2009 Thru-Hike Registry [Archive]

mountain squid

05-31-2008, 16:15

The Class of 2009 Forum is open, so I will start working on the Class of 2009 spreadsheet. Time to make your plans official by registering (no turning back now:D).

Trail Name
Direction
Estimated Start Date
Approach Trail - yes or no
any additional info that you want the world to knowhttp://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/ad/talk.gif

If anything changes, please update via a reply to this thread.

Good Luck everyone and enjoy the planning process:cool:...

See you on the trail (next year),
mt squid

Chance09

05-31-2008, 16:39

Trail Name: AT
Direction: Nobo
Estimated Start Date: March 5th
Approach Trail - of course

I'm debating winning the lottery to help pay for my thru hike ;). When i do, let me know if i can help anyone else out.

Anyone else feel like 2009 is along way away?

Alex

05-31-2008, 20:58

Trail Name: Crab Cake
Direction: Nobo
Estimated Start Date: mid ->late March
Approach Trail - yes

I'm officially comitted, can't wait to meet everyone.

hurryinghoosier

05-31-2008, 21:02

Trail Name: Hoosier Ben
Direction: Nobo
Estimated Start Date: Mar 17
Approach Trail: Yes

Chance09

05-31-2008, 23:05

Trail Name: AT

Lol kudos to me for not thinking that one thru.

Trail name = Chance

Wake

06-01-2008, 01:15

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: SOBO
Estimated Start Date: June 1
Approach Trail: Yes

minnesotasmith

06-01-2008, 09:56

Trail Name: MinnesotaSmith
Direction NOBO; trying for straight shot/end-to-end this time
Estimated Start Date Feb. 14th @ Amicalola
Approach Trail - Y/N Yes
any additional info Doing Pinhoti first; est. hitting Sylacauga 12/31/08

wcgornto

06-01-2008, 11:12

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: Probable Flip - CT to ME ... NY to GA
Start Date: June 1
Approach Trail: N/A except Springer approach as exit trail

prsncguy

06-01-2008, 15:57

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 20
Approach Trail: Yes

I'm committing and nervous as H#$L. Anyone here going a second time that can offer some good advice?

Montana Mac

06-01-2008, 19:15

Presently planning a 2009 GA->ME thru hike. I have sectioned hiked approx 1100 miles of the trail with the most recent being last year. Last year I hiked approx 475 miles of it with my brother, Iceman(GA -> ME thru hiker 2007). We grew up right near the trail and we had always talked about thru hiking it. Last year was the best opportunity for him and unfortunately the worst time for me. So I am looking to 2009 to be my opportunity.

2009 is NOT that far off :eek:
so now is the time to start the plans and the conditioning to get ready for the task at hand.

Trail Name: Montana Mac
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: 03-04-09
Approach Trail: Y

iamduesouth

06-01-2008, 22:17

Trail name...Due South
Direction...NOBO
Date...10th March 09
Approach...not sure...perhaps the flip of a coin...??

I have been sizing up the Appalachian Trail....
.....and it has been me....
.....looks like a "gloves off" bout.....
....as Cramer would say......Giddy-up.....!!

Drake

06-02-2008, 09:10

Trail Name - Drake
Direction - NOBO
Date - 02-01-09
Approach Trail - wouldn't be the same without it...

Gonna be updating an online trail journal the whole time, and hopefully putting out a photo-journal after the fact. WWW.GA-ME09.com

sneaker

06-02-2008, 11:52

Trail Name: sneaker (or what ever name I get tagged with)
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: 03/15/09
Approach Trail: Yes
Been planning this since 12/07

Monkeywrench

06-03-2008, 11:43

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estmated Start Date: 3/22/2009
Approach Trail: Yes

This thru-hike has been on my calendar for years and is now fast approaching. Unfortunately it is not yet on my wife's calendar, so whether or not it is really going to happen is still in doubt a bit. This will be resolved one way or the other soon. Sigh...

Big Sky

06-04-2008, 13:00

Trail Name: Big Sky
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 1, 2009
Approach Trail: Oh yeah

I can't wait as I've been wanting to do this since I was about 15. Quitting my job 6 months earlier than planned before going back to school will be easy since I've wanted to quit since I started, and my boyfriend is taking a leave of absence (he can register himself). I can't believe I'm finally going to do this...2009 seems like it will never get here.

HippieHiker

06-04-2008, 13:35

Trail name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estimated start date: March 1st 09
Approach trail: yup

Wish me luck! "why are you doing this? they asked. Its like trying to explain the color purple to a blind person. The feeling was so sublime, so serene, so personal. In the woods, i found hope, peace, healing; no matter how sour my mood, the woods seemed always to soothe me, resurrect sagging spirits. In the woods, there was a sense of being at home, of being where I ought to have been all along." -david brill, as far as the eye can see

Dazzy001

06-04-2008, 22:18

Trail Name: Big Dazzy
Direction: Nobo
Estimated Start Date: March 30th
Approach Trail - Yep....

See ya out there!

Robbie

06-04-2008, 22:26

Trail name: Braceman or whatever fits
Direction: NOBO
Estimated start date: 3/10/09
Approach trail: More than likely

Helen Keller: Life is an adventure or it is nothing at all. Let the adventure begin

ShelterLeopard

06-06-2008, 00:58

Trail name: Traceless (not my invention, but it stuck)
Direction: NOBO!
Date: hmm. either April or March
Approach:probably

I'm almost definately doing the thru in 2009, but if I end up as a camp counselor, it'll be post-ponned until 2010.

Route 66

06-06-2008, 02:23

Trail Name: Route 66
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: April Fool's day, 2009
Approach Trail: Probably

Starting out with Bon Bon

See: http://www.trailjournals.com/Route_66/

Gus

06-06-2008, 11:41

My wife and I will be doing the trail in 2009
Trail Name: Me: Augie Doggie Wife: Smith Machine
Direction: North
Est Start Date: March 1st
Approach Trail: Not sure yet.

Any other couples in 2009?

Spoonie Love

06-09-2008, 14:18

Trail Name: Spoonie Love
Direction: nobo
EST: April ?...after exams
Approach Trail: not sure

Cool AT Breeze

06-09-2008, 14:39

Trail Name : Cool Breeze
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: Mid Feb.
Approach Trail: Hell no

singingpilgrim

06-09-2008, 17:53

Trail Name: Singing Pilgrim or TBD
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: 3-1-09 (probably)
Approach Trail: Probably not, but maybe

sheeptoast

06-09-2008, 23:19

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: nobo
EST: march 1st
Approach Trail: not sure

tgrundAT09

06-10-2008, 05:39

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: March ~15th
Approach Trail: Yes

mindi

06-10-2008, 08:29

Trail Name(s): Sugargrits & Combat
Direction: SOBO
Start Date: Early June
Approach Trail: Yes

Only one other SOBO so far? *Waves to Wake*

trailmomma4

06-10-2008, 09:00

Trail Name: I dont have one yet, my son-Big Red Direction:NOBO Start Date: Late March Approach Trail: Yes

minnesotasmith

06-10-2008, 09:13

Trail Name(s): Sugargrits & Combat
Direction: SOBO
Start Date: Early June
Approach Trail: Yes

Only one other SOBO so far? *Waves to Wake*

So far, there's only one other pre-March NOBO besides me posting here.

ProteinShake

06-10-2008, 12:21

Trail Name: Protein Shake
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 25th 2009
Approach Trail - yup

FaithWalker

06-13-2008, 03:07

Well MS, there is actually two pre-March NOBO posting here :)

FaithWalker

06-13-2008, 03:13

Trail Name: Faithwalker
Direction NOBO
Estimated Start Date Feb. 14th @ Amicalola
Approach Trail - Yes
Additional info Doing Pinhoti first; est. hitting Sylacauga 12/31/08

Minnesotasmith partner in life's adventures. :rolleyes:

twinkles

06-13-2008, 19:06

Trail Name: Twinkles
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 17, 2009 (not an estimate this is the day)
Approach Trail - yes or no: YES

Officially committed.

TACKLE

06-13-2008, 19:53

Trail Name:TACKLE
Direction:NOBO
Estimated Start Date :May 1st
Approach Trail - yes
Probably a flip-flop We'll see how it goes.

i'mthru

06-15-2008, 00:10

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: Late March
Approach Trail: Maybe
Going solo, but I'm sure I'll see some of you guys out there. Can't wait.

Wake

06-15-2008, 01:02

Trail Name(s): Sugargrits & Combat
Direction: SOBO
Start Date: Early June
Approach Trail: Yes

Only one other SOBO so far? *Waves to Wake*

Hi, mindi!

phenimore

06-16-2008, 11:12

Trail Name:
Direction: SOBO
Start Date: June 12
Approach Trail: dont know what that means!

My head says go north, but my heart tells different tales...

catfishrivers

06-17-2008, 22:49

Trail Name: Catfish Rivers
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: Mid March (still trying to pin it down with my buddy who's coming with)
Approach Trail: Yes

When I close my eyes, I can literally already see myself on the trail...

The Impersonator

06-20-2008, 11:01

In 2007, I made a failed attempt. By the time I'd reached Neel's Gap, I'd nearly gone hypothermic twice due to poor choices in tent and sleeping bag, and didn't have the dough to buy the proper gear right off the bat.

This time, I'm going to save a lot more dough. And armed with the greatest experience in the world, that of failure, (not to mention some proper sleeping gear) I will be making my second thru-hike attempt, leaving MA on the saturday April 11'th, starting out on my lucky number, 13.

Good hiking, everybody, and hope to see you in the Mountains of our world.

tawd_ess

06-22-2008, 15:56

Trail Name: will
Direction
Estimated Start Date
Approach Trail - yes or no
any additional info that you want the world to know

tawd_ess

06-22-2008, 15:59

OK...let's try it again

Trail Name: will earn one on the trail....
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: April 5, 2009
Approach Trail - i'll do it...depends really on the rest of my party.

I.....CAN'T.....WAIT!

whitefoot_hp

06-23-2008, 14:52

Trail Name: N/A
Direction: NOBO
Est Start Date: March 1st
Approach Trail: why not

zax

06-24-2008, 23:55

Trail Name Zax
Direction NOBO
Estimated Start Date 3/18/09
Approach Trail - Absolutely

Looking forward to a nice long stroll through the woods!

Tagless

06-26-2008, 18:14

Trail Names: Tagless and Tagalong
Direction: NB
Estimated Start Date: March 1
Approach Trail - Probably not - Already have that under our belt

Any additional info: Tagalong (Connie) and I (Dane), in our late fifties and recently retired, have been happily married for 34 years. We can't wait to join the Class of 2009!!

Goosegrass

06-28-2008, 22:18

Trail Name: Goosegrass (for now)
Direction: Nobo
Estimated Start Date: 10/17 March
Approach Trail: Yes (9/16 March)

Imayroam

07-02-2008, 08:13

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: South
Start Date: 3/14/08
Approach Trail: Yes

Nest

07-02-2008, 16:25

Trail name: Nest
NOBO

Probably starting March 1 again if I can leave the AYCE at Amacalola this time.

No approach unless I can't get a ride to the FS road.

cookie44

07-02-2008, 17:41

Trail Name: Springer mtn. Ga
Estimated time: 10 March
Approach Trail: Probably
Meet some new peoples on the way and make some friends, see the world in a different way,

iamduesouth

07-02-2008, 21:58

hope to see ya,,,,

Ryan

07-03-2008, 12:51

Trail Name: nothin' yet
Direction: sobo
Estimated Start Date: July 1
Approach Trail - yes, I think? Is this just in reference to the Springer Mountain approach?

I'll be graduating college mid-May, then a part of my buddy's wedding mid-late June, then hitting the trail right after that. God I'm itching for it and excited already, and I've still got a year to go.

noname

07-03-2008, 15:30

Trail Name: none yet
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: March sometime
Approach Trail - Think so

Can't wait! Looking forward to meeting all of you on the trail!

noname

07-03-2008, 19:41

Oops, sorry, didn't realize we were going for exact dates here. March 15 for me!

SurferNerd

07-06-2008, 04:59

Trail Name: SurferNerd
Direction: NoBo
Estimated Start Date: 04/01
Approach Trail: Yes
Been planning since June '07

Penn-J

07-06-2008, 11:23

Penn-J

07-06-2008, 11:47

i have been wanting to do this for about 7 years now. i did an end to end hike on the long trail in vermont in 05. i diddnt tell my co-workers yet. (i dont feel like answering a million questions) my family knows but isnt very supportive. it doesnt matter. IM GOING!!!

"i know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor" -thoreau

BlindMoose

07-06-2008, 14:13

RWK

07-06-2008, 21:22

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO from Harpers Ferry then flip SOBO from Harpers Ferry
Estimated start date: Mid May
Get to hike with NOBO hikers and SOBO hikers--best of both worlds

Lops

07-07-2008, 12:52

Hello class of '09!

Trail Name: Lops
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: Beginning of March
Approach Trail: Yes...in it for the long haul!
Additional Info:
Hope to see some of you there!

Cephalopod

07-08-2008, 09:42

Trail Name: TBD (but likely going to be Cephalopod)
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: late March/early April depending on a few factors
Approach Trail - yes

This is my first attempt to thru-hike the trail, so wish me luck!

qchiker

07-08-2008, 12:14

I'm from Charlotte and this is my first time attempting this challenge. But I am crazy determined to do this because I have to finished to have something exciting happen during my time on this earth. I'm also looking for someone who is DETERMINED to finish so that I can have some conversation during THOSE nights in the woods. Let me know what you think. Right now I'm in Pittsburgh ,PA but will be moving back to Charlotte at the end of august.

qchiker

07-08-2008, 12:41

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: Late Feb - First week of March
Approach Trail: Yes
Additional Info: I "WILL" finish the AT thru-hike NO MATTER WHAT! I can't wait to meet anybody and everybody doing the same.

partinj

07-08-2008, 13:03

Trail Name: Easy Gone
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: Early Feb
Approach Trail: Mabye

Feb 2009 is my year

Bare Bear

07-08-2008, 19:28

Bare Bear
NOBO Springer start, the hell with that approach trail. It do not count and I did it once and that was enough. :)
March 15th ??? Depending on the weather as always.
Going slow and easy this time, 10-15 MPD max.
For those that know me....obviously my April week of Hiker Feed at Stecoah Gap will be without me in 09. Perhaps Willow, Mummy Toes or another 06er will take it over for me.

cuatro

07-09-2008, 00:18

I'll be there along with a few other friends and i cant wait to see you again squid and everybody else until then do what you do! Cuatro

stgradyp

07-11-2008, 19:44

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: Feb/ Early March
Approach Trail: Yes

Can't Wait!!!!

dharmabum

07-13-2008, 03:24

AT
northbound
start: approx april 1 09

i am looking to start the trail in april 09. i have wanted to do it for so long, but i have never had an ideal time. bills, jobs, school and everything else gets in the way. i am already 23 yrs old and i have been thinking about doing the thru hike since i was about 19. i guess one thing that is holding me back is being able to do the whole trail by myself and not being scared of serial killers, bears and being in anyway unprepared to deal with any give situation myself. i have been doing a lot of research to prepare myself. i am in good physical condition, i know i am ready mentally. i need to get enough money together and start investing in my gear. i guess its conforting knowing that a lot of ppl are starting northbound in march and april and i wont be completely alone.

stick man

07-13-2008, 10:16

stick man nobo 21 march 2009 approach trail yes

Live the Journey

07-13-2008, 12:35

Trail Name: awaiting a shiney new one for this hike
Direction: GA - ME
Start Date : second week of March-ish
Approach trail: I had no idea whether or not you did the approach trail was a big deal...I'll probibly play that one by ear when the time comes.

I can't wait. March seems like an eternity away, but I'm sure it'll creep up fast. I'm so excited and the only thing that chills me out is researching gear!!! Does that make me a nerd?

amrcneaglette

07-13-2008, 12:53

Trailname: FireyFox
NOBO
Starting Date: March 12, My Birthday
Definately will be hiking the Approach trail my other half will be doing it with me in Support!!

:sun

CRS

07-18-2008, 15:24

Trail Name: CRS
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: March 1st
Approach Trail: Yes

Will be on the trail with my fiance Lops - can't wait to see you all!

spencerb

07-19-2008, 15:24

Trail Name: Waiting to earn one
Direction: Northbound
Estimated Start Date: March to April, depending on if I go solo or get a hiking partner
Approach Trail - yes or no?: Depends on the ride I can get...
any additional info that you want the world to know: Plan time into your schedule to volunteer on the trail. I spent 2 months in college volunteering doing trail work with the ATC and met many former thruhikers, section hikers and people just wanting to spend some time outside. The thruhikers and section hikers all told me the same thing: The AT is about the community. Give back to your community, don't just use it for six months and never come back or give back. While you are prepping now, consider volunteering for a week on the MidAtlantic crew this fall. You'll meet a lot of great people who've done it before. Plus there is no better way to appreciate all those miles we will slog over than spending 3 weeks working on a relocation of a mile of the AT.

I'm a recent college grad from UNC and live in North Carolina. And boy am I so excited about planning and doing this hike.

CrumbSnatcher

07-21-2008, 22:53

NOBO JUNE start approach trail yes. 60 to 90 days unsupported.

Holls

07-22-2008, 10:01

Trail Name: I'll get one when I'm out there...
Direction: NOBO baby!
Estimated Start Date: Early March
Approach Trail: Probably not, though I'll just go with the flow when i get there.
Any Additional Info That You Want the World to Know: Well, me and my friend, Maverick, have committed ourselves to the craziness that is a thru hike, and we couldn't be more excited! We are both in college and we know that we have to commit to a thru hike now before society takes us away forever. We both found a way to "stay in school" and hike too! We are getting credits for a field study and directed study of our choice! We are just so excited to be able to do both the trail and school. I definitely recommend that as an idea for any of you college students who think that school might interfere with your trip or vise versa!

Can't wait to meet y'all out there!

Lops

07-22-2008, 12:00

Holls

07-22-2008, 12:31

Well, I am putting myself through college and I need to stay in school because I'm on scholarship and i have grants etc. So I needed to make sure that those awards would not be terminated due to taking a semester (actually 2 semesters b/c in Florida they require you to take summer classes) off. I am a communications major, and in that major i am required to take 12 semester hours of either a field study, directed study, or internship. So i talked to one of my professors, and she was willing to help me make the hike a legitimate field for studying "identity"...And actually, it's to the school's advantage because i will still be paying tuition, but i will not actually be in the classroom. (this will also help with expenses for the hike because i actually get paid more from scholarships and whatnot than tuition costs.) I suppose this might be more difficult to pull off if your major is engineering or something...But yeah, I suppose I just found a may to manipulate my major's requirements, and make it legit. I had to do A LOT of talking and persuading to a lot of people to make it happen though...The trick is to not give up if one person tells you that the school does not allow that sort of option. If i didn't like what one adviser or professor was telling me, i would just move on until i found someone who was telling what i wanted to hear. There are professors that will support you and work with you, you just have to find them.

juho

07-23-2008, 10:57

Trail Name- Juho
Direction-North(solo hike)
Estimated Start Date-March 8th
Approach Trail -if my helicopter drop misses the summit on springer, then yup : )

see yuh on da trail eh!!

Lops

07-23-2008, 11:52

Free bird

07-27-2008, 00:52

Mister Bow Willow

07-27-2008, 01:33

Trail Name: Mister Bow Willow or TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start: March 15, 2009
Approach: Yes

I figured I'd have to wait until I retired but asked for a leave of absence and :banana got it! 8 months -- can't wait!

minnesotasmith

07-27-2008, 14:57

Trail Name: Free Bird
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start: April 1, 2009
Approach: Sure

Looking forward to meeting everyone and enjoying this experience. This has been in planning for several years and 2009 is the year to spring into action. Hiking the AT is a college graduation gift to myself.

Any good advice?

Spend about 200 hours reading on this website. Watch some AT movies, read at least one well-done (e.g., non-Bryson) book on the AT, and get a guidebook ASAP.

rafe

07-27-2008, 15:55

Spend about 200 hours reading on this website. Watch some AT movies, read at least one well-done (e.g., non-Bryson) book on the AT, and get a guidebook ASAP.

Bryson's isn't a "how-to" book, for sure. But to say it isn't "well-done" is to miss the point entirely. From a commercial point of view, it was extremely well done. ;)

tucker0104

07-27-2008, 18:42

Trail Name: Don't have one yet
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date : Sometime in March. I am getting out the Navy and jobless so whenever I feel like it
Approach Trail - yes

joshua5878

07-30-2008, 16:14

Trail Name: AT /TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 1st-7th
Approach Trail: You betcha

Just got clearance from my wife over the weekend, starting the planning. This is HUGE, have been dreaming about this for five long years now. Will the 7 months go slow/fast????

RWK

07-31-2008, 11:51

Trail name--none yet
Direction--NOBO
Start date--04/06/09
Approach trail--not sure, probably

Originally think of a flip flop but now headed NOBO which is what I had always envisioned during the past 35 years of waiting.

Boliche

07-31-2008, 20:15

Trail Name: Boliche
Direction: NOBO
ESD: 10 March
Approach Trail: Yes

I am a retired Air Force officer. I live in Marietta, GA. If you are flying into Atlanta, with sufficient notice I can meet you at MARTA (Metro Atlanta Regional Transit) North Springs station and ferry you to a start point. It will need to be hard surface road as 4 wheeling is not on my to do list. Good luck to all.

Aim1030

07-31-2008, 23:03

Trail Name: If I'm gonna go by something for 6 months, I'm gonna work hard to earn it once the adventure begins!
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: Mid-March, looking like March 15
Approach: plannin' on it!

I'm exciiiiiiiited!

thollin

08-04-2008, 23:07

Trail name: I'm waiting to see what happens and what fits
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: Early April
Approach: For sure

I'm trying not to let myself get to excited until after Christmas.

thollin

08-04-2008, 23:16

I forgot to mention that If anyone NOBO needs a ride to Springer just get in touch with me. I live 1/4 mile from a MARTA station and am more than willing to help out the people I'll be sharing this with.

papa john

08-04-2008, 23:20

Bryson's isn't a "how-to" book, for sure. But to say it isn't "well-done" is to miss the point entirely. From a commercial point of view, it was extremely well done. ;)

I agree, the first part of the book is hilarious and should not be missed. Once they start yellow blazing is when I put it down. Don't think I ever finished it come to think of it...

Whup Whup

08-05-2008, 00:01

Trail Name: "I've got my Master's degree and this is what I'm doing with it!" (or whatever someone gives me)
Direction: NOBO
Estim. Start Date: March 27th, 2009 (I have to wait for my wife's b-day the 25th)
Approach Trail: Fir sure!

Homer&Marje

08-05-2008, 07:38

ok... so plans for Marje and I have changed due to a little financial inadequacy by this point in the year. We were supposed to have the money saved up for the trip already, and had some major bills paid off. Maybe because we took to much time off to do some conditioning hikes, I don't know... but it looks like a NOBO end to end will not happen in 09, but more likeley we will be heading SOBO from Katahdin between april 1 09 and may 31 09 and sectioning for I think 754 mi... I don't know but we're gonna do the trail in 3rds first maybe can do all 3 in 2 years, then go for the gusto, but financially right now, although super optimistic about it... might not be viable and that's unfortunate. Stay in school kids :D

Trail Name : Homer&Marje
Direction : SoBo
Start Date: April 1 - may 31? Tentative.
Finishing in Stormville NY 755 mi.
Happy trails

skinny minnie

08-05-2008, 09:20

Well, last week at work erased any hope of a leave of absence... as well as any guilt over quitting! I'm toying with the idea of the PCT or CDT... it's a tough call, but I do feel way more familiar with the AT from both research and personal experience. I'm a lot more connected to the AT so for now the plan is still that I'm going to start with the AT and take it from there.

Trail name: I'm just going to going to go by my real name (Angela) unless I stumble across one; skinny minnie is just a nickname of mine and I'm not especially attached to it.

Direction: NOBO

Start: some point in April, probably early

Approach trail: yes.

KarenM982

08-05-2008, 09:56

I guess its time to make this official :)

Trail name: Samore
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: March 2
Approach: fo sho!

bobbyw

08-07-2008, 09:41

Trail name: This is my first real hike in a long time, but Shovel I guess?
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: April Fools Day
Approach: I'd like to, if money permits.

Monkeywrench

08-07-2008, 10:44

Approach: I'd like to, if money permits.

You need money to hike the Approach Trail? :confused:

minnesotasmith

08-07-2008, 11:04

but more likeley we will be heading SOBO from Katahdin between april 1 09 and may 31 09 and sectioning for I think 754 mi...

Not many people SOBO from Katahdin before June (more usually July, I think) BC of snow/deep mud/bugs, and the mountain even being officially open by the park rangers. I hope you'll check some early-leaving SOBO trail journals or threads on WB on when to start a SOBO before setting your date in stone.

2Thumbs

08-08-2008, 12:29

Trail Name: 2Thumbs...for now
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: 26 March
Approach Trail - absolutely!

I have already stopped eating oatmeal, mac n cheese, and peanut butter until the big day! gotta go in fresh...

Angee

08-12-2008, 15:07

Trail Name: .......probably something with slow in it!! LOL:banana
Direction: NOBO ( but may do a flip flop...still out on this)
Estimated Start: March 1
Approach Trail: probably not

RadioFreq

08-12-2008, 17:11

Trail Name: RadioFreq
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: I will join the parade the first week of March...probably 3rd or 4th
Approach Trail? yes

Oxford Canuck

08-15-2008, 12:06

I am sitting here in N'Djamena, Chad, planning my 2009 thru-hike of the A.T. after 20 years of dreaming of it...how surreal is that?!

Oxford Canuck

08-15-2008, 12:30

Oops, I forgot to mention: estimated start date March 15
direction: NOBO
approach trail: planning to, yes
trail name: no idea yet

sleeman13

08-16-2008, 00:45

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 3rd
Approach Trail: Possible

akaGrace

08-18-2008, 13:49

Trail Name: akaGrace
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: April 1/09
Approach Trail: Not unless you carry my pack

Monkeywrench

08-18-2008, 14:06

Approach Trail: Not unless you carry my pack

Okay. I'll carry yours on the Approach Trail, and you carry mine the rest of the way to Katahdin. Deal? ;)

akaGrace

08-18-2008, 14:10

Well let me think about that.

NOPE!

lathial

08-19-2008, 03:57

Trail Name: TBD (Salt Lake Mikey)
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 1-15
Approach Trail: Yes

HoytArcher45

08-21-2008, 00:49

Trail Name: Johnald
Direction: SOBO, bitches!
EST: Oh I dunno, when is everyone else starting? I graduate at the end of May.
Approach Trail: uhh...I-95?

Grumpy

08-22-2008, 12:19

Trail Name: Grumpy
Direction: NOBO
Start: 22 FEB 2009
Approach: Maybe

I have dreamt of my journey for many years. It is my transition from a military career to a new chapter of my life. So I am going to give it a go and see where the chips may fall. Hope to see you all along the way...

jk09

08-22-2008, 17:28

i have jumped through several flaming hoops to make this hike a reality and each day it just seems to fall further into place. so deal me in.

tbd on the trail name...... start is going to be somewhere in the 3 week window from 3/20 to 4/7........Ga2Me.... oh yeah and those 640 stairs arent even on the radar. thanks ill pass. cant wait to see you on the trail.....:banana

joshuasdad

08-23-2008, 14:54

Starting section hikes -- may go for all in one year

iamdick.com

08-23-2008, 20:13

Trail Name: iamdick
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: 03-01-09
Approach Trail: Y

muppet

08-25-2008, 19:55

Trail Name - tbd
Direction - nobo
Estimated Start Date - 3.21.09
Approach Trail - yepz.

KG4FAM

08-25-2008, 20:08

Trail Name: Going to go with my real name and pick a new one up this year
Direction: NOBO
Start Date:9th February
Approach Trail: My hiking partner is making me do it

I was going to SOBO this year, but had a minor break in my foot on Wildcat A (thank god for the gondola).

KG4FAM

08-25-2008, 20:11

Trail Name: Johnald
Direction: SOBO, bitches!
EST: Oh I dunno, when is everyone else starting? I graduate at the end of May.
Approach Trail: uhh...I-95?
For SOBOs the approach trail question is more valid than for NOBOs. What trail are you taking up? Hunt, Abol, others?

bigboots

08-25-2008, 20:13

Trail Name: Bigboots or The goat
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: Early to mid March
approach trail: yes

HoytArcher45

08-25-2008, 23:17

I'll actually be parachuting onto the summit of Kahtadin.

minnesotasmith

08-26-2008, 00:32

I'll actually be parachuting onto the summit of Kahtadin.

Already in horizontal black-and-white striped clothing to save the rangers some time. ;) That's illegal, FYI.

adaval

08-26-2008, 15:48

Trail Name: well, this is gonna have to wait for now.
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: early-ish March
Approach Trail - yup

additionally, I'm planning/hoping/planning to ride my bicycle back to GA from Maine...assuming, of course, that I make it to Maine...which I will. :) Aloha to all and see you in the Spring!

Mowgli08

08-31-2008, 22:44

Trail Name: Mowgli
NOBO
Estimated Start: March 1, 2009
Approach Trail: Yeah

I've been looking forward to this for a long time. And I agree with everyone else who has stated - it's still too long away

beerandpizza

09-01-2008, 10:19

Trail Names: TBD for the wife and I
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start: Thinking early April but may get antsy and go in March. Nothing holding us back from starting whenever we feel like it
Approach: Depends on our ride

GeoHiker

09-01-2008, 16:09

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: Late Feb or Early March, 09
Approach Trail: Without a doubt

trekkngirl

09-01-2008, 18:28

Trail name:trekkngirl
Direction:NOBO
Start Date:March 16th..my late dads birthday..hmm.. why not?
Approach Trail..done it already..will do it again before "THE DATE"...so no :) Can't wait!!

jmhouse

09-02-2008, 00:43

Trail Name: none yet
Direction: NOBO (as of right now)
Start Date: April sometime
Approach Trail: yep

Start date is tentative due to not knowing how much money i'll have saved by then. I'll know for sure as it gets closer

mark28

09-02-2008, 10:57

trail name, "spoons"
direction, nobo
start date, march 09 2009
approach trail, unlikely

bonnie

09-02-2008, 23:45

Trail Name: Windwalker
Direction: nobo
Estimated Start Date: late March/early April
Approach Trail - yes

i've been dreaming of this adventure since i was in junior high school and first saw a book on the AT while working at the library. trying to cut my pack (and windwalker) weight as much as possible to be kind to my knees (ITB syndrome, patelofemoral syndrome, chondromalacia--all sorts of fun knee stuff). i am a vegan, so it seems like maildrops are going to be the way to go. looking into a gearskin "pack" and lunar solo shelter. welcome any and all advice...and i love dancing bananas.

Rusticus

09-03-2008, 19:20

Trail Name: Rusticus
Direction: North
Estimated Start Date: Late March
Approach Trail - yes

keifers13

09-03-2008, 21:07

Trail Name: Huck Finn
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: March 9th
Approach Trail: Yes

This is a great idea! Many kudos for doing this.

Hooch

09-03-2008, 21:18

So far, there's only one other pre-March NOBO besides me posting here.
Don't worry, they'll find you. Y'all just follow the trail of toilet paper. :D:banana

Alex

09-04-2008, 14:02

So it looks like life has forced me to make this a 3 month section hike instead of a through. I'll still be starting the same time and can't wait to meet everyone here. -Crab Cake

Trail Name: Crab Cake
Direction: Nobo
Estimated Start Date: mid ->late March
Approach Trail - yes

I'm officially comitted, can't wait to meet everyone.

Monkeywrench

09-04-2008, 15:07

I'm officially comitted...

So they are letting you out for your hike? :eek:

leprechaun

09-08-2008, 15:05

trail name: leprechaun
direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: Late april early may
approach trail: yes

Jason of the Woods

09-08-2008, 15:51

Squid, I guess you had better jot me down as leaving somtime north again in about mid march. The only thing that could change that is if the great western trail steals me.;)

minnesotasmith

09-08-2008, 16:07

Don't worry, they'll find you. Y'all just follow the trail of toilet paper. :D:banana
I use privies when I can, and go off-Trail and bury the aftermath when I can't. Only when 1) in considerable, unplanned emergency-level urgency, 2) the ground is frozen so hard I can't do a burial, and 3) I can't find a large rock or something to put atop the mess, would I possibly leave a TP-flower anywhere near the Trail.

Jason of the Woods

09-08-2008, 16:10

stick man nobo 21 march 2009 approach trail yes
This guy needs a new name. ARen't I Grandfathered in?;)

BearII

09-09-2008, 21:49

Trail Name: Bear
Direction: Nobo
Estimated Start Date: mid ->late March (depending on when the taxes get sorted - got to get that accountant for the LLC to get on the stick sooner!! :eek:)
Approach Trail - yes

BearII

09-09-2008, 22:07

Spend about 200 hours reading on this website. Watch some AT movies, read at least one well-done (e.g., non-Bryson) book on the AT, and get a guidebook ASAP.

Minnie - can you recommend a favorite book on the AT? Which guidebook did you prefer?

minnesotasmith

09-10-2008, 09:01

Minnie - can you recommend a favorite book on the AT? Which guidebook did you prefer?

1) "On The Beaten Path" by Robert Rubin. He worked as a book editor for years, so IMO understood what is, and is not, good writing.

2) I used Wingfoot's "The Thruhiker's Handbook", but went thru it with an AT Companion and added in capacity, age built, and whether or not it had a privy by each shelter.

3) I'll add here that I strongly recommend ordering the entire ATC set of maps months ahead of time, as the outfitters north of Harper's Ferry were seriously unreliable at having AT maps on hand, especially NJ/NY. Also, get the National Geographic trail maps for the Smokies and the White/S. Maine, and the Shenandoah Park map (latter probably available for free when you get there). Those maps have VERY useful info about cross trails so you know where you are, campsites and water sources not listed on ATC maps/guidebooks, etc. About 40 bucks for all of those NG maps.

P.S. The preferred abbreviation for my trail name is MS. Minnie is a mouse, and surely you know what most thruhikers think about mice... ;)

corialice81

09-10-2008, 10:51

Trail Name: Gonna try a new one...done with Blister and Doc!
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: Feb. 9th, 2008
Approach Trail - YES! Quite your whinning 33whiskey! It'll be fun...dunna dunna dunna.

I've got some unfinished business to attend to. I tried a NOBO 08 on 4.19 then a SOBO 08 on 07.01....did 300 miles total and I'm just not satisfied.

corialice81

09-10-2008, 10:51

Geez...I meant Feb. 9th, 2009!!!

the Harms house

09-10-2008, 11:46

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 9th
Approach Trail - yes or no: yes

my wife and i will be embarking together

Hne913

09-10-2008, 14:27

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: April 1st (Fools day - augh) or earlier
Approach Trail: Still trying to convince my boyfriend we should skip this - lol. Probably a yes.

See you on the trail (well - most of you are starting earlier then us, so possibly not... usless you're a slow climber)

Hne913

09-10-2008, 14:31

Hne913

09-10-2008, 14:32

sorry - didn't mean to post twice... Oops. (I got confused)

weasel and bunny

09-10-2008, 16:40

Trail Name: Weasel and Bunny and one more TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: April 1 for a 1 month section
Approach Trail - yes or no: Yes unless we grow wings

KG4FAM

09-10-2008, 17:36

Approach Trail - YES! Quite your whinning 33whiskey!So is this some sort of secret masters degree dialect of English or do you just not know how to spell correctly.:D

corialice81

09-10-2008, 17:43

No secret - I can't spell...I'm a biologist/chemist...no need to spell.

GeoHiker

09-10-2008, 22:19

Trail name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Est. Start Date: early march
Approach Trail: No way to get to the top of springer without walking

BearII

09-10-2008, 23:41

1) "On The Beaten Path" by Robert Rubin. He worked as a book editor for years, so IMO understood what is, and is not, good writing.

2) I used Wingfoot's "The Thruhiker's Handbook", but went thru it with an AT Companion and added in capacity, age built, and whether or not it had a privy by each shelter.

3) I'll add here that I strongly recommend ordering the entire ATC set of maps months ahead of time, as the outfitters north of Harper's Ferry were seriously unreliable at having AT maps on hand, especially NJ/NY. Also, get the National Geographic trail maps for the Smokies and the White/S. Maine, and the Shenandoah Park map (latter probably available for free when you get there). Those maps have VERY useful info about cross trails so you know where you are, campsites and water sources not listed on ATC maps/guidebooks, etc. About 40 bucks for all of those NG maps.

P.S. The preferred abbreviation for my trail name is MS. Minnie is a mouse, and surely you know what most thruhikers think about mice... ;)

Aw MS, I kinda liked Minnie. :D Seriously, thanks for the info. Hadn't thought about the maps idea - thanks for the heads up. Did you actually carry all the maps or have them in your drops at the appropriate stages.

minnesotasmith

09-11-2008, 09:35

Aw MS, I kinda liked Minnie. :D Seriously, thanks for the info. Hadn't thought about the maps idea - thanks for the heads up. Did you actually carry all the maps or have them in your drops at the appropriate stages.

I never carried more than 5 ATC maps at a time, usually more like 3.

Lxandr90

09-11-2008, 12:52

Trail Name: Eegah
Direction: NOBO
Starting approx March 15

Nervous and terrified of all the details but excited as hell.

Olives

09-15-2008, 15:51

Well, I did a bit in the north this year... not much but had to leave and start training for a marathon this October. Needless, to say... ever since I left I can hardly think of anything besides going back. So that's what I'm doing.

Trail Name = Purple Rain
Direction = nobo
Estimated Start Date = exact date is debatable, but mid march I'll be heading to GA
Approach Trail = well, I'd have to say yes here I suppose.

tomandcolin

09-16-2008, 09:15

Trail Name: TooTall (+1)
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: Mid April (is this a bad idea? prior commitment in the UK)
Approach Trail: Hell yes

My good friend Colin and myself are hiking the trail in aid of Cancer Research UK and hope to raise the equivalent of about $25,000+ for their cause.
Cant get the trail out of my head - i've just started buying all my gear and its all i seem to care about now, much to the dismay of all my friends! :D

Pound Hound

09-19-2008, 03:20

Trail name(s): Pound Hound and Fisherman (tentative names)
Direction: NB
Estimated start date: Feb 15
Approach trail: undecided

Joe8484

09-20-2008, 22:26

Trail name: N/A
Direction: NOBO
Estimated start date: Between March 10th - 15th
Approach trail: Yes

Currently live in South Jersey/Philadelphia area. Give me a shout if your nearby.

Tully

09-21-2008, 12:29

Trail Name: Tully
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 14
Approach Trail: Yes.

Live in the Raleigh/Durham area. Drop me a line if you wish to carpool/connect.

bach2112

09-21-2008, 14:40

Trail Name: U-Turn
Direction: Northbound
Estimated Start Date: Febuary 15th
Approach Trail: Yes

I'm also new to this forum and wanted to meet others who will be hiking at this time. I'm going alone only because all of my friends have other engagements- or as I like to call it, a life, lol-.

ehaegele

09-21-2008, 19:26

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 2
Approach Trail: Yes

kombiguy

09-25-2008, 10:56

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: Northbound
Estimated Start Date: April 16th(must pay the taxman!)
Approach Trail: Yes

Honey Badger

09-25-2008, 13:37

Joe8484

09-25-2008, 13:47

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start: March 1
Approach: Probably not; I grew up around here so I have done it many times.

So does anyone think I am crazy for hiking the AT with my mother and boyfriend?

If you can spend that much time with your mother, you must have a special relationship. I know I couldn't...Good luck!

almostolen

09-29-2008, 21:37

Trail Name: Almostolen
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: June 8
Approach Trail - yes

Dyadya Tim

09-30-2008, 09:46

Trail Name: Caveman
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start: March 21st
Approach Trail: No (my parents are wanting to see me off from Springer.)

Outofstep39

10-01-2008, 20:40

Trail Name: Out of Step, call me what you will...i don't mind
Direction: NO-BO fo' sho
Estimated Start: March 1st
Approach Trail: Cross it when it comes...

On AT specific knowledge I'm kind of light, so I'm depending on good physical conditioning and lotsa general outdoors experience to pull me through till i get my feet wet. I still have time to learn A LOT more though. Can't wait. This is the first big event of my life(sans birth, schooling, etc.)

rdsoxfan

10-02-2008, 00:17

[quote=mountain squid;634120]The Class of 2009 Forum is open, so I will start working on the Class of 2009 spreadsheet. Time to make your plans official by registering (no turning back now:D).

Trail Name TBD I was thinking "Wally" The mascot of the Red Sox.
Direction NOBO
Estimated Start Date 1st wk of March. ETS
Approach Trail - yes, of course! Looking forward to it.
I'm stoked to embark on this journey. Have dreamed of doing it since I was 12.

rdsoxfan

10-02-2008, 00:30

Is there a reason your starting so early? Just curious!

rdsoxfan

10-02-2008, 00:41

I'm planning on starting around the same time. I live up in Skowhegan, ME. How are you going down to GA? I've dreamed of hiking it since I was about 12. Would you be interested in having a partner?

altarocks

10-02-2008, 00:55

Hey all! My name is Ryan, no trail name yet, waiting to see what happens after we start hiking. Leaving my job on 3/27/09 and going to take Amtrak down for late March/early April start from Springer. 110% committed. April fools day seems to be optimal day to start! Currently living on Long Island, NY and hiking NOBO before moving back to UT to ski the Utah powder! Just bought a dehydrator and looking for some tips! Have done intensive hiking/backpacking in Utah desert and hitting the Catskills, Dacks, and Hudson Valley frequently now. Any other hikers from NYC area looking for a hiking partner to enjoy this fall foilage, or to plan, or to train- let me know- it is hard to find the outdoors enthusiasts here on this Island. Happy Trails! :sun

rdsoxfan

10-02-2008, 00:58

Hey just a question: What gear did u have before that was a poor choice? And what gear are you taking this time to be successful? Any reason your starting so early?

YogiJPK

10-02-2008, 02:05

Trail Name: Peanut
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: Mid-February
Approach Trail: Most Likely

Hiked the northern 500 two years ago and ever since have dreamt of having a chance to thru-hike. The time is almost here!

naturejunkie

10-06-2008, 16:27

Trail Name: Nature
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: 2/15 - 3/1/2009
Approach Trail: No way man, LOL

After two SOBO attempts, I figure it's time to go NOBO. I hope this time I make it all the way. Cheers!

rdsoxfan

10-06-2008, 18:30

I think I'll go with "Rem Dog" for a trail name. Can anyone tell me what kinda weather to expect If I decide to start in Feb. Thanks!

kdawg

10-09-2008, 22:29

Trail Name: AT
Direction: Nobo
Estimated Start Date: Mid-April 2009
Approach Trail - of course

Calkins

10-13-2008, 18:10

Yo, Dudes and Dudettes:

I will be traveling to Atlanta on March 14, heading north on the AT from Springer Mt. on Sunday, March 15. I plan on doing an email list of interested '09 through hikers who are planning to leave in mid-March. (OK, anytime from the 1st to the 31st!). The idea is partly to get to know each other a bit in advance, and partlyto have someone besides my family to talk about the upcoming adventure with, as they've already heard about as much as they can stand!

Any takers, email me at [email protected]

See on the trail!
Longhaul
GA->Me '09

Crawl

10-16-2008, 21:57

Trail Name: Crawl
Direction:

Crawl

10-16-2008, 22:03

Trail Name: Crawl(again)
Direction: Nobo
Estimated Start Date: March 10th,2009
Approach Trail:Yes

Had fun at the gathering and working with Bob Peoples on the trail afterwards... Met many and they didn't run! Lots of fun, let's all go after the thru hike next year!

trekkngirl

10-17-2008, 11:26

It was great meeting you crawl..2009 woohoo!!

TunnelvisionGAME09

10-17-2008, 12:39

Trail Name: TunnelVision
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: No later than May 15
Approach Trail - yes

Also joining me will be my husband, Steward.

oldbear

10-17-2008, 13:34

Trail name : Whatever the AT community eventually gives me, I'll take
Direction :NOBO
Start date: Between March 17 & April 1
Approach trail >Yes
Comments :
Man it's hard to get an older male body back into hiking shape
I'll see' y'all out there

winloon

10-20-2008, 13:17

Trail Name: Birdman
Directon:NOBO
Start date: Mar 7
Approach trail: no
Comments: My son Blake who just graduated from high school and is taking a gap year before heading to Bates College in ME will be joining me.

MacGyver09

10-22-2008, 18:43

Trail Name: MacGyver (given to me by a thru-hiker at Ethan Pond Campsite in White Mts. -- he liked my gear)

Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: April 1, 2009

Approach Trail - No. My husband wants to take me to the FS road, backtrack with me to the trailhead, and walk my first mile with me.:)

Hiking with a friend or two.

ac2rivers

10-22-2008, 19:59

Trail Name: Ham Bone
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: April 1, 2009
Approach Trail: Yes

Finally made up my mind to go for it today. Can’t wait to see what the trail has in store.

j03210

10-22-2008, 21:54

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 1st
Approach Trail: Yes

RedDogPatch

10-22-2008, 22:45

Trail name: RedDogPatch
Direction: NOBO
Est start date: April, 2K9
Approach trail: Yepper

Old Goat

10-26-2008, 19:27

Trail Name: Old Goat and Check six
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 17
Approach Trail: Probably not

See: http://www.trailjournals.com/chipsadventure

bigboots

10-27-2008, 20:57

One of my nicknames (sometimes trailname) is "The Goat"... maybe old goat and the goat will cross paths. Although I am leaving asap in march.

Have a great hike!

bigboots

10-27-2008, 21:03

The Class of 2009 Forum is open, so I will start working on the Class of 2009 spreadsheet. Time to make your plans official by registering (no turning back now:D).

See you on the trail (next year),
mt squid

Is this spreadsheet available for viewing anywhere? We can see how big a group is starting on which days and who is starting around each other.
Thanks
Bigboots

cooter

10-27-2008, 23:07

Trail Name: TBD (Maybe Gobo, Steve McQueen, Hot'Lanta or Superfly)
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: FEB. 20
Approach Trail - Yes

cooter

10-27-2008, 23:09

One of my nicknames (sometimes trailname) is "The Goat"... maybe old goat and the goat will cross paths. Although I am leaving asap in march.

Have a great hike!

"The Goat" is also a term for when you tuck your sack between your legs and bend over. This was popularized in the movie "Waiting." :) just giving you a heads up if some teenager gives you hell for it on the trail.

cooter

10-27-2008, 23:11

UPDATED WITH WEB SITE!
Also, is anyone else leaving in Feb?

Trail Name: TBD (Maybe Gobo, Steve McQueen, Hot'Lanta or Superfly)
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: FEB. 20
Approach Trail - Yes

www.mikemccollum.blogspot.com

cooter

10-27-2008, 23:13

Devon

10-29-2008, 01:30

Trail Name: Devon (may change)
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 9th
Approach Trail - Yes

I want to start now. All this planning and anticipation is really getting to me.

mountain squid

10-29-2008, 08:37

Is this spreadsheet available for viewing anywhere? We can see how big a group is starting on which days and who is starting around each other.
Thanks
BigbootsHere it is (http://www.whiteblaze.net/index.php?page=2009thruhikers). It is also accessible from the WhiteBlaze homepage, left pane under the articles section. Thanks attroll!!

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/signs003.gifeveryone!!!

See you on the trail,
mt squid

Lops

10-29-2008, 13:14

Hello class of '09!

Trail Name: Lops
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: Beginning of March
Approach Trail: Yes...in it for the long haul!
Additional Info:
Hope to see some of you there!

Movin' the start date forward a little bit: Feb 20th/21st :D

also forgot to mention - I'll be hiking with my Fiancee, CRS

Great spreadsheet, BTW!

gonewalkabout

10-29-2008, 22:00

Trail Name: Gonewalkabout (may change on root)
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 1st- april 1st
Approach Trail - yes

BearII

10-30-2008, 09:17

... I want to start now. All this planning and anticipation is really getting to me.

Major Dittos there!!!

Lops

10-30-2008, 12:38

Major Dittos there!!!

Me 2! Wish we could leave right now...hmmm a little more winter gear:-? haha

buzz48843

10-30-2008, 12:49

jTrail Name: TBA
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 18
Approach Trail: No

minnesotasmith

10-30-2008, 13:03

Smithy, I'm leaving Feb. 20. Maybe I'll see you on the trail.

However, I have hopes of actually hitting Amicalola a week or so earlier than our official start date of Feb. 14th. It all depends on how early we get to the start of the Pinhoti, and how long our hike of that trail takes...

cheyenne walkingbird

10-31-2008, 07:36

Cheyenne Walkingbird
NOBO
:sunMarch 14th
Approach Trail - yes

hikrgrl

10-31-2008, 10:24

Hey everyone!
Trailname: TBD (Hot Chocolate, perhaps? it would be fitting since my hiking partner, Madison, is a chocolate lab)
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: mid-February - still nailing down specifics of when we can get a ride.
Approach Trail: more than likely :-)

clamb-1

10-31-2008, 15:59

Trail Name: Grizz :confused: perhaps
Direction: NOBO
EST: Early to Mid March
Approach Trail: Yes

Fullstep

10-31-2008, 19:13

Trail name .Ray
Strart date.Aug 15
Going down hill
Big k- No

lizzieGAME09

11-03-2008, 10:11

Trail Name: TBA
Direction: Southbound
Estimated Start Date: March 8
Approach Trail: Yes

lizzieGAME09

11-03-2008, 10:14

Trail Name: TBA
Direction: Northbound! (That's what you get for rushing a post while running late for work!)
Estimated Start Date: March 8
Approach Trail: Yes

bigboots

11-03-2008, 20:01

Trail Name: TBA
Direction: Southbound
Estimated Start Date: March 8
Approach Trail: Yes

southbound in March!!!!! Do you know what you're getting yourself into? Good Luck and I'll see you on the trail.

Monkeywrench

11-04-2008, 08:16

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: NOBO
Estmated Start Date: 3/22/2009
Approach Trail: Yes

My start date has been bumped up to 3/18. I'm hoping it might be a little bit less crowded in the middle of the week.

KG4FAM

11-04-2008, 08:23

My start date has been bumped up to 3/18. I'm hoping it might be a little bit less crowded in the middle of the week.
Days of the week don't matter too much on a long distance hike except for when the PO is closed for those that do mail drops.

tucker0104

11-04-2008, 13:07

Anyone starting mid to late FEB?

Grumpy

11-04-2008, 14:28

Tucker,

I sure am... stepping off from Springer on 22nd of Feb.

Grumpy

Monkeywrench

11-04-2008, 17:47

Days of the week don't matter too much on a long distance hike except for when the PO is closed for those that do mail drops.

I meant I was hoping that by starting mid-week there might not be quite so many people starting on the same day and at the same place with me.

roxy33x

11-04-2008, 21:29

Trail Name:
Direction:
Estimated

roxy33x

11-04-2008, 21:33

Oops, hit the wrong button!

Trail Name: TBA
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 7th
Approach Trail: yes!

Heading out with my husband the day before our 6th anniversary!! We have been trying to do this for 3 years in a row now... hopefully this will be our year!

Nest

11-05-2008, 01:33

I meant I was hoping that by starting mid-week there might not be quite so many people starting on the same day and at the same place with me.

Yeah, kinda. It may mean starting with 20 people instead of 30. A lot of people flying may start mid week because of cheaper tickets, but most people having family drop them off will be weekend because the family is off work. It's a crap shoot, but mid week increases the chances of smaller crowds at first.

Serial 07

11-05-2008, 02:42

I meant I was hoping that by starting mid-week there might not be quite so many people starting on the same day and at the same place with me.

don't fear...you will be around many people...imo, your biggest priority is to get to franklin in time for the bash...that's the most important thing...

Swheeler05

11-05-2008, 15:01

Trail Name: TBD
Dierection: NOBO!
Start: Early March
Approach: Heck yes!

GET ME OUT OF THIS CITY!! - YMSB

bigboots

11-05-2008, 19:13

I am official...
I will be departing Amicalola State park on March 3, 2009!:banana:banana:D
See all of you on the trail!
Bigboots

Bigagnes

11-06-2008, 11:52

Trail Name: TBD
Direction: Nobo
Start Date: March 1st-ish
Approach Trail: Definitely!

Might bring the Cash the dog with me. He's a mess!

Jorel

11-07-2008, 06:17

I hope I am doing this right...

Trail Name: Jorel (my son thru hiked in 2006, and his name was Superman, get it?)
Start Date: Hopefully sometime between March 1st and 15th. I need to be back in late August.
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Age:55, had planned on working another 5-7 years first, but started to feel my body telling me "now or never", so resigned from my law partnership effective Jan 1, and told my long suffering wife of 30 years I would stay in touch by postcard.
Biggest Fear: I will miss my cat too much. (OK, my wife too, but I can always entreat her to drive down and see me. Don my cat, unlike Toontz of SNL fame, cannot drive)
Most fun so far in preparation:Shake down hikes in Manistee National Forest, picking out gear (so far I own 5 tents), and reading this site.

Jorel

11-07-2008, 06:19

forgot to say Northbound.

Gator 65

11-07-2008, 17:18

I intend to start mid-late Feb
nobo
no approach trail
trail name Gator 65

Hometown Orange PArk, FL

Jessie's Girl

11-08-2008, 00:51

Trail Name: Jessie's Girl
Direction:

Jessie's Girl

11-08-2008, 00:56

.....oopsy. wasn't done with that.......anyway, as i was saying:
Trail Name: Jessie's Girl
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: March 6, 2009 (my birthday)
Approach Trail: likely

Hoping to find a hiking buddy for the beginning, and for the ending...

djmpa2001

11-08-2008, 11:45

Trail Name don't have one yet
Direction NOBO
Estimated Start Date March 11, 2009
Approach Trail - yes

hotspur147

11-08-2008, 20:42

Trailname:Hotspur Direction: NOBO Estimated Start Date: 2/09 Approach Trail: Yes

KG4FAM

11-08-2008, 20:48

Trail Name: Gonna try a new one...done with Blister and Doc!
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: Feb. 9th, 2009
Approach Trail - YES! Quit your whining 33whiskey! It'll be fun...dunna dunna dunna.

I've got some unfinished business to attend to. I tried a NOBO 08 on 4.19 then a SOBO 08 on 07.01....did 300 miles total and I'm just not satisfied.

Trail Name: Going to go with my real name and pick a new one up this year
Direction: NOBO
Start Date:9th February
Approach Trail: My hiking partner is making me do it

I was going to SOBO this year, but had a minor break in my foot on Wildcat A (thank god for the gondola).
It looks like we are going to be pushing it back to the 16th of February.

rec4healing

11-09-2008, 13:11

Trail name: TBA
Direction: NOBO
Start Date: April 1st, 2009
Approach trail: Probably not

blackyjones

11-10-2008, 20:55

Trail Name: waiting to be given one on the trail
Direction: Southbound
Start Date:Mid-late may. whenever they open baxter this year
Approach trail: i have no idea what this means... any help?

Nest

11-10-2008, 22:57

Trail Name: waiting to be given one on the trail
Direction: Southbound
Start Date:Mid-late may. whenever they open baxter this year
Approach trail: i have no idea what this means... any help?

Approach trail is the 8.8 (I think) miles from Amacalola falls state park to springer mtn for NOBOs. It's either hike that or get a ride to the forrest service road and hike .9 south to springer, then backtrack to go north for your trip. As a sobo I would go the 8.8 because there is an AYCE buffet in the park. On my nobo this year it took me 3 days to get to springer because I kept stopping at the buffet and killing a day. Hiked .1 miles the first day then decided to get a ride to the buffet and call it a day. Then made it 1 miles day two and went back to the buffet. Finally day three I got away from there and hit Springer.

Serial 07

11-10-2008, 23:09

now that's awesome nest...

Nest

11-11-2008, 00:20

now that's awesome nest...

Took me 7 months to thru hike for a reason.

Bare Bear

11-11-2008, 00:21

Your first thru hike lesson: beware of the town vortex...........

Serial 07

11-11-2008, 00:29

vortex..tex.tex..tex..tex...6 1/2 here, so i knows what'cha mean... :)

Serial 07

11-11-2008, 00:30

hey bare bear...don't know if you remember me, but you made me some veggie burgers a couple of years ago...still remember that trail magic as some of the best!

Nest

11-11-2008, 01:43

Your first thru hike lesson: beware of the town vortex...........

The worst part is that it's rarely a cool town. We never seemed to get stuck in the good towns. I ended up being in Gorham for a week total. There were a bunch of us that got stuck there for some reason or another. Something always semed to happen that required us to spend another night in town. I love the town vortex though. Spent many hours watching the shifts change at McDonalds.

Oh, here's the McDonalds secret for thru hikers. The double cheesburger has the highest fat, calorie, and protein per cost of anything. More than the fish, chicken, nuggets, or other burgers. Plus it's a dollar each. Then get a large fry, because per cost it's also the highest of the three fry options. Typical lunch was 4 double cheeseburgers, large fry, and sweet tea. Less than $10 and something like 5k calories. Just thought I would share this since we spant many hours one day figuring it out.

New England Guy

11-12-2008, 01:10

I'm planning on a NOBO hike mid March 2009

bigboots

11-12-2008, 18:55

Oh, here's the McDonalds secret for thru hikers. The double cheesburger has the highest fat, calorie, and protein per cost of anything. More than the fish, chicken, nuggets, or other burgers. Plus it's a dollar each. Then get a large fry, because per cost it's also the highest of the three fry options. Typical lunch was 4 double cheeseburgers, large fry, and sweet tea. Less than $10 and something like 5k calories. Just thought I would share this since we spant many hours one day figuring it out.

Gives a whole new meaning to HYOH...some enjoy being on the trail and stopping at shelters for an afternoon/evening of fun, others stop at mcdonalds.:rolleyes::D

Sloth71

11-12-2008, 21:04

Heading north around mid-late April.

I'm the real Sloth!

Nest

11-12-2008, 23:37

Gives a whole new meaning to HYOH...some enjoy being on the trail and stopping at shelters for an afternoon/evening of fun, others stop at mcdonalds.:rolleyes::D

Ah, but there's girls in the McDonalds, and they smell good.:D

Can't beat engorging yourself on thousands of calories for less than $15 over a few hours, then getting picked up by some random person to stay at their house that night for a shower, laundry, and place to sleep.

winloon

11-13-2008, 20:41

Trail name: Birdman

Direction: NOBO

Start date: Mar 7

Approach trail: no

Thru hiking with my son who just graduated from high school and is waiting a year to go to college.

CrashnburnBiker

11-13-2008, 22:50

Trail Name: TBA
Direction: NOBO
Estimated Start Date: Mid to late March (first day of Spring maybe?)
Approach Trail: sure, why not?

Nest

11-13-2008, 22:58

Trail name: Birdman

Direction: NOBO

Start date: Mar 7

Approach trail: no

Thru hiking with my son who just graduated from high school and is waiting a year to go to college.

Just curious. How would you son feel if he were to be called Avenger? :-?

Joe8484

11-14-2008, 01:22

Just curious. How would you son feel if he were to be called Avenger? :-?

I wonder how many ppl will take on comic book moniker?

K-Mile

11-14-2008, 01:47

K-mile (for now)
SOBO
mid-late june
yes

excited!

Pound Hound

11-16-2008, 04:32

Yep...we're leaving Feb 15 SOBO
Pound Hound and Garage Man

Pound Hound

11-16-2008, 04:34

Whoops...I think I said SOBO...we're hiking North! Pound Hound and Garage Man

mweinstone

11-16-2008, 08:18

directive 17 clearly states:"matthewski shall attempt thruhikeing at any time he can afford it. " this 09 class looks great. my art may sell as i have several baited art hooks in the waters as well as some chum i threw in in the form of art donated to art places. my dates dont change. my dream step off from the approtch trail isthursday morning at nautical dawn on the 19th of february 2009. my southbound alternative launch from big k if delayed beyond northbound season,.. june 19th. my hike tthis year if i could do it would have a theam. bacon.

STEVEM

11-16-2008, 09:14

Marcello

11-16-2008, 14:23

Name -Marcello
-mush
Direction - NOBO
Started - Mid March
Approach Trail - Likely

Been planning since June / 08

gobaton01

11-16-2008, 15:55

Trail name: TBD
Est. start: March 28th
Direction: NOBO
Approach trail: yessir

I graduated in May 2008, worked in Estes Park in the National park at a summer camp, working at Copper Mountain for the Winter then headed out on the AT with my best friend since 1st grade. Livin the Life!:banana