View Full Version : Sept SOBO Update -- In Stratton
firemountain
09-18-2006, 18:39
An update to everbody that helped with gear advice for me. On Sept 5 I summited Katahdin under clear skies. Started walking south and arrived in Stratton this morning (the 18th). I have been hiking with a very light pack (15lb base load) which has been a huge advantage. Traveling through the 100 mile wilderness was incredible, though the first week was diffacult. My body has quickly adapted to life on the trail and I am loving it. Yesterday I traversed the Bigelow's with perfect weather. Unfortunately I have beat my mail drop to Stratton, so I will need to take a zero. I am currently enjoying the hospitality of the Stratton Motel and looking forward to being back on the trail soon. Onward to the Mahoosic's and then the White's!
-SOBO Brian
TJ aka Teej
09-18-2006, 18:54
You picked a great place for a zero! Thanks for the update, and keep on having fun, Brian!
RITBlake
09-18-2006, 19:02
15 lbs is hardly a very light pack
RITBlake
09-18-2006, 19:02
15 lbs is hardly a very light pack
but good job and good luck! keep us posted.
StarLyte
09-18-2006, 19:41
Woohoo......another ultralighter.......:banana
I said if I ever thru hiked, it most definitely would be SOBO......and you made it thru the 100 mile Wilderness too.....congratulations!
Keep us updated.....please!
Keep it going Brian!
OK, my own base weight scale, YMMV...
+ 51 = (I'd rather not say )
41-50 = heavy weight
31-40 = light heavy weight
21-30 = medium weight
15-20 = light weight
10-14 = very light
5 - 9 = ultra light
-5 = uber light
Of course, it's all relative to various definitions/needs/wants/desires/fears.
firemountain
09-18-2006, 22:08
I appreciate all the positive support. As far as my pack weight, it is as light as I feel comfortable going. Temperatures dipped into the mid thirties on two nights so far. I slept comfortably. While it is currently very warm, cooler nights are certainly ahead. I have a total of six layers of clothing for my torso which takes up a significant portion of my base load. I feel my pack weight is toward the lower end of light weight and definately not ultra light. I have been very surprised to see how many people have extremely heavy packs! Based on bulk, only a few people have had smaller packs than mine. Every day I pass betweem ten and fifteen NOBO's. It is interesting the difference in perspective we have as they are nearing the completion of their journey while I am only at the begining of mine. I have only run into a couple of Southbounders on the trail so far. Crossing the Kennebec river on the ferry was a milestone, that occured three days ago. I have the White's ahead of me now after this last week in Maine. Haven't made any commitments yet, but am considering biting the bullet and making reservations at some huts. I have heard to many horror stories of hikers spending miserable nights on steep slopes after being told to leave the hut. Another thing that I did not expect was the number of older hikers on the trail. It is very inspiring to the see all the hikers in the 50-80 year old range out there negotiating the diffacult terrain. Well, that's all for tonight. 10pm! I can't believe I'm awake. This is the latest I have stayed up since the start of my journey.
RITBlake
09-18-2006, 22:17
Firemountain, disregard my pack comment. Please let me know when you are in the harriman park/bear mtn bridge area.
DawnTreader
09-18-2006, 23:33
good form RITBlake