Warren Doyle's AT course

[old geezer]

Is it worth the time and expense for a newbie?

[Lone Wolf]

yes it is......

[ekeverette]

where and when is this course happening. i'd like to go?

[old geezer]

www.warrendoyle.com (http://www.warrendoyle.com)
Has all the info

[ekeverette]

thanks geezer.

[JaxHiker]

I had no idea there were courses on hiking the AT. Go figure.

[El Jefe]

I met Warren last year on the trail. Saw an older gentleman lounging on the side of the trail a couple hours from dark. We stopped and spoke he said he was heading to Deep Gap which was a good ways from where we were. I worried about that guy all night thinking he wasn't going to make it until well after dark. Found out the next day after talking to some other hikers that it was Warren Doyle. I felt like a fool for worrying all night about him...

[One]

I am registered for the May 2-6, 2011 ATI course.
There should be a tidbit or two that I can pick up from someone who has hiked the trail 16 times. I plan to hike my own hike, but incorporate some of Warren's experience and knowledge into it. I also hope to meet some other WBers and/or 2012 planned thrus there.

[rambunny]

I lucked into a class of his at The Gathering in 99 before my thru-hikes.I can't tell you how many times his words helped me along.

[bulldog49]

Is it worth the time and expense for a newbie?


Hell no! It's just walking, not rocket science.

[Creek Dancer]

I didn't need a course on how to walk in the woods. I learned about gear from backpacking buddies, reading, and trial and error. No biggie.

[BAG "o" TRICKS]

yes it is......

I like BJ's course better.

[Blissful]

What Warren helps with more than anything is the mental aspects of a thru hike, which is 90% of the game.
Saw him twice in '07 and his advice got me through the Whites and avoided a huge t-storm in NC by booking it to Franklin.

[canoehead]

I own an outdoor ed / adventure company. The people I get in most of my programs are new to the world of the outdoors they have a gazillion questions and would rather get their info from a someone in the outdoor field and not someone who hikes as a hobby. Instructors and guides backed with a variety of certifications tends to have credibility, professionalism and experience. They want to learn from someone who's knowledgeable and knows how to answer their questions with clarity. There's a comfort level to ask the questions, practice and apply their skills. These types of programs are not needed by all but for those who take them they usually walk away happy & with more skills and knowledge they came with and feel confident to move on in their own pursuits and personal endeavors. Not to mention a refresher course on things can even teach an ole dog a new trick or two.

[max patch]

If you want to learn how to dayhike the AT from gap to gap while carrying only a couple Little Debbie's and a pint of water then Warrens's your man. Course highly recommended.

[Jim Adams]

hmmmmmmmmm....a thruhiking course from the worlds greatest dayhiker?

geek

[Rockhound]

For those that feel they need a class....well.....OK. More power to em. I just hope it doesn't turn em all into "expert hikers" willing and eager to share all that "knowledge"

[general]

if you add up all of the miles that you walk to water, or to some nice vista, or some shelter that's a mile off the trail, well, those are extra. you can yellow blaze that exact amount of mileage later. they build up, like bonus points. that's all you really need to know.

[Just Jack]

I took WD"s class in '07 and it was very helpful in my completing my thru hike. As has been said--he helps you deal with the mental side of the hike. He helps you understand that you will be cold, lonely, bored, tired, and hungry--probably all at the same time. Even though I knew what to expect--it did not keep me from bitchin and whining. Nobody wants to hear it but it was my way of getting a bad day out of my system. And you will have a lot of bad days so learn a way to enjoy every day of your hike.

[mweinstone]

warrens contributions to our comunity are far and wide. if you came from another country not knowing folks and not understanding all the information about the thruhiking ways, think how few places you could shop for an all in one introduction to our worl. few is how many. very few. so stop careing what he eats for breakfast and how he dances at a trailfest and just be very very thankfull that a man has given his life to help folks fall in love with the AT.

[The Tank]

I lucked into a class of his at The Gathering in 99 before my thru-hikes.I can't tell you how many times his words helped me along.

I don't want to throw this thread off topic, but I heard of "The Gathering" from a hitchhiker I picked up this year. What is it? When/where is the next one? Thanks! :-?

[mweinstone]

i don't want to throw this thread off topic, but i heard of "the gathering" from a hitchhiker i picked up this year. What is it? When/where is the next one? Thanks! :-?

the gathering is just a fancy name for fun.

[Red Hat]

I don't want to throw this thread off topic, but I heard of "The Gathering" from a hitchhiker I picked up this year. What is it? When/where is the next one? Thanks! :-?

I took ATI course in 2003 and found it interesting. Aspects definitely helped me complete my hike last year. Take what you find useful, and leave the rest, mostly hike your own hike...

Now, the Gathering is the annual get together of the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association, ALDHA, which was started by Warren Doyle, by the way. It is held the around Columbus day every year, and the location varies. This year it is up north. Here is the site for info: http://www.aldha.org/gathring.htm

[wcgornto]

I took WD"s class in '07 ... he helps you deal with the mental side of the hike ... it was my way of getting a bad day out of my system. And you will have a lot of bad days so learn a way to enjoy every day of your hike.

I didn't take the class. I didn't have any bad days. I had some cold, wet, rainy days ... but no bad days.

[Trailbender]

I didn't take the class. I didn't have any bad days. I had some cold, wet, rainy days ... but no bad days.

My only bad days were missing getting on my computer and playing videogames or watching tranny porn.

[Lone Wolf]

hmmmmmmmmm....a thruhiking course from the worlds greatest dayhiker?

geek

wow. and i get flak for daring to inquire about miss janet's walk. hmmmmmmm

[weary]

hmmmmmmmmm....a thruhiking course from the worlds greatest dayhiker? geek
We are all day hikers -- well most of us. Warren has done more "day" hikes of the AT than anyone, but also is a solo thru hiker. I've never attended one of his courses, but I can't think of anyone better prepared to teach such a thing.

[rickb]

I don't want to throw this thread off topic, but I heard of "The Gathering" from a hitchhiker I picked up this year. What is it? When/where is the next one? Thanks! :-?

I am looking forward to attending for the first time this year.

If in doubt, you might want to check the 2 part YouTube video. Part one is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33o9dUwzow0&feature=related

A good amount of the time is an interview with Warren Doyle, so your question is not off topic at all.

[Spokes]

Some people take courses on how to make sushi. Now that's hard to learn.

So does that make Warren the "Itamae of the Trail"?

[Rockhound]

wow. and i get flak for daring to inquire about miss janet's walk. hmmmmmmm
It's cuz you're just a newb. You should just let the experienced hikers voice their opinions. you might learn something.

[Spokes]

It's sorta like watching a Time-Life infomercial on the "Legends of Rock n' Roll".

[jenpharr]

I attended Warren's ATI in 2004, before my first thru-hike. I found it immensely helpful in keeping my hike simple, affordable, and safe. He presented many options in his instruction, which I found helpful at crucial times on the trail. For example, when my stove broke I remembered that Warren had talked about hiking the trail without cooking - I soon discovered that I liked hiking better when I didn't have to cook and clean pots. I also met several other thru-hike hopefuls at the workshop. The participants were fun, energetic and engaging. The group spirit was contagious and even though I ended up hiking on my own, I carpooled and started the hike with a couple I met at the workshop. Plus his house is cool and you get to hike on the AT in the course and it is really affordable. The money spent on the course paid for itself, considering the alternative, unnecessary, and inexpensive gear that I learned about at the institute.

[John B]

Jenpharr, if I'm not mistaken, aren't you a record holder for speed hiking the AT?

It's an honor to say hello to you.

[mweinstone]

wait. the inside of his house is what? describe.....

[Sly]

I don't want to throw this thread off topic, but I heard of "The Gathering" from a hitchhiker I picked up this year. What is it? When/where is the next one? Thanks! :-?

It's generally held on, or near, Columbus Day weekend every year. This year, the 30th Gathering, will be held in North Adams, Ma. at MCLA.

Headliner and keynote speaker will be Andrew Skurka and his recent Alaskan adventures...

http://www.aldha.org/gathring.htm

http://www.andrewskurka.com/

[warren doyle]

I have run the ATI since 1989. About 500 future thru-hikers, from 39 states and three foreign countries) have attended. Close to 75% of the attendees who actually started their thru-hikes completed their treks (as opposed to the regular 20-25% completion rate).
And now it is held at the Appalachian Folk School just ten miles from Damascus. Next session is May 2-6.
The tuition (which includes lodging) is affordable and you will end up spending less in the long run.
More info at www.warrendoyle.com (http://www.warrendoyle.com)

[DavidNH]

As for taking a course prior to through hiking, I'm sure it is useful. My personal recommendation would be simply to read what you can, and do a few back packs before hand so you have an idea what you are getting in to. Everyone works out the kinks in time. But one has to not quit in order for that to happen.


David

[Panzer1]

wow. and i get flak for daring to inquire about miss janet's walk. hmmmmmmm

people just like to give you flak. :D

Panzer

[Gray Blazer]

I like BJ's course better.


Ha Ha

.......

[old geezer]

Thanks for all the posts
After reviewing nothing but positive comments from those who have actually taken the course...I'm in!
Signed up for the September course

[mykl]

Hell no! It's just walking, not rocket science.
lol true.....

[WILLIAM HAYES]

I met Warren in the 100 mile wilderness several times last year and think anybody would benefit from the wealth of his experience on the AT-
hillbilly

[stranger]

lol true.....

You think long-distance hiking is about walking? Haha

[Transition Bob]

Hi! I'm thinking about taking the May 2nd course, too, and I live in Cherry Hill. I see you love in PA. What kind of transportation plans have you made?

[mirabela]

Thru-hiking is not rocket science. I don't suppose WD's could hurt, although in my brief first-hand experience with him, he came off as a little more certain than perhaps he ought to have been that some of his ways were the best or the only ways. Then again, that's probably true for lots of us.

Thru-hiking is like anything else long and hard -- there are lots of ways to prepare, and lots of ways to execute it when it goes live, and no two people will pursue exactly the same program.

If you have your basic backpacking legs under you -- can confidently execute trips in the 4 - 6 day range in varied terrain and weather -- and you're good with reading and online resources, a course is certainly nothing you need. Then again, it might be fun, and you might come away with your spirits buoyed and your doubts soothed.

So ... all this is my rambling way of saying I'd consider it totally optional, but probably harmless.

[One]

Just thought I would post a follow up to this thread. I attended Warren Doyle's ATI last week. Although he seems somewhat opinionated, judgmental and set in his ways... It seems that his opinions, judgements and ways (in regards to the trail) seem to work.

I have posted more info in my Trail Journals 5-8-11 post if you care to read. Overall, I am very glad that I attended his course.

[Red Hat]

Just thought I would post a follow up to this thread. I attended Warren Doyle's ATI last week. Although he seems somewhat opinionated, judgmental and set in his ways... It seems that his opinions, judgements and ways (in regards to the trail) seem to work.

I have posted more info in my Trail Journals 5-8-11 post if you care to read. Overall, I am very glad that I attended his course.

Yours is the overall agreed opinion of those who have attended the ATI. Did I do everything his way? Of course not! Did I find the course useful? Absolutely!

[Just Plain Bill]

In the winter of 1989 I attended the ATI (Bill Irwin, the Orient Express, was in the same class). It was in Virginia at the time. Warren tells you how to do it based on his very specific experience, then you take and adapt his recommendations. For example, I would never follow his recommendations about hiking shoes.

I had never owned a backpack nor done overnight camping when I attended ATI, so for me it was invaluable. If I remember correctly, I bought my pack just a couple of weeks before meeting Warren. I think Bill Irwin was in the same boat.

I would not have finished if it weren't for Warren, and I'll always be grateful. The number one thing I took away from the ATI is that if you really want to finish, and I did, you have to realize that it's mostly a mental challenge.

Thank you, Warren.

[old geezer]

I asked the question...now I'll answer it
I just returned from the September course and it WAS worth it
11 newbies took the course
we had classroom instruction including going through the Data Book and answering all our questions
we had 3 afternoon hikes on the trail---one with rain
we hiked with a former thru hiker to get his advice for the trail
we me a thru hiker that Warren invited to stay with us for 2 zero days and got to get his current advice
we had breakfast and board provided
AND we had an hour plus talk from Jennifer Pharr Davis to end the course
worth every penny of the $300

[Chaco Taco]

We are all day hikers -- well most of us. Warren has done more "day" hikes of the AT than anyone, but also is a solo thru hiker. I've never attended one of his courses, but I can't think of anyone better prepared to teach such a thing.

comment deleted

[judyabcd]

I'm signed up for the November class. I'm a newbie - and old :) - so I'm looking forward to not only the class, but starting my thru-hike next Spring. Hopefully I'll meet some of you there!

[atmilkman]

I'm signed up for the November class. I'm a newbie - and old :) - so I'm looking forward to not only the class, but starting my thru-hike next Spring. Hopefully I'll meet some of you there!
Good move. Good for you. I met Warren up on Springer the day Jenn Pharr came in and set the record. After spending about an hour with him, her, and a few other thru-hikers that attended his course I'm definitely gonna take it. Fall of 2012 in prep for 2013. I found Warren, Jenn, Brew, and all their family, and everyone that was there to be very humble and kind. Beautiful people.

[Sheriff Cougar]

I like BJ's course better.

Who is BJ?

[Cookerhiker]

Who is BJ?

Baltimore Jack aka Jack Tarlin on WhiteBlaze

[Dogwood]

He walked it entirely 16 times huh? Hmm?

[max patch]

He walked it entirely 16 times huh? Hmm?

When reviewing Doyles resume make sure you know the definitions of day hiking, backpacking, thru hiking and they apply to his resume.

[Wolf - 23000]

He walked it entirely 16 times huh? Hmm? He has walked the entire trail 16 times, not to be confused with backpacking the way most thru-hikers do the AT. Most of Warren's hiking has been done with van support.

[Dogwood]

That's exactly where I was going Max Patch.

[Dogwood]

I'm going to bite my tongue on this one because I don't want to start a shart storm. Let's just say I'm strongly skeptical.

[rickb]

Warren Doyle has not just walked the trail more times than anyone else-- he has also lead something like a dozen groups of hikers from GA to ME. That would be remarkable even if virtually every individual in every group did not make it all the way. But they did.

[Jeff]

Just finished an interesting book "Only Four More Miles". It's a brutally honest account of the 2010 Circle Expedition led by Warren Doyle.

Not listed on Amazon. You will have to get in touch with hiker and "editor" James D. McDaniel of Beaufort, SC.

[John B]

Just finished an interesting book "Only Four More Miles". It's a brutally honest account of the 2010 Circle Expedition led by Warren Doyle.

Not listed on Amazon. You will have to get in touch with hiker and "editor" James D. McDaniel of Beaufort, SC. Can you summarize what Mr. McDaniel has to say about the expedition? Do you have contact info for him or is the book available elsewhere?

[Del Q]

Success leaves clues. With almost everything in life there is more to it than meets the eye.

Learning from people far more experienced than me in whatever area always pays off.............shorter learning curve, etc.

[warren doyle]

Yes, I have walked the entire trail (white blazes) 16 times - 9 thru-hikes (eight of which were the circle expeditions - seven of which had 100% completion rates); 7 section hikes (between 1972-2010). I am presently working on my 17th traverse hopefully to be completed during 2015. I hope to complete my 18th traverse during the 2015 AT Expedition (May 2- Sept. 18, 2015). About 80% of my AT miles have been done day hiking with the other 20% being backpacking.

[jersey joe]

Yes, I have walked the entire trail (white blazes) 16 times - 9 thru-hikes (eight of which were the circle expeditions - seven of which had 100% completion rates); 7 section hikes (between 1972-2010). I am presently working on my 17th traverse hopefully to be completed during 2015. I hope to complete my 18th traverse during the 2015 AT Expedition (May 2- Sept. 18, 2015). About 80% of my AT miles have been done day hiking with the other 20% being backpacking.
Hiking the AT 16 times is a truely awesome accomplishment.

[10-K]

There's not a right way and a wrong way is there?

A group of people from a city who has never been on the AT is going to pay me by the hour to hike with them for the day on the AT. I did try to explain to them very slowly and carefully and more than once that they could do this activity themselves but they insisted they wanted a guide.

So, I thought about it and decided - why not? I suggested a few day hikes between 7-10 miles long and am waiting to find out which one they picked. They're all easy/moderate with bailout points in case someone can't make it.

[Slo-go'en]

? I suggested a few day hikes between 7-10 miles long and am waiting to find out which one they picked. They're all easy/moderate with bailout points in case someone can't make it.

You better slow down your pace 10-K or you'll not make much money :)

I've meet a number of graduates from Warren's AT course and they have all said good things about it and that it helped them a lot.

[Butterfly58]

I am strongly considering taking the course. I think it would be extremely helpful to someone like me. I'm older (54) and have some issues that make me doubtful of my abilities. I keep hearing that it's a mental game and I'm not sure exactly what that means. Plus, I think it would be an honor to meet Warren Doyle. The phrase "Hike your own hike" is used so liberally on this site. Doesn't it apply to him too? Seems like he's hiked his own hike in numerous ways. Kudos to him!

[Cookerhiker]

[QUOTE=Butterfly58;1504837].... The phrase "Hike your own hike" is used so liberally on this site. Doesn't it apply to him too? Seems like he's hiked his own hike in numerous ways....QUOTE]

Agree - there are many ways to hike the Appalachian Trail. No single way, no one person's approach is the "correct" way, providing LNT and ethical practices are followed.

[rickb]

I keep hearing that it's a mental game and I'm not sure exactly what that means.

Not sure what Warren Doyle would say to that, but you might find some insight here:

http://www.spiriteaglehome.com/THP_top.html

To my way of thinking, having realistic expectations of what to expect is a big part of the mental game. On a site like this, there is a great deal of encouragement and talk about the joy of thru hiking-- but not much about the drudgery, hurt and suck. Not that there is anything wrong with that!

[Butterfly58]

I've read the entire Thru-hiking Papers. The Owens are amazing. Still, I guess you can never really "get it" till you actually do it! :-)

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

[Old Grouse]

Yogi said "Ninety percent of the game is half mental."

[rocketsocks]

Not sure what Warren Doyle would say to that, but you might find some insight here:

http://www.spiriteaglehome.com/THP_top.html

To my way of thinking, having realistic expectations of what to expect is a big part of the mental game. On a site like this, there is a great deal of encouragement and talk about the joy of thru hiking-- but not much about the drudgery, hurt and suck. Not that there is anything wrong with that!
That is very true, and one does not have to be a thru-hiker to know that the many days that lay ahead are gonna Suck!...you'll be, tired, hungry, pissed off, wet, cold, hot, itchy, slimy, grimy, whinny, and frankly tiny...and one of the main reasons it does not interest me to thru-hike, I'd much rather regulate (as best I can) the aforementioned by doing sections hikes. If all those things mentioned are your cup of tea...go for it...your a more tolerate person than I.

Embrace the suck, and keep telling yourself..."I want to do this" it may just be your saving grace.

[JustaTouron]

Yogi said "Ninety percent of the game is half mental."

He also said, "I'm smarter than the av-er-age bear!" and "Boo boo, I think I see a picnic basket"

[Gray Blazer]

:banana
I like BJ's course better.

Here we go. Old School WhiteBlaze. ;)

[Gray Blazer]

Ha Ha

.......
Jeez ... I already posted on this thread more than 2 years ago. Vuja De.

[Symba]

I was on a two week hike that didn't become a thru that year due to (now ex for good reason) fiancé issues. I am now preparing a two mother from Mass to Maine; or visa versa. In 2010 I met Warren Doyle, I was researching my dissertation proposal. He was very intuitive, nice guy, and willing to share with me; though I ended up doing my dissertation on AT backpacking and change I did not need his words. Anyone with experience about something someone is interested in is worth listening to, even if it isn't what you want to hear; I enjoy having friends from different walks of life who show me 'living' through their eyes, different lenses so to speak. I'd like to read about the 2010 Circle Expedition led by Dr. Doyle, I am a doctor now too and hope to continue my experiences and living coinciding with the AT community forever.

[Symba]

I've day hiked about 1200 miles on the AT, Thru-Hiked all of them in 2000. I like both. I am weird. I am me. You are you. We are hikers. We love nature. I'd gladly be a trail counselor hired by a group of newbies. I have a crap load of student loans to pay off and no damn job! I give myself time. Since the year 2000 thru-hike my body has befallen me, injuries mental and physical. We work through these things. I will utilize nature and the AT forever as my medicinal green tunnel *wink wink.

[WILLIAM HAYES]

some people learn through the experience of other people others have to learn it on their own personally I wish I had had the benefit of Warren Doyle's experience some years ago- when I first started my journeys on the AT.

Hillbilly

[tawa]

Yogi said "Ninety percent of the game is half mental."

Yogi also says---"When you come to a fork in the road take it!"

[gypsy97]

The one thing I would not follow his example on is drinking untreated water. He told me years ago that once your system gets used to it, it doesn't bother you. I've always thought that meant that once all those bugs are firmly entrenched in your system you are immune to the bugs in untreated water, but I'd rather purify or filter by some method and avoid the bugs in the first place.

[max patch]

But yet he's had giardia.

[gypsy97]

Doesn't that make you immune from then on?

[renais]

I attended Warren Doyle's Appalachian Trail Institute this fall, and thought I'd update this thread with some of my impressions. Let me note that I've hiked the whole AT, and did not think when I was finished that I would want to do it again. When I went over parts of the trail that I had previously hiked, I remembered every turn of the trail, what the hiking was like, the sights along the way. I was ready for other adventures. However, I've had a deep interest in the AT itself for many years, and thought that the institute would be a great cultural and learning experience. Also, a number of the people I hiked with in 2015 had attended the institute, and spoke very highly of Warren and his advice. Some of the advice they passed on was far from obvious, and not the kind of thing many hikers along the way had considered when tackling certain sections. I was curious to hear more of this advice.

Warren is well-known along the trail for his many hikes, as well as his methods some of which are not standard procedure for hikers. I was well aware of many of his unusual methods, but looked forward to understanding them in a more meaningful way than I could by reading. I had the opportunity to hear first hand over the period of 5 days how he approached many of the challenges and delights of the AT. Even though I went into this thinking I had my methods pretty well established after three years on the AT, I found at the end that there were methods and techniques which I might apply in the future.

As I mentioned, I finished the trail in 2015 thinking I was done hiking it. I left the institute reconsidering this decision, and now, a month later, I'm very seriously thinking about being in Georgia the beginning of March next year and taking a walk to Maine. The institute was a source of great inspiration for me in this respect.

In my estimation, the institute is a great bargain. I suspect that many folks who are starting to think about the AT and who do not have someone to work with them in planning, training and conditioning would easily save more than the institute costs. I'll post some specific benefits in another posting; life is calling at the moment.
Catnapper

[Dogwood]

The one thing I would not follow his example on is drinking untreated water. He told me years ago that once your system gets used to it, it doesn't bother you. I've always thought that meant that once all those bugs are firmly entrenched in your system you are immune to the bugs in untreated water, but I'd rather purify or filter by some method and avoid the bugs in the first place.

That's a solid strategy for the AT.


But yet he's had giardia.


Doesn't that make you immune from then on?

Having Giardiasis previously does NOT make one immune from it in the future! Same with poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak.

Warren holds an excellent AT backpacking course. Of course, what's learned can possibly be applied on non AT hikes.

[Secondmouse]

a course in walking, huh... I never imagined such a thing.

I've backpacked most of my life but I was not so arrogant to think I knew it all. I learned everything I needed to get started on the AT right here and then the trail taught me the rest...

[renais]

Some more comments on the Appalachian Trail Institute I attended:

*I've backpacked most of my now fairly long adult life, as had a number of people I met on the trail in 2015 who had taken Warren's course. Most of the people I attended the institute with had very significant experience, and often on trails much more difficult than the AT. Warren might have spent 5 or 10 minutes talking about how to walk: taking rest steps, pacing yourself, etc.. The institute is NOT about how to walk; it is about how to hike the entire AT. Warren does much to help prospective hikers prepare mentally for the significant challenge they have facing them. He does address things like equipment and other physical needs, but these are definitely secondary topics.
* Perhaps one of the most interesting times during the 25 or 30 hours of classroom instruction were surveys of the entire AT, using a data book, and discussing special features, sights, off trail opportunities along the way, as well as hints on how to best approach particulary difficult sections. As I mentioned in another post, I would regularly hear from fellow hikers last year how Warren had suggested this or that. Many of his suggestions were certainly not obvious, and I, and those I was hiking with, often appreciated the added information. Warren has done the trail so many times that his insights were, in my opinion, more specific and helpful than those of folks who have traversed a section only once or a few times. Frankly, I came to the institute not expecting to get as much useful trail info as I did; after all, I'd just done the whole trail. Just after the institute this year, I did walk on several sections of the AT, and compared Warren's comments to my previous experience on that section, and my new insights having attended the institute. In particular, I went to Pinkham Notch and headed north to the Wildcats. When I saw these last year, I was impressed at how the trail could avoid switchbacks so well, and just climb. I reapproached them this year with insight from Warren and found them much easier to negotiate. I also went north from Crawford Notch, and again saw value in what Warren had said.
* Lots of folks may have heard about the almost 100% completion rate for the AT of those who participate in Warren's expeditions. I'm not an expedition fellow, and like to go at my own pace. I was therefore very interested to hear that even those who attend the institute and hike the AT on their own have a much higher than normal completion rate. I would not surprize me if all of those who attended the session I did do in fact complete the AT. I have no doubt that the institute provides significant advantages to many prospective hikers.
* I was very impressed with the 100% satisfaction guarantee Warren offers for the institute. After attending the program, I understand why so few people would ask for a refund of the fee; it has much to offer for many different hikers.
Catnapper

[-Rush-]

Hell no! It's just walking, not rocket science.


It's not just walking, it's hiking up and down mountains through elemental changes. I've never taken Warren's course, but I'd imagine getting schooled by a guy like Warren could only help you. Cost is subjective. Plenty of people are fine out there, but some could probably benefit from having a mentor like Warren.

[bamboo bob]

I've done the entire AT three times. I can only imagine what Baltimore Jack would have added to this thread.