actually (lol), but I pulled the retirement plug Jan 1, relocated to our new home in FL, and am amping up our plans! Got the data book and Companion. Most/all of our gear is obtained. Gonna hike the 280 mile Superior Hiking Trail in Aug/Sept as a longer distance trial run of our stuff (and us!) ;)

But, we (as an older couple) plan to complete the thru-hike in unorthodox order (for weather, trail, and crowd reasons). Start around Pawling, NY; hike SB to Troutville, VA. Flip up to ME in July and hike SB to Pawling; then flip back to Troutville to finish SB at our leisure. So......maybe we'll meet along the way?

Fireplug
06-14-2016, 14:14
ABSOLUTELY!! Been prepping for 3 years, actually (lol), but I pulled the retirement plug Jan 1, relocated to our new home in FL, and am amping up our plans! Got the data book and Companion. Most/all of our gear is obtained. Gonna hike the 280 mile Superior Hiking Trail in Aug/Sept as a longer distance trial run of our stuff (and us!) ;)

But, we (as an older couple) plan to complete the thru-hike in unorthodox order (for weather, trail, and crowd reasons). Start around Pawling, NY; hike SB to Troutville, VA. Flip up to ME in July and hike SB to Pawling; then flip back to Troutville to finish SB at our leisure. So......maybe we'll meet along the way?
I'll be up near Superior in Aug. might see ya. I'm starting this week for 430 mile shake down hike from Neels Gap to Damascus

dbp05ret
06-14-2016, 15:13
BF86,
We are getting our miles in for an early March departure.

Cur Dog
06-14-2016, 19:48
Planning to give it a shot starting in March 2017.

slyuthgielhsa
06-21-2016, 15:04
Heading to Georgia on February 24, and starting the approach on the 26th. I'm taking the winter semester off of college, and hoping to finish mid August to go back in the fall.

sfdoc
06-21-2016, 15:14
I'm going to give it a 2nd try, flip-flop style, starting Harper's Ferry in mid April.

Engine
06-22-2016, 04:45
Caboose and I will (weather permitting) plan to summit Katahdin on June 1 and then head sobo the 2nd. 30 years since we knew we wanted to...retirement was a long time coming. LOL

volleypc
07-04-2016, 17:12
I've been feeling like I'm kind of in a rut and could use a challenge. The last couple of weeks I've been seriously thinking about resigning in Feb and starting in March.

Ohio Chris
07-04-2016, 18:53
I will be step off from Springer March 14, 2017. I've been planning since 2011. I'm consumed with it.


I know now the feeling!!!......planning a March '17 departure myself

Wackerman
07-04-2016, 23:53
Ranger z,

i am planning a NOBO start date of March 1st Am a retire USAF PJ. Live over near Phily Pa. Let's hook up on the trail

Breindy
07-05-2016, 10:49
I'm planning mid March 2017...

frontovik193
07-09-2016, 12:53
Early march/late Feb here

Fireplug
07-09-2016, 15:43
March 1st for me NOBO I just did 134 miles ( Neels Gap to Fontana Dam ). It was great

khub
07-09-2016, 23:09
I am planning on doing my thru in the spring of 2017. I'm thinking about starting on the first week of March. If anyone wants to talk about some early planning message me!

I am fascinated by the Appalachian Trail. Its all I think about, read about, and dream about. My plan is to start my thru hike on March 11, 2017 at 11:11 am and reach Mt Katahdin on Sept 6, 2017. I am 63 years old with little hiking and camping experience, just the desire and hardheadedness to complete an "adventure of a lifetime." I would enjoy communicating with you about the adventure.

ShadowSoul
07-10-2016, 13:47
As long as my house sells, I will be starting NOBO March 9, 2017 (my 40th birthday). Ready to go now!!

colorado_rob
07-10-2016, 16:26
I'm very excited... I completed the AT last year, now my wife wants to do it, probably two big sections over two years though (so not a thru hike).

I'm going to do Springer-->Damascus with her, then a couple/few weeks here and there with her later on. Looking at early-mid March start time. She can't wait and talks about it all the time!

Quick question: does anyone know when AWOL for 2017 will come out? She wants to buy 2016 now, but I'm trying to get her to wait for the update for 2017 (Mine is a 2014 and in tatters....).

khub
07-10-2016, 20:38
so, Colorado_rod, old guys can hike!!! How many 60 year olds were on the trail with you ?

trailsROC
07-11-2016, 12:56
Planning a NoBo thru-hike starting Feb 25!

volleypc
07-11-2016, 13:46
I've been feeling like I'm kind of in a rut and could use a challenge. The last couple of weeks I've been seriously thinking about resigning in Feb and starting in March.

Slight change of plans. I think I am going to head out west to the PCT instead. I hope you all have a great hike.

English Detective
07-11-2016, 15:51
I plan my NOBO for mid February 2017 to avoid the crowds

colorado_rob
07-11-2016, 16:04
so, Colorado_rod, old guys can hike!!! How many 60 year olds were on the trail with you ?And so can "old ladies" like my wife (grandma of four)! She'll have no problem doing 18+ MPD average.

Lots of us old farts out there, actually. two demographics dominate: 20-somethigns and 55+.

okaashii
07-11-2016, 18:15
I'm going to complete as much as I can for a 2017 NOBO. Due to graduation and a potential job offer, I'm starting May 10thish. I hope to find a partner or at least run into some late starters like myself, since I'm going alone. Been planning obsessively, hope to hike as much as I can before starting my new job sometime in August or September. If they don't hire me I'll just keep hiking, haha! Goodness knows when I'll have time off to do it again.

Venchka
07-11-2016, 19:21
I plan my NOBO for mid February 2017 to avoid the crowds

Be safe. Be warm. Don't let the crowd catch you.
Wayne


Old. Slow. "Smarter than the average bear."

heather_
07-12-2016, 11:42
:) Hello Lovelies!
Starting my nobo thru-hike on march 5th! I'm counting down the days until then (236 days). My excitement is unreal .. I can't wait to get started!

Fireplug
07-12-2016, 13:50
:) Hello Lovelies!
Starting my nobo thru-hike on march 5th! I'm counting down the days until then (236 days). My excitement is unreal .. I can't wait to get started!

See ya on the trail I'm sure you will catch me. I just did Neels Gap to Fontana. Took notes on shelters to not stop at so some days I might push out a few more miles.

stephyhutch
07-13-2016, 18:04
I would like to set off NOBO earlier in the season, beginning of February. Although, weather-wise, we are looking towards early March. No hard dates yet, but we are closing in on them.

Venchka
07-13-2016, 18:51
I would like to set off NOBO earlier in the season, beginning of February. Although, weather-wise, we are looking towards early March. No hard dates yet, but we are closing in on them.

Can you say, "Winter at 6,000'"?
Be safe.
Wayne


Old. Slow. "Smarter than the average bear."

Dann-O
07-27-2016, 17:04
My dog I will be hiking NOBO starting early-mid March '17.

ryjohnson09
07-27-2016, 22:28
Good luck to all of you guys and girls! Can't wait to follow along!

Christoph
07-27-2016, 22:34
I think I'm finalizing (getting approval) for another attempt with the wife. Gotta have a good support system back home ya know, but I haven't made it "official" yet. haha

greensleep
07-28-2016, 09:32
Sobo June 15

BranDest
08-09-2016, 18:58
We are heading NOBO Mid March 2017. :)

jemster
08-09-2016, 22:03
You say you will be the really slow guy ... and I will be right behind you in 2017. Plan on taking my time and enjoying every minute of not being at work. A bad day of hiking has got to be better than a good day at work.

Dwderrick
08-10-2016, 02:50
Plan to start either late February to early March 2017.

FiftyNine
08-18-2016, 14:31
I'm planning a Flip Flop starting from Rockfish Gap, VA or Harpers Ferry in 2017.

I'm also planning on doing a flip flop from Harpers Ferry starting April 2017.

Fireplug
08-19-2016, 13:20
You say you will be the really slow guy ... and I will be right behind you in 2017. Plan on taking my time and enjoying every minute of not being at work. A bad day of hiking has got to be better than a good day at work.

When are you planning on starting. Me March 1st or the 18th. 95% the first!

Fireplug
08-19-2016, 13:29
[QUOTE=StuckInFlorida;2052731]We are in the researching phase of planning a flip-flop starting in Harper's Ferry, going north, then back to HF and going south. We are also in Florida.

I'm still in the oh-crap-what-are-we-doing phase though. We'll see. It would be me (Mom) and twin 14 year old daughters. THEY are the driving force behind this so I have to figure out if *I* can do it.

Heres what I was told by. 2015 thru hiker while I was doing 133 miles on the AT this past June. He said if you can make it to Franklin NC you can hike the whole thing. I went from Neels Gap to Fontana Dam. Awesome hike. Some tuff very little easy. But they say Ga is the hardest part of the trail. Either way around it I'm heading out March 1st for my NOBO hike. Just fine tuning everything and can't wait to get back on the trail. If you care to read my journal. It's in the Journal section. I also have a YouTube channel with lots of videos of the trail on there
www.youtube.com/kissimmeesux

MikeSC
08-19-2016, 14:15
Planning to start the first week in April 2017. See ya on the trail perhaps.

Cworth42
08-21-2016, 15:13
I'm a 42y/o female looking to leave anytime from February 13- March 6. I prefer leaving on a Monday - Thursday. I live in Northeast Georgia and would like to find a partner close by to train together beforehand, also to identify compatibility. I'm comfortable to hike solo sometimes too. I'm also happy with a group. I look forward to meeting others on the trail adding/subtracting from the group but would prefer to have that "one" person to support one another. I also want to make the most of my time to appreciate the experience. Although I want to make good mileage each day, I'm going to heed advice from the experts and listen to my body. I have 10+ years of long distance backpacking but have not done so in 15 years.

cowg
08-23-2016, 07:18
I will be joining you out on the Trail as a flip-flopper. I will start near Luray on April 9th and head north. Though I have done some crazy/adventurous things before, I have never done anything like quite like this. COWG

cowg
08-23-2016, 07:26
I'm in the same phase plus. I, too, am a flip-flopper but plan on starting near Luray on Apr 9 and head north. I have been working up a plan for a bit over a month now and what I know for sure is what I know is a lot less than what I hope to know before then. Hopefully, the overwhelmed phase will give way to some peace once I gain some of the knowledge and relax. I'm old enough to know that will be so, but perhaps my angst is magnified by that of those around me. The good news, I suspect, is any adventure is made all the more wonderful by accepting that the journey itself is indeed the goal. I have a website that I just published yesterday, one that needs much tweaking and will undoubtedly be a work in progress for the next 12 months or so. www.wingadwalks.com (http://www.wingadwalks.com) if you're interested. Hope to see you out there. Stay healthy and excited. COWG

Fireplug
08-23-2016, 22:07
I'm a 42y/o female looking to leave anytime from February 13- March 6. I prefer leaving on a Monday - Thursday. I live in Northeast Georgia and would like to find a partner close by to train together beforehand, also to identify compatibility. I'm comfortable to hike solo sometimes too. I'm also happy with a group. I look forward to meeting others on the trail adding/subtracting from the group but would prefer to have that "one" person to support one another. I also want to make the most of my time to appreciate the experience. Although I want to make good mileage each day, I'm going to heed advice from the experts and listen to my body. I have 10+ years of long distance backpacking but have not done so in 15 years.

I'm heading out March 1st Approach trail. Anytime before that and I'll just be colder. I plan on being cold, wet cold and wet, muddy, and sweaty.

Cworth42
08-26-2016, 01:31
I'm also thinking closer to March. My hesitation is that March 1st is a popular start day, I want to get at least a week head start to reduce the crowds. Are you training any in GA before then? I hope to see you on the trails. Good luck!

Fireplug
08-26-2016, 16:36
I'm also thinking closer to March. My hesitation is that March 1st is a popular start day, I want to get at least a week head start to reduce the crowds. Are you training any in GA before then? I hope to see you on the trails. Good luck!

Cworth42. I was thinking of doing the approach trail to Neels gap this sept sometime. Not sure yet. I've done everything from Springer to Fontana Dam. But I'd like to try the Approach trail. So was maybe thinking of doing that section for 5 days and it would be a final shake down hike. I'll keep you posted on what I do. But I hope to see you on the trail. As far as crowds. There will be a huge amount of people leaving everyday from mid Feb to mid April. I started on a Friday April 1st at Springer Mt at 2 pm. I was number 32 for that day alone. The crowds will thin out by Neels gap if not then by Franklin NC. 80% give up by then.

Summer Salts
08-26-2016, 22:06
Yes Jam as well. When do you intend to depart?

Summer Salts
08-26-2016, 22:08
Yes I am as well. When do you intend to depart?

doodlebug
08-26-2016, 22:25
2017 i hope is the year i hug that sign 2013 a made it to harpers ferry 2017 i want it all at 51 ime ready just hope my body holds up lol

doodlebug
08-26-2016, 22:28
and ime starting April 5 mabe not all that snow and cold like last time

Martzy
08-26-2016, 22:29
I plan to begin on March 1st, like many. I'm a hammocker, so I don't think I'll have as much of a problem with the number of other people on the Trail. That being said, I'm staying in good shape until I begin and hope to be able to hike longer days than the bubbles. Plus I enjoy night-hiking!

bob7
08-27-2016, 08:57
Hello Everybody,
My wife and I will be starting NOBO around March 15th, maybe sooner if we can't wait any longer. We have been practicing and gathering our gear. As the weather starts to cool this fall we'll have much more enjoyable training hikes to do. We are planning to do a 100 mile test run in Shenandoah NF sometime later in the fall. My base weight right now is at 15 lbs., and I think we could get it lower by a pound or so. Look forward to meeting a lot of whiteblazers out there. No trail names yet, but my wife says I should be hobo joe because I dress like a bum.

Good luck everybody,
Chris

b-square
08-27-2016, 09:53
Announcing I got permission from the better half to quit the job, pack up my bag and get out of the house for a 2017 Thru - had you there didn't I. You thought she kicked me out!
Seriously - looking forward to starting first week of April - kind of a Flip Flop - I'm thinking of starting near the northside of GSMNP- just to get a small jump on the crowd at Springer.
Hope I meet you on the trail and you all have a great ride.

08-27-2016, 12:55
I plan to start on 3/3/17! See you on the trail!

Jeff B

Big Iron
08-30-2016, 19:47
SOBO hiker planning on starting Memorial Day weekend. I hope it's thawed out by then

TicTacTony
08-31-2016, 21:01
Hi. I'm 51, also from Georgia (fayetteville), and will be embarking on the Trail next year. This will be my second thru hike - the 1st being in '93. Last time I was solo for the vast majority of the trip, but made great friendships with many other hikers - some of which we hiker together for many days/weeks. I am so looking forward to meeting more of the same people and re-experiencing what I've always referred to as "the best experience of my life."
Anyway, shoot me an email if you want to converse. -Tony [email protected]

Bowzman7
09-03-2016, 12:13
Planning on leaving springer mid march. Will turn 61 april 3rd. Been thinking about it for years. Retired finally and going to do it.

ATBuckles
09-03-2016, 12:20
I'd love to get back out there and attempt another thru-hike next year but it most likely won't happen until '18.

Drew33
09-03-2016, 13:06
quitting my job march 3rd..starting at springer on 3/9/17...:banana

Feral Bill
09-03-2016, 13:11
Planning on leaving springer mid march. Will turn 61 april 3rd. Been thinking about it for years. Retired finally and going to do it.
Glad to see another coot out there about the same time.

Bowzman7
09-03-2016, 21:17
My son's nicname in bootcamp ( he started when he was 27) was "old balls". He wants me to use it for a trail name. Guess it fits. Lol

Drapac
09-20-2016, 08:15
First post on the website so..hello! Alos, I will be heading off in 2017, right now targeting a late February start date (hiking with a friend that needs to make it back by the end of June)

tommymillard9@gmail.
10-25-2016, 18:24
Planning a march 20 (my wedding anniversary ) I'm 60 while starting to plan and get in shape I will be starting slow but determined. might start earlier but worried about the weather feel free to email me at [email protected]

Doc Mike
10-25-2016, 19:23
Me and my GF starting last week of march. See you all out there!!

Anyone else from WV pm me

Babbitt
10-31-2016, 10:39
Trail name is Babbitt (from the novel). I'll be 56 when I leave Springer March 7th. Hope to see you.

Sparks2017
11-10-2016, 18:11
Hi everyone, I am Sparks and Bushy (my wife) and I will be NOBO's starting 9 March!

Sparks2017
11-10-2016, 18:17
Oh, and Bushy and I have a trail Journal at: http://www.trailjournals.com/sparksandbushytake2/

if anyone wants to follow our adventure

Sparks2017
11-10-2016, 18:29
Hi Babbitt, Bushy and I (Sparks) will be right behind you; hope to see you out there!

Cowboyhard
12-01-2016, 19:31
Cowboy hard starting April 1st north. I will be living on the trail until I finish it. Looking forward to many happy trails

Wackerman
12-23-2016, 01:55
Yes I am NOBO