honu
08-05-2006, 23:54
I had planned to thru-hike this year but it's been one delay after another. Will finally be able to get away the week of August 20. I know that's late, but I figure I'll start with NH and ME then hike south until it gets too cold to continue. If necessary, I'll finish up the southern portion next spring.
Taking my time and enjoying the trail is more important to me than accomplishing a continuous thru-hike. I'm experienced and in decent shape. I managed to get in a short hike north from Duncannon this past spring and averaged over 15 miles a day. But I don't tolerate cold weather well. I don't mind if it dips below freezing at night but prefer if it's above freezing a good part of the day.
Given the late start date, is it better to (1) start at Baxter and just keep going south or (2) start in NH, hike north, then flip back to where I started and go south from there. My main concern is getting through the Whites while the weather is still tolerable. If I start in NH, what are my options for getting back to my starting point from Baxter?
Waiting and doing a thru next year is not an option. My window of opportunity is between now and next May. Just trying to figure out the best way to do the whole trail within that time frame.
Any suggestions or other options are appreciated.
Taking my time and enjoying the trail is more important to me than accomplishing a continuous thru-hike. I'm experienced and in decent shape. I managed to get in a short hike north from Duncannon this past spring and averaged over 15 miles a day. But I don't tolerate cold weather well. I don't mind if it dips below freezing at night but prefer if it's above freezing a good part of the day.
Given the late start date, is it better to (1) start at Baxter and just keep going south or (2) start in NH, hike north, then flip back to where I started and go south from there. My main concern is getting through the Whites while the weather is still tolerable. If I start in NH, what are my options for getting back to my starting point from Baxter?
Waiting and doing a thru next year is not an option. My window of opportunity is between now and next May. Just trying to figure out the best way to do the whole trail within that time frame.
Any suggestions or other options are appreciated.