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ryan207
03-20-2006, 18:41
Alright, this whole southbounder forum is really quiet which is driving me crazy, where are you all at? There aren't many out there I know, but the ones that are should put their name down, when you are starting, maybe even a little something about yourself or why you want to hike the AT, especially southbound. My name is Ryan, I am from southern maine and hiking this trail runs through my mind constantly everyday. I am a carpenter but someday I want to make a living involving the outdoors. I want to go south for two reasons, one is that I won't be out of college until may 2007 (perhaps the biggest reason), the second reason is for the privacy, but not too much otherwise I wouldnt be posting this message. So come on all you southbounders, share some of your excitement with me!

hammock engineer
03-20-2006, 19:22
Already one going in the 2006 Thru hiker forum.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12058

ryan207
03-20-2006, 19:27
man I always do that. sorry.

timhines
03-20-2006, 23:22
if someone would pay my bills while I missed work I would go southbound!

RITBlake
03-21-2006, 02:49
Ryans got a good point, not much activity in here lately. There's gotta be some soon to be sobos in here that have questions!

ryan207
03-21-2006, 07:20
Well I did look in the 2006 thru hiker forum and most of what I found were people planning a sobo this year, so there must be a handful that are planning to start next year... Aside from the subject I am psyched that I got my federal tax return check, now I can go out and buy some gear and pretend like I am thru hiking this year, haha.

Marta
03-21-2006, 07:47
I'm still more than three months away from starting, so it feels as if there is loads more time to get ready. I try to get out and hike every weekend. I'm trying to resist the urge to buy more stuff, since I've got enough gear and clothing to do several AT hikes. (This is one of the benefits of being older and having accumulated lots of stuff.) I can't think of any pressing questions, other than the one which can't be answered until I get out there and do it. Or not. Which will it be?

Black Toe
03-21-2006, 10:23
Maybe more will post as they get closer to departure. I haven't posted here because I don't really have any questions. Already have gear and it works well. I've not done much real planning but their isn't much to do realy. I need to rent a 4x8 to put my stuff in while I'm gone. Transportation to Baxter is more or less figured out. No maildrops. (I hate doing maildrops.) May do a couple on trail for places that have sketchy resupply options. All I'm concerned about is whether my overtime will last until the end of May. If not I may have to settle for going back out west and hiking the Colorado Trail again, dang wouldn't that be a shame. Probably starting end of June early July. Good Luck everyone.

mrmike48/4000
03-21-2006, 10:36
when do southbounders generally end their hike at springer? is it in december? i run a camp in connecticut and i can not get time off till oct 15th, i was planing on going south from central virginia starting around the 20th of october and i have until the 2nd week of december or so. im looking to do the last 600 mi heading south. this is a ballpark figure im still planing this trek.......any input on the terrain from central virginia south.. i am a decent hiker and i am wondering if it would be possible to hike this stretch in the 6 to 8 week span i have......where would most sobos be around the mid of october......

hammock engineer
03-21-2006, 15:04
Most of my sobo questions have been answered. I am sure I will have a couple closer to my start date. I only need a couple of small gear items.

I don't get too many overnights in, I need to work as many days as I can at my job to get enough money to hike with. I am doing a back yard test tonight to test my cold weather setup. Should get in the 20's tonight.

Black Toe
03-21-2006, 17:15
when do southbounders generally end their hike at springer? is it in december? i run a camp in connecticut and i can not get time off till oct 15th, i was planing on going south from central virginia starting around the 20th of october and i have until the 2nd week of december or so. im looking to do the last 600 mi heading south. this is a ballpark figure im still planing this trek.......any input on the terrain from central virginia south.. i am a decent hiker and i am wondering if it would be possible to hike this stretch in the 6 to 8 week span i have......where would most sobos be around the mid of october......
I think most start in June and July. Today I talked to a friend of mine living in Maine. And former thruhiker GAME '02. She told me she thinks an early SOBO season is possible. They have almost no snowpack up there right now and if this stays that way the opportunity for starts in May might be a possibility. Maybe I'll have enough saved up to start that early.

Tudor
03-22-2006, 03:00
I'll be heading out the first few days of June. Gonna make a week trip of the deal, as I'm driving from Indiana to Maine, with my best friend and brother, his dad, and another friend. Gonna see Niagra Falls, the Statue of Liberty, and NYC, then head up for a 3 man climb of Katahdin, a camp out and a farewell as I head South on my lonely (but not so much) trek to Georgia.

Have most my gear, just waiting on a few things such as stove, hammock, tarp, and MSR Miox to arrive this week. Other than that, it's grinding away 7 days a week unitl the end of May. The Trail is ever on my mind! :sun

Heater
03-22-2006, 08:24
Alright, this whole southbounder forum is really quiet which is driving me crazy, where are you all at? There aren't many out there I know, but the ones that are should put their name down, when you are starting, maybe even a little something about yourself or why you want to hike the AT, especially southbound. My name is Ryan, I am from southern maine and hiking this trail runs through my mind constantly everyday. I am a carpenter but someday I want to make a living involving the outdoors. I want to go south for two reasons, one is that I won't be out of college until may 2007 (perhaps the biggest reason), the second reason is for the privacy, but not too much otherwise I wouldnt be posting this message. So come on all you southbounders, share some of your excitement with me!

It's because SOBO's don't have enough common sense to operate a computer and post on the internet. :D

:banana :banana :banana

Black Toe
03-22-2006, 08:27
I can't argue with that Austexs.

ryan207
03-22-2006, 08:50
yeah I have a camp up in Rangeley and this year is the record low for snow in recorded history I guess. There is nothing up there right now except for the ski resorts making snow. I think an early start is likely this year for '06' southbounders.

RITBlake
03-22-2006, 15:15
It's because SOBO's don't have enough common sense to operate a computer and post on the internet. :D


hey Austexs its good to see you guys finally got electricity down there in Texas. Thanks for posting! :banana :)

TJ aka Teej
03-22-2006, 15:40
re early starts: No matter what the snow totals are, the Hunt Trail up Katahdin will not be open until Park personnel have hiked the trail themselves and the MATC does some trailwork. That won't happen before May 15th (a monday), and probably not for a few weeks after - at least. In '05 the first Ranger trip up the AT wasn't until June. Also remember early starts means high/fast water, wet trail, and the washed out bridge inside Baxter has not been rebuilt. Anyone planning a May start has to accept the fact they might not be able to summit Katahdin. I'll be up there dayhiking May 14th & camping on the 15th, and will report here about Trail conditions. I'll also probably hike sobo Abol Bridge to Monson/Caratunk the end of May. Watch Katahdin's snow melt: http://www.katahdincam.com/

Heater
03-22-2006, 15:59
hey Austexs its good to see you guys finally got electricity down there in Texas. Thanks for posting! :banana :)

Indoor plumbing too! Water comes right outta tha spigot! :eek:

:banana

RITBlake
03-22-2006, 17:03
re early starts: No matter what the snow totals are, the Hunt Trail up Katahdin will not be open until Park personnel have hiked the trail themselves and the MATC does some trailwork. That won't happen before May 15th (a monday), and probably not for a few weeks after - at least.

I can atest to that. Last year we went up the abol trail. As we were making our way down we decided that the conditions weren't bad at all and that we could probably make our way down the Hunt trail (the AT). We did just that and on the way down we passed the ranger who was coming up to see if the trail was clear. It was a little wet but there was no snow or ice. Anyway, it was kind of an awkward moment passing the ranger on a closed trail. He was cool about it though. THe trail probably could have been opened a week before but nobody had been up to check.

Marta
03-22-2006, 22:42
[quote=Austexs]It's because SOBO's don't have enough common sense to operate a computer and post on the internet. :D /quote]


On the contrary, it's because we're so organized and self-sufficient we don't have to clog the website with stupid questions.;)

tyro
03-22-2006, 23:04
Hey, all. I'm planning a thru-hike starting around the second week in June this summer. I've been on and around the AT over the years, but I've never followed it for any significant distance.

I've been lurking for about a month now, and I figured it was time to say hi. (:

Skidsteer
03-22-2006, 23:08
Welcome to WB, tyro. :welcome

gilmour14
03-23-2006, 09:10
We'll see ya out there tyro. my girlfriend and I are starting June 10. Heading up to Maine 11 weeks from tomorrow! uh oh, there's way too much to do before then....

tyro
03-28-2006, 14:53
Thanks for the welcome.

I think I've got AT fever. All I can think about is the trail, planning for the trail, hiking the trail...

rambunny
03-28-2006, 15:21
Hey ya all 250 miles into a southbound is East Andover Maine-Aqua and i will be caretaking at The Cabin from May-Oct. If we can help you in anyway let us know-iwent north 3 times and southbound 500 in 2004-we've got great food and will hold maildrops. Shuttles and slackpacking from Rangely to Grafton Notch or beyond if time permits. Happy Trails

WalkinHome
03-28-2006, 19:46
Hey Rambunny,

Will visit you at least once this season while you are running the Cabin. Good luck!!

Black Toe
04-03-2006, 14:52
Well kids it appears that I will not be doing any long distance hiking this summer. On my commute(bicycle) home from work Friday a dog decided that this would not be a good year for me to hike. A broken collarbone and three broken ribs, from what the orthipedic specialist tells me it is going to make wearing a backpack impossible for several months. Have a good hike this summer.

Skidsteer
04-03-2006, 15:23
Well kids it appears that I will not be doing any long distance hiking this summer. On my commute(bicycle) home from work Friday a dog decided that this would not be a good year for me to hike. A broken collarbone and three broken ribs, from what the orthipedic specialist tells me it is going to make wearing a backpack impossible for several months. Have a good hike this summer.

Man that really stinks. Get well soon.

passinBYE
04-03-2006, 15:50
I'm still more than three months away from starting, so it feels as if there is loads more time to get ready. I try to get out and hike every weekend. I'm trying to resist the urge to buy more stuff, since I've got enough gear and clothing to do several AT hikes. (This is one of the benefits of being older and having accumulated lots of stuff.) I can't think of any pressing questions, other than the one which can't be answered until I get out there and do it. Or not. Which will it be?

I would be more than happy to relieve any burdens you might be experiencing with any extra gear...lol

Marta
04-03-2006, 19:07
Well kids it appears that I will not be doing any long distance hiking this summer. On my commute(bicycle) home from work Friday a dog decided that this would not be a good year for me to hike. A broken collarbone and three broken ribs, from what the orthipedic specialist tells me it is going to make wearing a backpack impossible for several months. Have a good hike this summer.

I'm so sorry to hear that! Heal quickly, and see how much stuff you can get in a fanny pack...

Marta

Skidsteer
04-03-2006, 20:00
I'm so sorry to hear that! Heal quickly, and see how much stuff you can get in a fanny pack...

Marta

That's an excellent point. In "Walker IV", Chip Rawlins tells of using a MountainSmith fanny pack for a weekend trip. Might be worth looking into.

Collarbone breaks are painful-I've had one. The good news is they heal fast-relatively.:)

walkin' wally
04-03-2006, 20:20
Hi sobos

Not to be contrary with some of the above posts but I don't think one can compare this winter with last year's. We seem to be way ahead with the spring conditions and the run-off should be significantly less than last year.
We just did not get the snowpack we usually do, even in the Millinockett area. Some central Maine lakes cleared their ice cover in March this year.

I think the roads may be dry enough to get up to Rainbow Lake to cut blowdowns later this month in "my section". This involves wading Rainbow stream which I think will be passable then if we don't get prolonged spring rains.

Last spring was very rainy and cool with maybe just two or three good days the whole month of May.

Teej is right about the opening date on Katahdin. I wonder if they got the usual amount of snow on the mountain this past winter though.

I think some of the back roads in the 100 mile wilderness will be passable sooner than usual this year.

Black Toe
04-04-2006, 05:59
Thanks for the well wishes. Have a great summer everyone and be safe. But not to safe, life without risk is not really life. Marta I will be living vicariously(sp) thruogh your journal. If my recovery goes well I may do a Colorado Trail hike again starting late summer, we'll see. Thanks again.

lostmonkey
04-23-2006, 16:35
Well I am starting at the end of May 2006, but baxter seems to have so many rules. Really I am not in to that leave the rules to the stupid they sure could try to understand them. I am kind of upset about fishing along the AT it coast so much $$$ it sure would help on the food but they let hunters shoot hikers; oh what am I getting myself into. When I was 15 I put on a pack left my abuse childhood and started hitchhiking all around the country working and traveling did it for six years chasing my life with always seemed just out of reach. It was a very hard way to live it took a lot of discipline and a very very lot of kind people who taught me a lot about kindness; living in the city for thirty years and trying to keep from turning into robot has taken its toll on me, its either take a very long trip! and remember what I was taught about helping and being kind and see the beauty that each one of us has a right to experience in his or her lifetime. Or end up at the sanatorium! Making my own trail ill call it the throzine trail listening to birds the stairs will be the mountains the bath will be the lake. No ill stick to going on the real AT. Lost monkey

Myshkin
05-08-2006, 03:22
My wife and I are starting a SOBO on July 15. We have yet to purchase a water purification system or water carrying containers of any kind. We're currently in China teaching and will arrive in the States on June 26, so I'm trying to get stuff together now. Plus equipment is a bit cheaper here, though good quality. I've tried to read up as much as possible, but I still feel as if I know nothing yet. What's it like starting in Maine? We're in great physical condition. We train every day for at least an hour, combining incline treadmill and weights. Whatta I gotta know? Park fees? Food packing? Help a brotha out.

Nic

Amigi'sLastStand
05-23-2006, 04:00
I suppose I am different. I am doing a "flip-flop" I think they call it. I am starting in High Point, NJ to get away from the gaggle at the start in Me. I am beginning around the second week of June. Springer by late Aug/early Sept, and then Atlanta to Newark flight, and back on the trail to finish at Kat in Oct. if it doesnt get snowed in. If so, get a job in Maine til next year and finish in June, 07!
Snails pace, I know, but... well, if interested, read my bio. If not, ignore.

Marla in the Mts
05-25-2006, 13:41
Greetings from Bangor, Maine.

I've arrived in Bangor. Pending the sale of a Jeep Cherokee, and the opening of the Hunt Trail, our party of three will begin our attempt of a thru. Just wanted to share good news.

More soon.:)

Marla in the Mts
05-25-2006, 17:15
Jeep is sold to a local dealer. Just called Baxter. The Hunt Trail is open for hiking.

dwm4375
06-04-2006, 17:50
I'll be starting in July '07, assuming an intact return from an upcoming trip to Iraq. Back in the US in March '07, should give me time to get in shape and buy/try out all my gear.

Nokia
06-05-2006, 10:24
Any Southbounders starting in July? I'm thinking of going up from Harpers Ferry and doing a southbound. Of course I might just hike up from here and then come back and SOBO from Harpers. Just wanted to know if I would have company. Oh and can anyone recommend a place to kennel my pu for the day while I get through the park? Thanks.

Marta
06-05-2006, 22:18
Yep, there will be a few of us.

Crafty
06-05-2006, 22:34
I've got camping reservations for the 5th and 6th of July so will be starting then. I can't wait to get going!

Nean
06-06-2006, 02:44
My wife and I are starting a SOBO on July 15. We have yet to purchase a water purification system or water carrying containers of any kind. We're currently in China teaching and will arrive in the States on June 26, so I'm trying to get stuff together now. Plus equipment is a bit cheaper here, though good quality. I've tried to read up as much as possible, but I still feel as if I know nothing yet. What's it like starting in Maine? We're in great physical condition. We train every day for at least an hour, combining incline treadmill and weights. Whatta I gotta know? Park fees? Food packing? Help a brotha out.

Nic

1) Companion:-? 2) Ziplocks ;) 3) Enjoy!:banana

tyro
06-11-2006, 15:00
I'm in Portland right now. I'm staying Monday night at Chimney Pond, going up and over Katahdin on Tuesday, and staying at Katahdin Stream that night. I can't wait. (:

I hope to see some of you out there.

Dancer
10-09-2006, 10:48
I'm planning on a 2007 SOBO beginning June 14th. I'm very excited about it as I have been dreaming of this for 15 years. See you on the trail!

TJ aka Teej
10-09-2006, 10:54
Welcome to WhiteBlaze, amazonwoman!

emerald
10-09-2006, 15:48
Cool, I always wanted to meet an amazonwoman!;) :) Now, I bet there's a woman who can hike.:-?

Johnny Swank
10-09-2006, 17:21
Just checking in.

SOBO 2000

SL_amani
10-09-2006, 23:21
Hello sobos. I am planning to jet over to Maine all the way from Seattle Washington when I am done with school. Right now I am applying to colleges, and swim season for my high school starts in about a month; meanwhile, I am going to be taking on some hours as a lifeguard at the pool to save up money for gear and food along the way. Busy! I read "The Man Who Walked Through Time" by Collin Fletcher a while back, which got me thinking about some sort of crazy solo journey, and when the AT popped into my head, I knew right away I was gonna do it.
A few questions: what does the term "hammock" refer to? And what's this talk about reserving a campsite up in Maine? Also, how heavy duty does my tent need to be? I bought a pretty simple, 2 man tent (I am really tall so it is perfect for me), and am planning on retaining most of my warmth through a good sleeping bag. Any advice would be much appreciated!

TJ aka Teej
10-10-2006, 07:57
Hi Salami, welcome to WhiteBlaze! A hammock is like a small tent tied above the ground to two trees - some swear by them, some swear at them. Check out the gallery for photos. Reservations: The AT campsite at Katahdin inside Baxter State Park is for northbounders only, Sobos wanting to camp there need to make reservations at Katahdin Stream Campground. (which is about 1/3 of a mile closer to the trail and the water source) You can't make that reservation for months yet, so don't sweat it right now. Tent: Heavy duty = weight usually. The lightest tents nowadays are pretty sturdy. Warmth: When are you planning to start? There's about a 20 degree swing between mid-May and late-June in Maine.

Dancer
10-10-2006, 09:57
Thanks for the welcome. I'm an experienced camper and very at home in the woods. haven't done much hiking though. Looking forward to seeing you all on the trail. After a few weeks on the trail you might change my trail name to Sasquatch... :D I'm 5" 11" and have a large frame. I'm overweight right now but working on that. Know I'll have to be fit to start SOBO.

the goat
10-10-2006, 10:43
I'm 5" 11" and have a large frame. I'm overweight right now but working on that. Know I'll have to be fit to start SOBO.

welcome, amazonwoman! it would help to be fit starting a sobo trip, but if not, the trail will get you fit soon enough! best of luck on your hike, southbounding is a lot of fun for sure!

max patch
10-10-2006, 10:50
Also, how heavy duty does my tent need to be? I bought a pretty simple, 2 man tent (I am really tall so it is perfect for me), and am planning on retaining most of my warmth through a good sleeping bag.

"Heavy duty" may mean heavy weight. Todays light weight tents are "heavy duty" enough for a thru. If your tent weighs 4 pounds or more you should look at alternatives.

brad2291
05-11-2007, 02:40
SOBO starting mid june. I am taking 6 months off work, hope to finish by Thanksgiving, but willing to go until Christmas. I would love to meet up with another SOBO or section hiker.
Send me a message.

brad2291
05-11-2007, 02:40
SOBO starting mid june. I am taking 6 months off work, hope to finish by Thanksgiving, but willing to go until Christmas. I would love to meet up with another SOBO or section hiker.
Send me a message.

make that mid july

Shadowfoot
05-23-2008, 19:32
Hey hikers, Shadowfoot here, 27 from New Hampshire, planning a July 2008 SOBO thru-hike. Hope to see some of you there! Reasons I'm doing this are many, mainly though because I love the outdoors, and the chance to better myself.

Captain
05-23-2008, 21:08
I'm planning on a 2007 SOBO beginning June 14th. I'm very excited about it as I have been dreaming of this for 15 years. See you on the trail!



wow better get started your nearly a full year late :eek:

Frosty
05-23-2008, 21:34
wow better get started your nearly a full year late :eek:Ummm, that post you quoted was made in 2006.

Captain
05-23-2008, 21:36
then.. IM TWO years late..geez im slacking..thanks frosty

otherwise
05-23-2008, 22:30
I'll be arriving in Millinocket June 4th and working on getting to Katahdin from there at that time. I don't have very much money and so I won't mention how much so not to get concerning replies but I plan to white blaze it to Springer Mtn by late november or bust... maybe both. I'm going south because I had to work until the end of May and I hike partly for the solitude and it's more so for Sobo'ers.

commonwealth_hiker
05-23-2008, 23:19
Hey all...leaving in two weeks or so for Baxter. Once I get this god-forsaken thesis finished.
:(

Johnny Swank
05-23-2008, 23:37
4 signatures - that's all you need.

/don't mess those days too much. Good luck with the hike!

ME-GA 2000, SOBO Pride!

corialice81
05-23-2008, 23:39
Yeah, finished my thesis last august (2007). To celebrate...I'm going SOBO starting in july! My brain needs a rest...

Johnny Swank
05-23-2008, 23:43
miss = mess. Man I can't type tonite for some reason!


corialice81 - best of luck on the sobo trip as well. You folks will have a blast, and July's a great time to start.

Red Hat
05-25-2008, 19:28
2008 MEGA the year of the WOMEN!

Captain
05-25-2008, 21:19
2008 MEGA the year of the WOMEN!




aaaannnnnndddddddd captain!!

Red Hat
05-26-2008, 14:51
aaaannnnnndddddddd captain!!
I know you'll probably leave us in the dust after day one... but we're excited that you'll be there with us at the start.

Old Hillwalker
05-26-2008, 16:44
Yah! youst the rite age to be a mascot. Chuckle, chuckle.