View Full Version : 8 Days till I leave and I feel LOST.
So I have been scrambling around trying to get everything under control so I can leave for Maine on the 24th.
I have a couple of questions that I can't seem to find answers to:
1. I plan on starting my hike on the 26th, does that mean I summit Khatadin on the 25th?
2. Do I have to make reservations at any special place before I start hiking?
3. Do I have to call anyone and make reservations in order to be in baxter?
4. Does anyone have a resupply list for SOBOers? I already have 30+ drops and I havn't passed virginia.
Thank you so much for the help!
8 days and counting!
Speakeasy TN
06-16-2010, 16:56
RELAX!
Summit whichever day suits you! Don't do it in the rain. Enjoy the view!
No reservations, forget the words "have to"!
By the middle of July you'll have a grip on what drops need to be bumped forward. Be ready to improvise.
Go have fun you lucky slob!!!!!!!!!!!!
bigcranky
06-16-2010, 17:30
Whether you need reservations at Baxter depends on your plan. If you want to camp in the park either the night before or the night after a SOBO start, then as I understand the system, that requires camping reservations.
http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/Camping/CampingReservations.html
Looks like at this point you need to call the Reservation Office at the park, since you are inside the 14 day window. The good news is that according to the online system, there are several sites left at Khatadin Stream campground.
As for resupply, that depends on what you've done already. If you've purchased food and packed mail drops for the first half of your hike, that's fine. Go with that plan. As you hike, you can refine your plan and have your maildrop control person change things as needed. You'll likely find you can buy most or all of what you need along the way, so if you haven't packed mail drops, just bring some money and a credit card. Or use some combination of the two plans. You'll figure it out.
Happy trails.
Bug spray.
Money.
Warm hat.
Reservation for camping at KStream in Baxter.
More bug spray.
More money.
One warm hat is enough.:)
Im confused as to where Khatadin stream actually is? Would I stay there before I start heading down Khatadin or after I reach the bottom?
wcgornto
06-16-2010, 17:55
You should send a resupply box to Shaw's of Lakeshore House in Monson and The Stratton Motel in Stratton. From there, you can figure it out as you go along from your guide book.
Im confused as to where Khatadin stream actually is? Would I stay there before I start heading down Khatadin or after I reach the bottom?
It is a campground on the AT in Baxter State Park. Camp there, hike the Hunt trail up and down, camp again. You can see Katahdin from the campground.
Other options but that is the simple answer.
vonfrick
06-16-2010, 18:55
You should send a resupply box to Shaw's of Lakeshore House in Monson and The Stratton Motel in Stratton. From there, you can figure it out as you go along from your guide book.
Here' Shaw's info:
Shaws Lodging
PO Box 72
Monson, ME
04464
207-997-3597
we'll probably run into each other there as i'll be right ahead of you in the 100 mi. and staying on to work the week of the 3rd before continuing on south. i'll keep an eye out for your box and if you want hold you a room or a spot in the bunkroom- better yet give dawn a call and let her know. have a great hike !! :sun:sun
Wiljourner
06-16-2010, 19:40
I just booked a lean-to at Katahdin Stream, for June 28/29 there are probably a few more openings. All you have to do is call the Baxter State Park. The Birches may also be available. Lean-to sites cost $30.00 a night. I think the entrance fee for out of state residents is $15.00. You can begin your ascent up Katahdin about 4,000 feet in just over five miles from the campground. Take the Hunt trail/AT/. Leave early, bring lots of water and layers. It has been known to sleet in July. Be sure to sign the trail register. Katahdin Stream is west of Abol campground and close to 1/2 hour form the park Gate by car. The park is 16-18 miles NW of Millinocket, ME.
karoberts
06-16-2010, 20:19
I have a reservation for a campsite at Katahdin Stream the night of June 24. I don't know how many tents are allowed at each campsite, but it cost $30, so I would assume they allow a few (Kate! and I are sharing already). You are welcome to share my site with me too! PM me for details.
bigcranky
06-16-2010, 20:34
Im confused as to where Khatadin stream actually is? Would I stay there before I start heading down Khatadin or after I reach the bottom?
You have to climb Katahdin to get to the starting point. Then you climb back down. It's a ten mile round trip, so you'll want to start early in the morning and have a camp site set up when you are done. Hence the suggestion to have a camp site reservation for two nights. Travel to Baxter SP, camp, then climb Katahdin, come back down, camp, then continue south the next morning.
Lone Wolf
06-16-2010, 20:47
stay at abol campground. 6 miles round trip. less crowded camping. hitch the 3 miles to the AT the next morning. no problem getting a ride
stay at abol campground. 6 miles round trip. less crowded camping. hitch the 3 miles to the AT the next morning. no problem getting a ride
Good advice - and as others have said in other ways, don't sweat the details. Figure out how much food you'll need between resupply points, be conservative, and if you have extra, you'll just have bigger meals on the last day or two before the next resupply. Let it happen - don't MAKE it happen. Enjoy your youth.:)
Spot In The Sky
06-17-2010, 03:31
Im gonna be climbing K on June 27th. Im staying the night of the 26th at The AT Lodge in Millinocket and then taking the shuttle to the park in the morning. The night of the 27th I have a tent site all to myself so if anyone else wants to join me its room for 6 people and Ill be pretty clueless too... pretty excited to see all these people starting around the same time as me!
Agreed about don't sweat the small stuff. Get the reservation, have a few twenties or so and enough food to get you to Monson (worst case buy a thing or two at White House Landing), hike there, reassess and keep moving. Any worrying you do beyond this much (assuming you're in half-decent physical shape) is not strictly necessary, and I'm sure even this list overstates slightly.
The extent of the pre-hike effort I made was to get a reservation somewhat in advance (a month? no longer really remember), to buy food for the 100 Mile Wilderness the night before I took buses ending up at Medway, and that was it. (I didn't absolutely need any particular backpacking gear I didn't already have from countless other, significantly shorter, trips.) Most notably I could have done a better job of figuring out exactly where to spend the night, how to get there, then how to get to BSP, but it worked out anyway. (I recommend AT Lodge, personally.) It still all went fine. It'll go fine for you.
I live in Maine so logistically it was a bit easier for me. I drove up to Millinocket the first week of January and waited in line at 3 in the morning to get my reservation for KSC. Probably didn't need to do that but I wanted to be sure to get a site for June 1 start date. My site was the closest one to the base of the big K. I camped out on night one, hiked all day on day two, camped out after a perfect class one day atop Katahdin and hiked on on day three. You can leave your pack at the ranger station and borrow a daypack for the climb if you so choose. Carry eight to ten days worth of food to get you to Monson and go from there. And most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!
Agreed about don't sweat the small stuff. Get the reservation, have a few twenties or so and enough food to get you to Monson (worst case buy a thing or two at White House Landing), hike there, reassess and keep moving. Any worrying you do beyond this much (assuming you're in half-decent physical shape) is not strictly necessary, and I'm sure even this list overstates slightly.
The extent of the pre-hike effort I made was to get a reservation somewhat in advance (a month? no longer really remember), to buy food for the 100 Mile Wilderness the night before I took buses ending up at Medway, and that was it. (I didn't absolutely need any particular backpacking gear I didn't already have from countless other, significantly shorter, trips.) Most notably I could have done a better job of figuring out exactly where to spend the night, how to get there, then how to get to BSP, but it worked out anyway. (I recommend AT Lodge, personally.) It still all went fine. It'll go fine for you.
I took a nero at White House Landing. Well worth the trip. Try the one pound hamburger. The pizza's good, too.
I took a nero at White House Landing. Well worth the trip. Try the one pound hamburger. The pizza's good, too.
Quite agree, did all that except nero (depending what distance you want to stretch the term) and the pizza. It's also kind of fun in its own right to get a personal water taxi ride to/from WHL. :-D
Antlers Campsite is several miles south of WHL and has some really sweet lakefront spaces, for what it's worth, and its privy is awesome, if you make the WHL day a shorter day. I took this picture from Antlers, standing maybe a dozen feet from my tent.
http://whereswalden.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/0011-300x222.jpg
(http://whereswalden.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/0011.jpg)
Starting in Maine is more difficult in principle than it is in practice. It will all become clear once you get there.
Especially don't fret about the maildrops on down the trail. Deal with the 100-mile Wilderness, then the next section, then the next section.
If you keep hiking, it will become easier.
PS--Good luck!
SOBO Pride!
peakbagger
06-18-2010, 08:10
With regard to sharing a individual tent site, dont plan on it. Baxter is very strict about their rules, the number of people in the group has to match the reservation and the maximum capacity of the individual site. (there are group sites but few would reserve them due to location). If you do join someone at site, you can probably pay at the gate to add a person as long as its under the maximum capacity. The Birches is a great option if they will let you use it, its just up the road from Katahdin steam campground and a lot less busy. There is also a bunkhouse at Katahidn Stream which is handy during bug season. I do recomend staying at Katahdin stream or the Birches when you come down from the summit, as you next option is outside the park at Abol Bridge campground. There is a store (expensive but convienient) there so you can buy some short term supplies if needed.
Here is the link to Baxter State Park website where you can make campground reservations and day use parking reservations.
http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/
The clerks in the reservations office are pros at the rules and are usually extemely helpful over the phone, let them know what you are doing and they will make sure you are covered.
You'll be amazed at how naturally things just work out and how quickly you become adept at making these seemingly gargantuan decisions. :-)
Just pay attention to the important things like having enough food/water and carrying/protecting your shelter and you're good to go. You have a bit more challenge SOBO due to the more remote starting location and the first few miles, but you WILL survive and thoroughly enjoy yourself.
As one of the regulars on here like to say, "It's only walking". For the most part he's right. Sure there are a lot of things to consider, but none of them are all that important that you can't improvise your way around a bad or incorrect decision.
As the first respondent said, RELAX.
Good luck, and have a GREAT time.
K-Stream reservation made for the night of the 25th! Had to book a lean-to because all the campsites were taken but I don't mind one bit. I'm getting anxious and excited.
I am also looking to stay at a motel/lodge of some sorts the night of the 24th. I was looking at The Appalachian Trail Lodge, but they can't confirm a reservation until Sunday because they are out of town. Does anyone have any suggestions for something close to Khatadin?
vonfrick
06-18-2010, 15:36
K-Stream reservation made for the night of the 25th! Had to book a lean-to because all the campsites were taken but I don't mind one bit. I'm getting anxious and excited.
I am also looking to stay at a motel/lodge of some sorts the night of the 24th. I was looking at The Appalachian Trail Lodge, but they can't confirm a reservation until Sunday because they are out of town. Does anyone have any suggestions for something close to Khatadin?
the AT lodge is the way to go. i'm sure you'll be fine waiting for sunday to confirm
peakbagger
06-18-2010, 16:05
There are several motels in town but the AT lodge is the lace to be as they offer a shuttle into the park. I wouldnt stress, the town isnt that busy this time of year!
earlyriser26
06-18-2010, 18:15
So I have been scrambling around trying to get everything under control so I can leave for Maine on the 24th.
I have a couple of questions that I can't seem to find answers to:
1. I plan on starting my hike on the 26th, does that mean I summit Khatadin on the 25th?
2. Do I have to make reservations at any special place before I start hiking?
3. Do I have to call anyone and make reservations in order to be in baxter?
4. Does anyone have a resupply list for SOBOers? I already have 30+ drops and I havn't passed virginia.
Thank you so much for the help!
8 days and counting!
I was just wondering how much experiece / prep-work you have done for your SOBO?
Blissful
06-18-2010, 20:32
prep is a good idea, esp as there is little to no gear aide for a long time. So make sure your gear is set.
We have reservations for KS both the night before the climb and the night after. We summit K July 1
The best advice I ever got about long distance hiking was given on the way to Katahdin. I was freaking out just a little bit and another hiker told me a parable that put things in perspective:
'The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.'
I stopped worrying about hiking the entire AT and took it one step at a time and everything worked out pretty good.
Have Fun!
Blissful
06-20-2010, 11:34
Nice, D wreck. :)
Spot In The Sky
06-20-2010, 12:47
I leave in 7 days...and Im NERVOUS and EXCITED!!
Blissful
06-20-2010, 20:12
We are in 10 days. Can't wait!!
watfordo
07-21-2010, 23:00
I am starting SOBO, climbing Katahdin on August 4th (hopefully). I have had little prep time and I'm out of shape; several have advised that I skip the 100 mile wilderness and shuttle straight to Monson. Any suggestions?
How would I get to Monson from Katahdin??
Don from Savannah, GA
Midnight post. Cool.
Not that I would know, but I wouldn't skip the 100 mile wilderness if you were doing a thru-hike. Psycologically it would always be behind you. That would be tough. Just go slow. You will need less food per day, going slower and burning more body fat, so you shouldn't need any more food than others to get through. Take your time.
Keep your gear and clothing weight down also, at least at first while getting in shape.
Llama Legs
07-22-2010, 09:54
"In a powerboat, you get there in a hurry . . . in a sailboat, you are already there."
skip the 100 mile???!!! good grief...:eek:
earlyriser26
07-22-2010, 11:33
Bug spray.
Money.
Warm hat.
Reservation for camping at KStream in Baxter.
More bug spray.
More money.
One warm hat is enough.:)
I would add just one thought. MORE BUG SPRAY!
It has been awhile around here since anyone has really needed a hat for warmth. Tad sticky, too.
Deer flies are a bugger tho.
watfordo
07-22-2010, 20:04
I'm more concerned with carrying 10 days of food and no safety net for 100 miles. Seems like to much risk for the first week on the trail. Isn't that how hikers get in trouble?
Jester2000
07-22-2010, 20:17
If you can't make it through the 100 mile wilderness, skipping the entire trail might be a good idea. Every hiker who's ever gotten "in trouble" on a trail has been outside at the time.
The 100 mile wilderness does have road crossings, and to my knowledge the number of thru-hikers who have died in the 100 mile wilderness is exactly zero.
boarstone
07-23-2010, 08:42
If going SOBO, at the Jo-Mary Rd, you can bail out if you need to. It's a well used dirt logging road, 4 mi. south of Antlers camp site. It'll be the first in-use dirt road. A bridge services the road over cooper brook. If you go right over the bridge, it'll take you out to Jo-Mary campground. You may luck out and get a ride from anyone driving in this area. Beyond here it will be iffy. It's 6 miles to the campground and 12 out to the road. Next possible place is the river crossing coming over the W. Branch of the Pleasant R. If you go straight after crossing the river( instead of right on the AT) it'll bring you to the Gulf Hagas parking lot in about 3 mins. and a possible ride out from anyone leaving.
Appalachian Tater
07-23-2010, 18:04
The 100 mile wilderness isn't really that isolated as people have noted. The name is scary but it really isn't. There is also Whitehouse Landing where you can get food and the hiking is easy and very scenic. No way should you skip it.
And the OP with dozens of mail drops, don't do any more, you are going to get fed up with those after dealing with the first few. 26 would be more than enough for the WHOLE TRAIL.