Maria
07-14-2010, 17:14
Hello all,
My name is Maria and I am brand new to this site. First I want to say how much I appreciate the wealth of information that is available here, I have already learned so much...about how much I don't know :) but I'm trying to catch up.
I will be traveling to West Point, NY to visit my son on Aug 14/15 when he completes his cadet basic training. It will be the first time in 7 weeks I have seen him. Needless to say, I am so proud of him and what he has accomplished. In these first weeks of being at West Point, he is facing many physical and emotional challenges. In a show of solidarity, I thought I might take to the wilderness and challenge myself.
Instead of simply flying up to see him, I thought I might hike the trail for 8 days, ending at the Bear Mountain Bridge in New York on Friday, Aug. 13. I would classify myself a novice and this will be my first time on the trail. I have done some back country camping and hiking for 3 days at a time but never this long and never flying solo. I plan to be out for 8 days and cover around 56 miles. (that's 7 days of hiking at 8 miles per day with one day built in for goofing off)
My question for you all (ha, said as if I have only one) is which way to go? I feel inclined to start about 56 miles north of the bridge (wherever that might be) and head sobo based on what I have read of the sections, but there seem to be more shelters on the south side, so maybe I should go nobo? Does anyone have any thoughts/reasons why to choose one over the other? It's all new to me, I'm excited to be anywhere on the trail. Your time and input is greatly appreciated.
My name is Maria and I am brand new to this site. First I want to say how much I appreciate the wealth of information that is available here, I have already learned so much...about how much I don't know :) but I'm trying to catch up.
I will be traveling to West Point, NY to visit my son on Aug 14/15 when he completes his cadet basic training. It will be the first time in 7 weeks I have seen him. Needless to say, I am so proud of him and what he has accomplished. In these first weeks of being at West Point, he is facing many physical and emotional challenges. In a show of solidarity, I thought I might take to the wilderness and challenge myself.
Instead of simply flying up to see him, I thought I might hike the trail for 8 days, ending at the Bear Mountain Bridge in New York on Friday, Aug. 13. I would classify myself a novice and this will be my first time on the trail. I have done some back country camping and hiking for 3 days at a time but never this long and never flying solo. I plan to be out for 8 days and cover around 56 miles. (that's 7 days of hiking at 8 miles per day with one day built in for goofing off)
My question for you all (ha, said as if I have only one) is which way to go? I feel inclined to start about 56 miles north of the bridge (wherever that might be) and head sobo based on what I have read of the sections, but there seem to be more shelters on the south side, so maybe I should go nobo? Does anyone have any thoughts/reasons why to choose one over the other? It's all new to me, I'm excited to be anywhere on the trail. Your time and input is greatly appreciated.