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Sethern
02-04-2016, 12:21
The nerves are really starting to get to me. I am less than a month from the start of my thru-hike and it seams like I am second guessing every choice I have made. Did I save enough cash? This is a big one. I have a little over $4,500 saved and all year told myself that would be fine. Now I keep thinking. "sure would be nice to have 5-6,000. My gear is another big one. I did my best to keep it light. I am not going out there with a 50lb pack. But with food and water my pack gets up to 30lbs. I was fine with this until now. Last month before I take off and I look at each item I am taking and almost instantly start looking for a lighter item. And it never fails that I find one that I did not see before. Am I taking enough. lol I am telling you if I don't get out of here soon I will end up taking the kitchen sink.

Trail etiquette is a big one for me. I snore. I am not going to lie some times I sound like a pig eating another pig alive. I plan to stay out of shelters and sleep in my tent to let other get sleep. But what about the smoky mountains? You must sleep in a shelter if there is room. I don't want to make friends out there just to have them hate me after the smokies because they could not get any sleep. Or hostels? I want to stay in hostels. I want to be a part of that. I can't wait to get to Neel gap and hang out with people.

I wish it was March 1 now so I could just get out there and get over the nerves. Sorry for the rant. I just needed to get it out. Anyone else second guessing now that your trip is getting closer and closer? Seem to start for me the second I could see my start date on the calendar.

rafe
02-04-2016, 12:22
You won't be the only snorer. Relax. Have fun.

Mr. Bumpy
02-04-2016, 12:41
Within your lifetime some would have called a 30lb pack weight with food irresponsible.

illabelle
02-04-2016, 12:44
A pig eating a pig? Sounds pretty loud. :)

My husband snores. If I'm tired enough, I just sleep anyway. Hikers get tired, so it'll be okay.

Coffee
02-04-2016, 12:46
Lots of hikers snore in hostels and, I'm sure, in shelters without the slightest self awareness so you are more considerate than most. Anyone who is really sensitive to snoring probably already carries ear plugs.

Puddlefish
02-04-2016, 12:54
I once shared a hotel room with a guy who snored like a pig eating a pig while reciting lines from a Tarantino film. He warned me in advance. It was as ugly as it was described, I wore earplugs, I survived. Don't sweat it.

dudeijuststarted
02-04-2016, 12:56
Your money is fine, your gear will be fine. It is nice of you to consider others with the shelter situation...but they'll survive a few nights in the Smokies. Consider it part of their journey ;-) You still may get the opportunity to tent through there anyway.

Sounds like you're prepared. Have fun!

bemental
02-04-2016, 13:05
Starting the first of March as well! You plan on staying at the Hiker Hostel by any chance?

People sleeping in groups expect there to be a snorer, and most likely you won't be the only one.

RockDoc
02-04-2016, 14:24
How's your fitness? Do some overnight trial hikes with your gear. People who think they will get into shape on the trail often quit before the Smokies because of injury.

rafe
02-04-2016, 14:37
How's your fitness? Do some overnight trial hikes with your gear. People who think they will get into shape on the trail often quit before the Smokies because of injury.

And sometimes they make it all the way to Katahdin and then some.

Slo-go'en
02-04-2016, 14:39
I got stuck between two guys with sleep apnea in a Smokies shelter one night. Didn't get much sleep that night. Most everyone snores a little at some point in the night, usually early on. But if your a really, really loud and consistent all night long snorer, tenting when ever possible is a considerate thing to do.

Sethern
02-04-2016, 14:44
No plans to stay at the Hiker hostel. I got a hotel room with the family for a few days before I start. My fitness is ok. I am a big guy and have been doing some overnight hikes to get ready for the trail. Lost about 10lbs so far. Thanks for all the kind words. All I thought about this year was the hike and how great its going to be. Now the reality of what I am about to do is setting in. I really want to enjoy my hike and at the same time not ruin another hikers good time. Its funny, The thing I have enjoyed the most getting ready for this hike has been the long distance hiking community.

Trance
02-04-2016, 14:49
There was a guy at Neels Gap who snored so damn loud.... it kept me up all night.

My advice.... carry a few pair of cheap earplugs and hand them out. It's not fun to deal with.

I carry my own earplug now.

MuddyWaters
02-04-2016, 15:04
The moment you start walking, your anxiety will be gone. It really is just(strenuous) walking, and sleeping, and eating.

Christoph
02-04-2016, 18:18
Don't stress too much. I started out with 41 pound pack at Amacolola Falls and tweaked it down to around 35 at Neel gap, then to 30-ish in Franklin. You can only plan so much but when you get out there, you'll most definitely see you don't really need this or that, can send items home, and maybe even forgot something. I saw a lot of those foamy type earplugs for people who have trouble sleeping with snorer's. You won't be the only one, it's almost comforting when someone is. When it's too quiet I wonder what the mice and random animals are up to.

4eyedbuzzard
02-04-2016, 18:32
Over half of all people snore to some degree, and probably 1/4 are heavy snorers. It's an inevitable fact of life if you sleep in a shelter. Experienced hikers will carry earplugs if it annoys them. Most hikers will be so tired they will sleep through damn near anything. Carrying a few pairs of earplugs for others would be a nice gesture, but certainly isn't expected. Avoid the temptation to spend a lot of money partying in towns early on so it doesn't become a habit and you should be fine. Be frugal, but eat well when you can in towns. A 30 lb pack including food and water will be lighter than many you'll see and isn't out of the ordinary. Wait until you see what some people will be carrying - consider it trail entertainment.

mattjv89
02-05-2016, 00:43
I wouldn't sweat that pack weight at all. The average pack on Whiteblaze is a lot lighter than the average pack on the trail overall so the numbers on here can scare ya, most I see on the trail are high 20's-low to mid 30's out of town and people do fine. I knew of a couple folks who made it to Maine pushing 50 on a regular basis. $4500 doesn't leave a ton of wiggle room but fine if you're careful with spending.

Lots of folks snore, your avoiding of shelters will be appreciated but it's hard to separate yourself like that in a hostel and people are understanding. If it bothers someone that much they can spring for a private room. As for the Smokies you can plan on being able to tent every night during the bubble season because unless you get there very early the shelter will be close to or completely full. I prefer not to use shelters and every night in the Smokies I just peeked inside to make sure it was getting full then went about tenting.

SkeeterPee
02-05-2016, 01:12
if you're really concerned about the snoring, take a baggy of cheap foam ear plugs to handout. Perhaps you will earn a name such as Seth-snore-us.

DuneElliot
02-05-2016, 09:59
Trying not to hijack a thread here, but since y'all are talking about earplugs can anyone recommend some that are comfortable. I hate things in my ears and the regular foam ones just don't fit either(I have really tiny ears).

Mr. Bumpy
02-05-2016, 10:18
Snoring.. Does anyone remember The Viking Fork from 2000 or 2001?

Sethern
02-05-2016, 12:24
Starting the first of March as well! You plan on staying at the Hiker Hostel by any chance?

People sleeping in groups expect there to be a snorer, and most likely you won't be the only one.

Are you doing the approach trail? I am planning to stat early on the first. Hope to see you out there. Keep an eye out for a ULA Circuit with a Littlefoot patch on the back. If for nothing else to know who to hide from in the Smoky Mountain shelters :)

Sethern
02-05-2016, 12:42
Trying not to hijack a thread here, but since y'all are talking about earplugs can anyone recommend some that are comfortable. I hate things in my ears and the regular foam ones just don't fit either(I have really tiny ears).

I like Earplanes. You can find them in Walmart. I use them on every hike to get some sleep when the bugs are getting to loud. Never was a fan of the foam earplugs.

bemental
02-05-2016, 12:43
Are you doing the approach trail? I am planning to stat early on the first. Hope to see you out there. Keep an eye out for a ULA Circuit with a Littlefoot patch on the back. If for nothing else to know who to hide from in the Smoky Mountain shelters :)

I hiked from the visitor center on the approach trail to Fontana Dam last year before life got in the way. I'll be starting from Springer this year, but I'll be hiking slow for the first few weeks so I'm sure we'll see each other out there!

marisajane
02-05-2016, 17:36
Personally i'd be more worried if my nerves weren't an issue ahead of something big like this, and of course I'm doubting myself in some way or another like every day now. But i think you nailed it- once you're out there in March, actually doing it rather than thinking about doing it, you'll be solid.

mulligan54
02-05-2016, 18:22
Just review articles written on saving money on a thru hike. There are a lot of good tips. 4500 should be fine. As far as the snoring, what day do you start? Maybe I can avoid sharing a shelter. jk. I cowboyed outside the shelter in the smokys, thats easier said than done if there is snow. Good luck.

Phoenix23
02-05-2016, 18:38
I am starting to feel a similar anxiety, I'm starting 18th March and I am second guessing, over reading and getting all a bit bothered about clothing and gear, then earlier this week I reminded myself I do have a fair bit of hiking experience and I need to listen to myself more, trust my gut and stick to my decisions, I feel like everytime I buy something I read more online and I find some better option or I over complicate making choices, I worry I have too much or that I have too little, I figure its only a few days to Neels Gap, if I have to buy more or realise I have too much, its not the end of the world if I have to post something on or buy something new!

I wouldn't worry about snoring, its very thoughtful that you do, I certainly expect snorers, I'm sure many do, with so many people sleeping in a close proximity I'm sure there will be many snorers!

squeezebox
02-05-2016, 18:49
I'm wondering does the amount of snoring reduce as hikers reduce wt. and get in better shape?

AlyontheAT2016
02-05-2016, 19:09
I've been having similar thoughts over these last few weeks (and I'm sure they will escalate as my start date gets closer). Second-guessing gear choices, wondering if I have too much clothing (or not enough if it gets cold--except I'm starting April 24 so you never know what the weather will be like--weather, that's also something to worry about), basically just worrying about things that will probably work themselves out later--namely, everything. I think that's normal. I've never done a long distance trip quite like this before. Worrying is normal. I think there's something wrong with someone who thinks they have it all figured out and isn't questioning their choice to live a lifestyle they've never lived before for 6 months. Does that make sense?

And I will be bringing earplugs because I'm a light sleeper :p

Sethern
02-05-2016, 20:05
It is good to see that I am not the only one questioning things. And I think you are all on to something. We are about to throw ourselves out of our comfort zones for 5-6 months. Now is the perfect time to start questioning things. I had a lucky brake at the casino and added another $500 to my total saved for the trail. Also went to visit my parents who have offered to help me out if I need it. I am finding out I have great support back home. I think that's the most important item on anyones gear list.

Binjali
02-07-2016, 22:36
I'm wondering does the amount of snoring reduce as hikers reduce wt. and get in better shape?

Yes, snoring does reduce as hikers lose weight and get in shape, mine did. But, you will still hear snoring all the way through, usually due to plugged noses from allergies. Foam earplugs are cheap and effective. Claritin/Allegra/Zyrtec (get the D versions for the decongestant additive) helps with the allergies, although you'll have to register at the pharmacy for them.

Grampie
02-08-2016, 12:35
Don,t sweat about $ pack weight and snoring. Most folks will be in the same boat as you. I would always snore after am hard day. If I was going to stay at a shelter I would tell folks that I snore. Be a bit conservative with the $ . no cash ends many thru hikes.

kenl
02-09-2016, 21:32
Thanks for the post. I feel better already. I've been having these same feeling of dread, and what have I gotten myself into. I think it's normal. Probably more worrisome if there was not trepidation. As the saying goes, everything is okay until you start thinking about it!

Don H
02-10-2016, 09:09
The nerves are really starting to get to me. I am less than a month from the start of my thru-hike and it seams like I am second guessing every choice I have made. Did I save enough cash? This is a big one. I have a little over $4,500 saved and all year told myself that would be fine. Now I keep thinking. "sure would be nice to have 5-6,000. My gear is another big one. I did my best to keep it light. I am not going out there with a 50lb pack. But with food and water my pack gets up to 30lbs. I was fine with this until now. Last month before I take off and I look at each item I am taking and almost instantly start looking for a lighter item. And it never fails that I find one that I did not see before. Am I taking enough. lol I am telling you if I don't get out of here soon I will end up taking the kitchen sink.

Trail etiquette is a big one for me. I snore. I am not going to lie some times I sound like a pig eating another pig alive. I plan to stay out of shelters and sleep in my tent to let other get sleep. But what about the smoky mountains? You must sleep in a shelter if there is room. I don't want to make friends out there just to have them hate me after the smokies because they could not get any sleep. Or hostels? I want to stay in hostels. I want to be a part of that. I can't wait to get to Neel gap and hang out with people.

I wish it was March 1 now so I could just get out there and get over the nerves. Sorry for the rant. I just needed to get it out. Anyone else second guessing now that your trip is getting closer and closer? Seem to start for me the second I could see my start date on the calendar.

If you don't fall in with the party clouds in town you'll be fine with the money.
For a hiker buying new gear never ends. I saw people who finished thru hikes in jeans carrying 1970's external packs. Don' sweat the gear, that's not what determines success. It's mostly a mental game so keep your head straight, stay focused and most importantly have fun.

You snore, well look at my signature line and figure out how I got that trail name! I always tried to sleep in my tent away from others. Also try some Breath-Right strips, they work for some people.

swisscross
02-10-2016, 10:24
I'm wondering does the amount of snoring reduce as hikers reduce wt. and get in better shape?

I am sure weight loss helps many people.
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea when I was 26 years old, 6'-0" tall, weighed around 155 lbs. and was racing mountain bikes at an elite level.
Many people snore even skinny ones

mysteryguest
02-10-2016, 10:31
if you're really concerned about the snoring, take a baggy of cheap foam ear plugs to handout. Perhaps you will earn a name such as Seth-snore-us.

Here's an example of a trail name as a result from snoring-It's around the 2:00 mark on the video.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrsgt6NJV5M

bemental
02-10-2016, 11:54
Here's an example of a trail name as a result from snoring-It's around the 2:00 mark on the video.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrsgt6NJV5M

Good 'ole Snorelax.

Sethern
02-10-2016, 12:11
Here's an example of a trail name as a result from snoring-It's around the 2:00 mark on the video.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrsgt6NJV5M

Lol I am so glad I already have a trail name. Knowing me I would end up with something like (Trips on Poo) or (Sleep killer). Now that my nerves have calmed down I really am not stressing the snoring too much. I hope I don't bother people too much but there is not much I can do in the Smokies. After that I will stick to my tent to at least keep my snoring from keeping people up. In hostels I will just worn people that I do snore. Once it gets more into Spring and Summer I plan to stay in my tent more to save money so that will save peoples ears as well.

Oh rofl for the people wanting to know how to hide from me so they don't need to hear my snoring just look for a backpack with a Liottlefoot patch on the back. If you see that in the a shelter move on to the next if snoring really bothers you ;). But for real I am back to being really excited to start my hike. And I can't wait to get started. This is going to be a great year.