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Kerby
04-20-2007, 21:10
Its time to make a commitment!

So hear it is, 2008 is my year. I hearby pledge that next spring I WILL finaly do the throu-hike that I have been dreaming of for so long. (then again, I may not be sane).

Ok guys-its your job to hold me to it:)


now, I just need to get out of debt and save up 4g.

Lilred
04-21-2007, 09:48
This quote was on another thread here at WB. Thought you might appreciate it.

Commitment

Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.
Concerning all acts of initiative and creation there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans. That the moment one commits oneself, then providence moves too, all sorts of things occur to help one that would otherwise never have occurred.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.
W N Murray, The Scottish Himalayan Expedition - 1951.

Kerby
04-21-2007, 23:40
Cool! thanks for the inspiration.I'll let you know how it shapes out.

digger51
04-22-2007, 02:13
Go for it Pentecost, you will find it well worth it.

Bonjour
04-22-2007, 11:01
You will receive all the support you will need but the job is yours to do and in the end you will claim the prize. It is your own doing but no one can do it alone. Best of success.

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal;
nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."

~ Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the United States



"Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right."
~ Henry Ford

Kerby
04-22-2007, 20:14
Go for it Pentecost, you will find it well worth it.

I have no dought! (though I DO have the occasional dounut)

superman
04-22-2007, 20:38
Yup, while you are on the trail you will need to be inner directed. You may as well start now.

josiblue
05-30-2007, 12:47
just yesterday i bought my planner... no big deal right? wrong, because in doing so i put my name on the board at my local outfitter, and now what shame it would be to have to take it down right? just kidding, but really, having someone who is also preparing to hike in 08 around the same time as me has helped immensely in the tedious logistical planning... also, if you haven't already, visit your local outfitter or red-cross to sign up for wilderness first-aid classes, not only are they a good idea, but they serve as mile-sign on your way to your hike. these are suggestions that have worked for me because even though it is a "solo" hike, it's always nice to have group support, especially in the prep period. just my pennies worth
~josi

"and i'm convinced the whole day long that all i learn is always wrong, and things are true that i forget, but no one's taught that to me yet"

Frolicking Dinosaurs
05-30-2007, 12:53
::: dino sharpens pointy little teeth to nip at Kerby's heels regarding saving. $4K is $1K every 3 months or $340 a month or $85 a week. Get with it, Kerby :::

hammock engineer
05-30-2007, 13:38
I did as dino said for my hike. I set a goal and figured out how much I needed to save to meet that goal. Then add a large fudge factor. Don't forget to add any home bills your will have to pay while you are gone.

In the end, get another job and work a lot of hours if needed. Whenever I got sick of working so much, I would just take a day hike. That is usually enough to remind me of how much I want to do this hike. It also gets me through the bad days at work.

Kerby
05-30-2007, 18:25
::: dino sharpens pointy little teeth to nip at Kerby's heels regarding saving. $4K is $1K every 3 months or $340 a month or $85 a week. Get with it, Kerby :::

thanks dino...I never was very good with the math...

Kerby
05-30-2007, 18:29
just yesterday i bought my planner... no big deal right? wrong, because in doing so i put my name on the board at my local outfitter, and now what shame it would be to have to take it down right? just kidding, but really, having someone who is also preparing to hike in 08 around the same time as me has helped immensely in the tedious logistical planning... also, if you haven't already, visit your local outfitter or red-cross to sign up for wilderness first-aid classes, not only are they a good idea, but they serve as mile-sign on your way to your hike. these are suggestions that have worked for me because even though it is a "solo" hike, it's always nice to have group support, especially in the prep period. just my pennies worth
~josi

"and i'm convinced the whole day long that all i learn is always wrong, and things are true that i forget, but no one's taught that to me yet"


Good advice there, althopugh i dont think the local REI has a bord...As for the first aid, I'm a former army medic and emt-although a refresher wouldnt hurt.

bumblebee
08-09-2007, 18:02
HHHUUUMMM....You know I am listing to all the advice others are giving you..and well it is well said..One thing sort of catches my mind..I saw a lot og Thru-Hikers on the trail..I saw all the gear and food.Most was well thought out..the one thing I don't see here is footware...These are the thing that will make or break you. Most of the hikers I saw leave the trail because of there foot problems. So I will say to you..pick a good pair..a well knowed brand..This is what I would do each morning before my hike. I would put a moisture cream on my feet and then three pairs of sox. (Wigwarm,Bridgedale,Smartwool) Two heavy one lite. I only had one blister. Remember..you feet are the things that will get you there...Take care.. bumblebee

Kerby
11-29-2007, 19:05
HHHUUUMMM....You know I am listing to all the advice others are giving you..and well it is well said..One thing sort of catches my mind..I saw a lot og Thru-Hikers on the trail..I saw all the gear and food.Most was well thought out..the one thing I don't see here is footware...These are the thing that will make or break you. Most of the hikers I saw leave the trail because of there foot problems. So I will say to you..pick a good pair..a well knowed brand..This is what I would do each morning before my hike. I would put a moisture cream on my feet and then three pairs of sox. (Wigwarm,Bridgedale,Smartwool) Two heavy one lite. I only had one blister. Remember..you feet are the things that will get you there...Take care.. bumblebee


Good advice that.

I have 2 pars well broken in, and will have a third by the time I set out in march.

one pare is of LaEsportive, which i will be starting with, and a pair of lighter Asolo's for mid trail.

The next pair will likly be another LaEsportive, as i really like them so far.

Kerby
11-29-2007, 19:06
I finaly was able to join the ATC, one mor step closer...

MOWGLI
11-29-2007, 19:06
Its time to make a commitment!

So hear it is, 2008 is my year. I hearby pledge that next spring I WILL finaly do the throu-hike that I have been dreaming of for so long. (then again, I may not be sane).



Good luck! I did my hike at age 38. There wasn't a great deal of folks out there my age, but I had a blast.

Kerby
11-29-2007, 19:08
Way cool, but I will only be 38 for the first couple of weeks...

turtle fast
11-29-2007, 19:17
I too feel your pain Kerby. I too am getting ready for my wife and I on our thru and trying to remember a bunch of different things that we need to do before our departure. I have 3 pairs of boots too and had them ready to go, and last weekend on a small hike....my Blackridge mountain hikers (Timberland) began to delaminale!!! (had them for several years) Off to get someting else now and break them in. A good excuse for mor gear?

Kerby
11-29-2007, 19:21
I too feel your pain Kerby. I too am getting ready for my wife and I on our thru and trying to remember a bunch of different things that we need to do before our departure. I have 3 pairs of boots too and had them ready to go, and last weekend on a small hike....my Blackridge mountain hikers (Timberland) began to delaminale!!! (had them for several years) Off to get someting else now and break them in. A good excuse for mor gear?


Oh? I didn't know I was supposed to have an excuse...

other than "well, I am at REI..."

or "it's there on the shelf..."

how about "I see a use for it, but I better have it when I do..."

Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-29-2007, 19:26
Good luck! I did my hike at age 38. There wasn't a great deal of folks out there my age, but I had a blast.
Way cool, but I will only be 38 for the first couple of weeks...I want to hike at 38 :D

Best of luck to you, Kerby. Keep us posted.

Kerby
11-29-2007, 19:28
I might have trouble finding an internet connection on the trail, but I'll try;)

turtle fast
11-29-2007, 19:38
Internet connections can be found ia alot of places. Many hostels have access as well as any town with a public library. Some outfitters have access to thru hikers even. As far as wifi connections as of yet I am not too sure, but my wife is bringing her PDA for wireless connections.

Kerby
11-29-2007, 19:55
Interesting, but one of the things i look forward to on this hike is getting away from anything "electronic"

I don't even wont to take a watch.

Kerby
11-29-2007, 19:57
On second thought, hitting a comp in town a time or two probably wont hurt.

Dakota Dan
11-29-2007, 20:14
Its time to make a commitment!
...........

Is that you JR? Sounds kinda like my nephew wanting me to take him on a AT thru hike in 08. I haven't heard a peep out of him for several weeks, I guess/hope the trip is off.

Kerby
11-29-2007, 20:15
Interesting, but one of the things i look forward to on this hike is getting away from anything "electronic"

I don't even wont to take a watch.


Is that you JR? Sounds kinda like my nephew wanting me to take him on a AT thru hike in 08. I haven't heard a peep out of him for several weeks, I guess/hope the trip is off.

umm, no.

Programbo
11-29-2007, 20:27
What is your social,family situation?..Will you need to give up an apartment when you go or do you live with family?...I`ll assume you are quitting whatever job you have when you go?...How much hiking do you do now?..How much "out of debt" do you have before you start saving that $4K?

Kerby
11-29-2007, 22:13
What is your social,family situation?..Will you need to give up an apartment when you go or do you live with family?...I`ll assume you are quitting whatever job you have when you go?...How much hiking do you do now?..How much "out of debt" do you have before you start saving that $4K?


I share a house with my dad and sister (the rents cheeper), so no. No, I am taking an extended leave of absence...my boss is a scout master and "gets it". I lead a youth group that I take out about once a month up till november, and I get one or two weekenders in between. I got it down to about 4g and subtracting.

Programbo
11-29-2007, 22:53
I got it down to about 4g and subtracting.

So you need to pay off 4G in debt and then save another 4G by next March? :eek: .....If you want I can drive us up to the casino in Charles Town (Right past Harpers Ferry) and you can try and hit a Royal Flush on the $5 poker machine..That pays $4000 :p

kayak karl
11-30-2007, 00:23
im 52. are there hikers out there doing it at my age?

SGT Rock
11-30-2007, 00:35
I've seen them. You can do it.

warraghiyagey
11-30-2007, 01:53
im 52. are there hikers out there doing it at my age?
I've seen a few thru's out there that might call you youngster.:)

warraghiyagey
11-30-2007, 01:56
On second thought, hitting a comp in town a time or two probably wont hurt.
You may find that urge from time to time. A NOBO I met in Monson in June, Grooveasaurus, called the internet "trail heroine."

rafe
11-30-2007, 09:48
im 52. are there hikers out there doing it at my age?

Yes, plenty. There are more than a few of us on this site.

Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-30-2007, 09:58
im 52. are there hikers out there doing it at my age?Young whipper-snapper

Kerby
11-30-2007, 18:30
So you need to pay off 4G in debt and then save another 4G by next March? :eek: .....If you want I can drive us up to the casino in Charles Town (Right past Harpers Ferry) and you can try and hit a Royal Flush on the $5 poker machine..That pays $4000 :p


Great idea! we can just pop in for a few hours and finance the whole thing after a couple of jackpots.

how hard can it be?

Swirlingmist
12-12-2007, 17:45
Great idea! we can just pop in for a few hours and finance the whole thing after a couple of jackpots.

how hard can it be?

Hmmm - how many jackpots do cassinos let you win before escorting you out...

Kerby
12-12-2007, 18:39
Hmmm - how many jackpots do cassinos let you win before escorting you out...


Is it me or is there something vaguly familier about your name...

weary
12-12-2007, 20:09
I want to hike at 38 :D....
Me to. But as hard as I work at it, something or other always interferes. My advice is to do it at 38 or before -- though I must confess I did quite a bit at 64 -- so you old folks still have a chance.

Weary (working hard to get back 40 years to 38)

The Weasel
12-12-2007, 20:11
im 52. are there hikers out there doing it at my age?

started my thru at 53.

TW

The Weasel
12-12-2007, 20:11
PS: Didn't finish it yet, but I'm 60...plenty of time.

TW

Montego
12-12-2007, 20:12
Be a lot easier if my 18 year old mind would catch up with my 57 year old body :D

Kerby
12-12-2007, 23:38
Well, at least your mind made it to 18!

Swirlingmist
12-13-2007, 01:13
Is it me or is there something vaguly familier about your name...

Wow, you're good! I thought it would take at least 2 more posts before you connected the dots (name, location, age).

Swirlingmist
12-13-2007, 01:24
I'll be poking around and getting suggestions for resupply packages so that the hiker I'm supporting next year is blessed with appropriate and timely items along the way.

Kerby
02-13-2008, 12:35
Well guys, tims are a gitten close! I just got my j-r-b underquilt, the last major pice of equipment I needed.

looks like March 19th is goday!

(cheepest flights and all.)

Appalachian Tater
02-13-2008, 12:36
Well guys, tims are a gitten close! I just got my j-r-b underquilt, the last major pice of equipment I needed.

looks like March 19th is goday!

(cheepest flights and all.)

If you're planning on being transported by and staying at Hiker Hostel, check with them for availability before buying your ticket.

Kerby
02-13-2008, 13:09
Flying to tampa to meet my Mom, who will drive me to the trail.

excuses
02-14-2008, 00:25
Kerby looks like you owned up to your promise of a go! The time is ripe and after a couple of weeks so will you. Have a great hike.

Kerby
02-14-2008, 16:39
Thanks! that is the plan