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dsg
01-23-2007, 23:18
i'm leaving 3-07, i've worked 30 years, i'm not taking any maps, i've weathered many a storm, i've always (since i was 12) wanted to do this, and i know i will. any comments

Lone Wolf
01-23-2007, 23:19
have at it. have fun. go slow.

RedneckRye
01-23-2007, 23:23
With that attitude, you've got a much better chance than most.

LW said "Take your time", I couldn't agree more.

Have fun and enjoy!!

eyewall
01-23-2007, 23:25
My plan is similar, although I'm taking some maps :) Getting some therapy for a fractured left ankle, should be ready to go by March. See ya on the trail...

Lacbe
01-24-2007, 00:28
I know how you feel, I was driving myself crazy trying to plan way to much on details. I wil start later in March, because of 2 recent hernia operations (1-17-07), I will go slow and just enjoy the walk, but I will be taking maps just to be safe. Have fun

Marta
01-24-2007, 07:38
Go for it! Your story is similar to mine. I got the fever at the age of 12, but put it off for 39 years, until my youngest was in college.

When I was tempted to quit--and I was tempted many times--I kept on hiking. 39, or in your case 40, years of delaying the Hike is a powerful motivation for keeping on keeping on.

OntheRoad
01-24-2007, 12:25
I'm leaving near the end of March and have a similar plan as you. No maps, and no idea of when I am getting off the trail. Could possibly thru hike it, or I might stay for a month...no idea.

hammock engineer
01-24-2007, 12:34
Great Atitude. I am taking a similar approach. I am taking my time and taking it just one day at a time. I think people get caught up thinking about the whole trail from the start. I am going to plan ahead, but just think about each day as they happen.

rafe
01-24-2007, 12:35
i'm leaving 3-07, i've worked 30 years, i'm not taking any maps, i've weathered many a storm, i've always (since i was 12) wanted to do this, and i know i will. any comments

Sounds like a plan. But why no maps?

mindi
01-24-2007, 12:42
I did the same thing at first, lacbe. I had an entire binder of notes and crap and tried to plan it down to the last detail. Now I'm just going to put one foot in front of the other and see what happens.

dsg, you've got the right idea!

kyhipo
01-24-2007, 13:29
go for it:D !lifes to short.ky

Blissful
01-24-2007, 15:27
Well, there are plenty of threads about taking maps... :)
As for me, I'm a planner. Plus I have precious cargo with me as well. My 16 yr old. So planning is a necessity. And I like planning anyway. As best as I can with what I have, that is.

But as the saying goes, HYOH. Sounds like mentally you are ready and that's 90% of it.

Boat Drinks
01-24-2007, 16:04
I'll have the maps if you wanna wait on me... LOL I'm so ready to "Shut up and HIKE!!!" Tired of planning, but I still keep thinking that I'm gonna miss that one vital tip or trick that will make it all a better experience. But my guess is, that Tip ain't there.
Good luck, see you out there I'm sure!
:welcome

Fannypack
01-24-2007, 16:46
I'll have the maps if you wanna wait on me... LOL I'm so ready to "Shut up and HIKE!!!" Tired of planning, but I still keep thinking that I'm gonna miss that one vital tip or trick that will make it all a better experience. But my guess is, that Tip ain't there.
Good luck, see you out there I'm sure!
:welcome
I understand completely.

Suggestion: go walking on roads at least 10 miles a day during the work week and at least 20 miles a day on the weekends. It will be tuff on your feet but u will get your feet tuff, maybe develop some hot spots and get practice taking care of them. And remember, u get to be at home every nite, soak in the tub, watch TV and u will have less time "worry about planning":sun. NOTE: to some people walking on asphalt roads is overkill but I firmly believe that it is worth it.

Obviously, carry your backpack and u will get practice adjusting your hip belt and u can pack & unpack the pack before & after each hike/walk to get practice.

The above will accomplish 5 things:
toughen up your feet (blisters or sore feet is one of the major things that bother LD hikers when starting their hike)
exhaust your body each day so u can practice that day after day ritual of LD hiking (exhaustion, rest. ....)
leave u less time "to worry about planning" every little detail (obviously I assume u have maildrops & other major plans done)
during these daily hikes u have allot of time to think about the details of your hike and u can carry a recorder or small pad & pen to capture any thoughts that come to u that u would like to address
by walking on roads u may meet some of your neighbors & find that there are other LD hikers in or near your community. Also a good way to meet people cause they will be asking u what are u training for.GOOD LUCK.... Look foward to reading your journal.. Pls don't get behind on your daily journal (it is tuff to do it day after day especially when u would like to be resting mentally or u are being distracted by other hikers), actually u may even want to stay a little longer in camp in the mornings to complete the previous day's entry. U will treasure your daily journal after your hike is done.

Lilred
01-24-2007, 16:50
I'd take a map if for no other reason than the chance you might have to bail due to injury. A map could come in handy finding that alternate trail. Best of luck to you and by all means, take your time and enjoy the trail.

Marta
01-24-2007, 17:02
I understand completely.
The above will accomplish 5 things:

I'd add another thing doing a lot of walking before the hike can accomplish--your mind will become accustomed to spending lots of time walking. A lot of hikers discover that they are completely bored by walking all day. You'll either learn to entertain yourself, or you'll discover that you need a radio or an iPod to pass the time without going nuts. Or quitting.

Boat Drinks
01-24-2007, 17:04
I understand completely.

Suggestion: go walking on roads at least 10 miles a day during the work week and at least 20 miles a day on the weekends. It will be tuff on your feet but u will get your feet tuff, maybe develop some hot spots and get practice taking care of them. And remember, u get to be at home every nite, soak in the tub, watch TV and u will have less time "worry about planning":sun. NOTE: to some people walking on asphalt roads is overkill but I firmly believe that it is worth it.

Obviously, carry your backpack and u will get practice adjusting your hip belt and u can pack & unpack the pack before & after each hike/walk to get practice.



toughen up your feet (blisters or sore feet is one of the major things that bother LD hikers when starting their hike)
exhaust your body each day so u can practice that day after day ritual of LD hiking (exhaustion, rest. ....)
leave u less time "to worry about planning" every little detail (obviously I assume u have maildrops & other major plans done)
during these daily hikes u have allot of time to think agbout the details of your hike and u can carry a recorder or small pad & pen to capture any thoughts that come to u that u would like to address
by walking on roads u may meet some of your neighbors & find that there are other LD hikers in or near your community. Also a good way to meet people cause they will be asking u what are u training for.GOOD LUCK.... Look foward to reading your journal.. Pls don't get behind on your daily journal (it is tuff to do it day after day especially when u would like to be resting mentally or u are being distracted by other hikers), actually u may even want to stay a little longer in camp in the mornings to complete the previous day's entry. U will treasure your daily journal after your hike is done.


Great advice!!! I've been waling the beach a lot, maybe it's time to make it to the road... hate the pounding my boots will take though...:rolleyes:
The above will accomplish 5 things:

Fannypack
01-24-2007, 17:25
Great advice!!! I've been waling the beach a lot, maybe it's time to make it to the road... hate the pounding my boots will take though...:rolleyes:
another suggestion: alternate running shoes & boots... I used boots on the AT in 1996 but used running shoes on PCT in 2001. I will never use boots again except in winter hiking.....

another trick i learned on the PCT was to use plastic bags, like the plastic bags from the grocery store, on my feet to keep feet "a little " warmer when walking thru snow, especially in Sierras when i would walk thru a streeam then thru snow with feet wet.....

also, just but using the plastic bags for the above reaons i also found that the plastic acted like teflon so my feet slid in the shoes, i.e., little or now friction, no blisters....

NOT sure what your work schedule is but the walking on roads 10 to 20 miles a day definitely will exhaust your body & u feel like u have done something and u will get a good nite's sleep after this "exercise"

GOOD LUCK... when do u start? ( I am 125 miles east of Rockfish Gap aka Waynesboro, VA in a surburb of Richmond)

btw, where in VA does your family live?

Phil1959
01-24-2007, 17:56
I am new at this long distance hike stuff,but lived in the mountains for years.You guys all got what it takes,ya did ya home work,now go and explore! Coral,it is what is inside that is key,you aint missing nothing! Maybe we will have a steak together! Or a BEER!

Fannypack
01-24-2007, 18:34
I'd add another thing doing a lot of walking before the hike can accomplish--your mind will become accustomed to spending lots of time walking. A lot of hikers discover that they are completely bored by walking all day. You'll either learn to entertain yourself, or you'll discover that you need a radio or an iPod to pass the time without going nuts. Or quitting.
agree 100%; I wish i could remember how many hikers QUIT because there said that "they were not having fun." They said " i am on vacation and I want to have fun & this hiking day after day is too much like a job"...

The radio helped me cause i felt i was walking with someone as i listened to the TV stations and/or NPR....

Btw, Marta, I was a NOBOer, so i guess a NOBOer & SOBOer can agree on some things.... LOL

Another day in paradise.

Finally, if can't tell, I love sharing my expierences & observations, so I hope u don't feel like i am preaching to ya.

rafe
01-24-2007, 18:42
agree 100%; I wish i could remember how many hikers QUIT because there said that "they were not having fun." They said " i am on vacation and I want to have fun & this hiking day after day is too much like a job"...

I can certainly relate to that. But I still question whether I want to bring an iPod (or equivalent.) Never have in the past. Just didn't seem right. Maybe I'm just being obstinate for no good reason.

Fannypack
01-24-2007, 19:03
I can certainly relate to that. But I still question whether I want to bring an iPod (or equivalent.) Never have in the past. Just didn't seem right. Maybe I'm just being obstinate for no good reason.
actually, on the AT, i didn't get a radio/tape player until HF, i walking allot by myself.. On the PCT, i had a radio from the beginning, less stations, probably should have had a IPOD or tape player.

Btw, one reason i like the radio is because i am so hard of hearing that I have a hard time carrying on a conversation on the trail except when i am the lead hiker and of course i am not fast so being the`lead hiker is not usually an option..

Also, I used the radio to help me go to sleep at nite... especially good in shelters on AT... also good for hearing about the possible weather coming up, I don't say weather forecast because we know the weather forecast that is being bradcast is for the valley...

4eyedbuzzard
01-24-2007, 20:06
i'm leaving 3-07, i've worked 30 years, i'm not taking any maps, i've weathered many a storm, i've always (since i was 12) wanted to do this, and i know i will. any comments

Get the maps and a small quality compass($10 - 15). I consider them kind of like a first aid kit - dead weight, but when you need them most... well you're old enough to know better.;) A March start date leaves plenty of time.

Blissful
01-24-2007, 23:42
GOOD LUCK... when do u start? ( I am 125 miles east of Rockfish Gap aka Waynesboro, VA in a surburb of Richmond)

btw, where in VA does your family live?

Cool, another Virginian. And good advice. I've been doing road walking, trying to to do it with my pack unless I end up needing to walk my dog when someone else can't (for me, I can't walk my dog with a pack. She likes to "hunt" :)) Have been doing about 4-5 miles, this week hasn't been good though with a funeral to go to and other stuff. My neighbor saw me yesterday with my pack on and asked about my hike. Others stare in the neighborhood. :) My legs have been aching somewhat though. But no pain, no Maine.
BTW - We're just north of Charlottesville, toward SNP at Swift Run Gap (about 10 miles from it, give or take).

Blissful
01-24-2007, 23:46
Maybe I'm just being obstinate for no good reason.

Uh...yeah.

Just kidding. ;)

For me, I like to use my MP3 when I'm really getting tired, nearing the end of a long hike and need something to take my mind off my pain. Or at night in my sleeping bag to help me relax. Other than that, I do like to hear the wind, the birds, the streams, etc.

Marta
01-25-2007, 07:17
Btw, Marta, I was a NOBOer, so i guess a NOBOer & SOBOer can agree on some things.... LOL

Yeah, I guess the Trail is equally boring--or fascinating and beautiful--in either direction.:rolleyes:

Jan LiteShoe
01-25-2007, 09:16
I'll have the maps if you wanna wait on me... LOL I'm so ready to "Shut up and HIKE!!!" Tired of planning, but I still keep thinking that I'm gonna miss that one vital tip or trick that will make it all a better experience. But my guess is, that Tip ain't there.
Good luck, see you out there I'm sure!
:welcome

Oh that "tip" IS there, no worries.
It's just that at this point, it's out on the Trail.
:)
Happy trails, lucky ones. You DO realize we're all jealous, yes?

Smile
01-25-2007, 11:12
Great attitude - you will succeed regardless of whether you finish or just take a long walk - have fun out there :)




CORALRIVES: Great advice!!! I've been waling the beach a lot, maybe it's time to make it to the road..

I lived on the beach before my hike last year, found that the waters edge was that nice hardpack sand, but the real test was up in the loose stuff. Good for the ankles! But rough when the sand got gritty inside the boots....after hiking I STILL have little grains of sand in my boots ;-)
Have a great hike!

Boat Drinks
01-26-2007, 13:53
another suggestion: alternate running shoes & boots... I used boots on the AT in 1996 but used running shoes on PCT in 2001. I will never use boots again except in winter hiking.....

another trick i learned on the PCT was to use plastic bags, like the plastic bags from the grocery store, on my feet to keep feet "a little " warmer when walking thru snow, especially in Sierras when i would walk thru a streeam then thru snow with feet wet.....

also, just but using the plastic bags for the above reaons i also found that the plastic acted like teflon so my feet slid in the shoes, i.e., little or now friction, no blisters....

NOT sure what your work schedule is but the walking on roads 10 to 20 miles a day definitely will exhaust your body & u feel like u have done something and u will get a good nite's sleep after this "exercise"

GOOD LUCK... when do u start? ( I am 125 miles east of Rockfish Gap aka Waynesboro, VA in a surburb of Richmond)

btw, where in VA does your family live?


My family is in SOutheastern VA, near Richmond, Chesterfield. I start March 13th.

Ender
01-26-2007, 14:31
I can certainly relate to that. But I still question whether I want to bring an iPod (or equivalent.) Never have in the past. Just didn't seem right. Maybe I'm just being obstinate for no good reason.

I wouldn't stress about it. My advice would be not to worrry about bringing anything from the get-go. If you find you need something, just pick up a cheapo radio walkman in a town. There's plenty of radio signals to be had, though because you're in the mountains they'll come in and out a lot. But, it'll do you well enough if you're only looking for short term audio input. And if you find you want long term, pick up a cheapo tape or cd walkman, and buy a couple albums.

Just my thoughts on the matter. I wouldn't worry about what seems "right"... in the woods there are few rules except the ones we bring in with us. If you want one, then bring one. If you don't, then don't. It's easy enough to change your mind either way during the hike.

neo
01-26-2007, 14:49
i'm leaving 3-07, i've worked 30 years, i'm not taking any maps, i've weathered many a storm, i've always (since i was 12) wanted to do this, and i know i will. any comments


:) try a hammock on your hike,have a great hike:cool: neo

rafe
01-26-2007, 15:17
Just my thoughts on the matter. I wouldn't worry about what seems "right"... in the woods there are few rules except the ones we bring in with us. If you want one, then bring one. If you don't, then don't. It's easy enough to change your mind either way during the hike.


It's actually a bit of a philosophical matter. Music would take me out of the element I'm in, and put me in some other element. Not sure that's right. I can only speak for myself. Plus, I work for a company that makes MP3 chips by the millions (stock ticker SGTL). How weird is that? :-?

Ender
01-26-2007, 16:48
It's actually a bit of a philosophical matter. Music would take me out of the element I'm in, and put me in some other element. Not sure that's right. I can only speak for myself. Plus, I work for a company that makes MP3 chips by the millions (stock ticker SGTL). How weird is that? :-?


I understand that perfectly. I usually don't listen to music at all while I'm hiking, and only very rarely in camp. It does, for me, come in handy when I'm having a very low energy day, as it fires me up a bit. But I only do that once in a rare while.

Here's something else to consider... you're going to be in towns about once a week, where you're sure to hear some sort of music. And that music will be playing over and over and over in your head till the next town, so you'll always have some type of music wiht you, even if it's only in your head ;)

LEGS
01-27-2007, 00:10
I know how you feel, I was driving myself crazy trying to plan way to much on details. I wil start later in March, because of 2 recent hernia operations (1-17-07), I will go slow and just enjoy the walk, but I will be taking maps just to be safe. Have fun


THE MAP IS ON THE TREES AND POSTS ALONG THE WAY, WHY TAKE THE EXTRA WEIGHT? HAVE A GOOD ,SLOOOOW, FUN HIKE MAN.

rafe
01-27-2007, 00:36
THE MAP IS ON THE TREES AND POSTS ALONG THE WAY, WHY TAKE THE EXTRA WEIGHT? HAVE A GOOD ,SLOOOOW, FUN HIKE MAN.

If you wander off the trail... there are no blazes. Eventually, you will wander off the trail.

WhoAh
01-29-2007, 00:38
Here's something else to consider... you're going to be in towns about once a week, where you're sure to hear some sort of music. And that music will be playing over and over and over in your head till the next town, so you'll always have some type of music wiht you, even if it's only in your head ;)

Oh man.... I had the theme song from Gilligan's Island in my head for like 4 days... thought I was going nuts... .then passed a family out doing a day hike and the little kids were singing the Disney "It's a Small World"... I wanted to hang myself....

Jan LiteShoe
01-29-2007, 00:51
Oh man.... I had the theme song from Gilligan's Island in my head for like 4 days... thought I was going nuts... .then passed a family out doing a day hike and the little kids were singing the Disney "It's a Small World"... I wanted to hang myself....

LOL. Pretty funny, Whoah.
:)

4eyedbuzzard
01-29-2007, 09:56
Oh man.... I had the theme song from Gilligan's Island in my head for like 4 days... thought I was going nuts... .then passed a family out doing a day hike and the little kids were singing the Disney "It's a Small World"... I wanted to hang myself....

I hate to do this to all you 2007'ers (not really:p ) but...

This is the song that never ends, Yes, it goes on and on, my friend Some people started singing it not knowing what it was, And they'll continue singing it forever just because— :D