SavageLlama
03-24-2005, 19:08
Spring is here... the AT thru-hike profiles are starting to pop up.
TAKING THE ULTIMATE HIKE
By Jaime North
Public-Opinion (Chambersburg, PA)
March 19, 2005
Outdoor adventure has been a passion shared by childhood friends Brian Iacona and Ryan Black. The two Chambersburg natives spent the past two summers in the vast wilderness of Arizona and Alaska, fostering a growing love for frontier life.
Black, 22, and Iacona, 21, will live the ultimate frontier life this summer while they hike the famed Appalachian Trail. For roughly seven months, their lives will be stripped down to the basic elements. The two men will go days without a shower, live off of nuts and berries, and hitch-hike to the nearest town for a taste of civilization.
“Ryan has always really been into the simplification of life,” said Terri Black, his mother.
“Whatever you need to sustain your life, you carry with you. Hiking the Appalachian Trail has always been a goal of his.”
The Appalachian Trail stretches over 14 different states and passes through more than 60 federal, state, and local parks and forests. It begins at Springer Mountain, Ga., and ends at Mount Katahdin, Maine. More than 100 roads cross the trail, and in some parts, the trail is only a few hundred feet wide.
Each year, several thousand attempt to thru-hike — complete the 2,174-mile trip in one journey. Only about three in 20 hikers make it the whole way, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
After graduating from Chambersburg in 2001, the two men developed a stronger friendship
through their summer jobs at Lake Powell, Ariz., in 2002 and at Denali National Park, Alaska, in 2003 — jobs they found online at coolsummerjobs.com.
“These guys are adventurous,” Terri Black said. “For two summers they worked in the outdoors. They were able develop to hike a lot and collect all the necessary gear they would need for the Appalachian Trail.”
The two men frequently took 17-mile hikes when in Alaska.
“They would go deep into the wilderness, in the middle of nowhere,” Terri Black said. “They would camp out, and then come back to the park. They loved it.”
The plan for the Appalachian Trail really took shape when the two came close to finishing their post-graduate studies. Iacona took a semester off from school at Montana State University. He is two semesters away from graduating with a degree in land resource management. Black took two online courses, so he could stay on schedule to graduate on May 14 from the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport. He is attempting to time his hike so he will be able to attend graduation and receive his degree in automotive technology management in person.
Black and Iacona spent considerable time researching, planning and preparing to ensure that their thru-hike would be successful. The two read books, researched the Internet, trained and spoke with Nathanael Harter, a Chambersburg native who thru-hiked the trail in 2001.
“Nan was very, very helpful to the boys,” Terri Black said. “He gave them a lot of helpful information.”
Some of the preparation included a detailed itinerary identifying stops on the trail, miles between stops, miles to hike in one day, how long a package of supplies is to last and estimated date of arrival.
“They have promised to call home at every stop,” said Cathy Iacona, Brian’s mother.
According to Terri Black, “so far, they have been very faithful.”
Terri Black took the two grocery shopping for food and supplies, which were packaged in boxes to be mailed to specific post offices along the way for the hikers to pick up.
“We spent close to $800 on groceries,” Terri Black said. “We bought routine stuff like oatmeal, granola bars, nuts and raisins, Lipton’s meals and boxes of MREs (Made Ready to Eat).”
The trail cuts through Franklin County in the area of Blue Ridge Mountain. Many hikers can be seen walking along U.S. 30 toward Fayetteville in May heading for places to eat and to pick up packages at the local post office. Two of those hikers will be Black and Iacona, who plan to reach Caledonia State Park tentatively on May 3.
As of Monday, Black and Iacona will have been on the trail for three weeks. They embarked on their journey on Feb. 28 at Springer Mountain, Ga. According to their itinerary, the two men should be just past Gatlinburg, Tenn., and on their way to Hotsprings, N.C. — roughly 250 miles into their hike.
“They have met so many interesting people so far,” Cathy Iacona said. “A 17-year-old boy has been hiking with them. They said that he was all by himself. They also met this 60-year-old guy, who is making his fifth hike of the trail.”
The biggest hurdle for the guys so far as been with the wintry weather.
“They have gotten into some snow storms and waking up to frozen water bottles,” Terri Black said. Getting their camp set up each night helped Ryan Black to come up with his trail name Sure Shot. Adopting a descriptive trail name is a signature ritual for every trail hiker.
“The reason is when they hang their food from the trees to keep them away from bears, Ryan would toss the bundle over the tree limb every time,” Terri Black said. “Over and over again, he couldn’t get the food to hang from the tree.”
So far, Brian Iacona has yet to pick a trail name but only time will tell.
––––––––––
APPALACHIAN TRAIL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How long does it take?
From four to eight months, depending on how fast you hike. The average is slightly over six months.
When should I start a thru-hike?
Hikers have tackled the trail at all times of year and with varied itineraries. Most thru-hikers start their trips in early March or April at Springer Mountain, Ga., and finish at Mount Katahdin, Maine, in September.
How can I avoid the crowds and still hike the entire trail?
Hike southbound, or “flip-flop.” Increasingly, hikers are choosing to start somewhere in the middle of the trail; they hike to Katahdin, then return to their starting point and hike south to finish their hike at Springer. On flip-flops such as that you'll find some fellow hikers (without the crowds), better terrain to begin with, and better weather.
Do I need to carry maps?
The trail is well-marked, so many thru-hikers, who become skilled at following the blazes, choose not to carry maps. Maps are quite useful for planning a thru-hike, and in an emergency are your best source of information on how to get off the trail and find help. Maps also help you get a sense of where you are and how far you've gone and can enrich your trail experience.
How detailed should my plan be?
Be mindful that unforeseen factors can affect things. A section of damaged trail or extreme weather, for instance, may slow you down considerably. A grand view from a trailside overlook may likewise make you run late. In either case, include some flexibility in your plans and adjust your itinerary accordingly.
How can I know if I can stand it?
The smartest thing you can do is to take a practice hike that includes at least two nights out on terrain that approximates the part of the trail you plan to start on. This will help you evaluate gear, physical conditioning and mental readiness.
How much does it cost?
A fair amount of money — typically about $3,000 to $4,000 — to undertake a 2,174-mile, five- to seven-month hike, not counting $1,000 to $2,000 or more for gear. Many dollars are spent in vain, along with planning time and effort, when someone learns too late that a thru-hike is not for him or her.
What costs so much?
Most of your money will be spent in town. Few thru-hikers can’t resist the temptation of restaurant food, motel beds and hot showers after days of deprivation. You will also need money for supplies, laundry, postage, equipment repair and equipment replacement.
What happens when I finish?
The greatest rewards are personal ones — the memories, friendships, photographs, the sense of accomplishment and the deeper appreciation of the eastern mountains. When you finish the entire trail, either in one season or sections added together over the years, let the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) know. You'll get a form to report and describe your hike. When you return it, ATC will send you a certificate of recognition and a “2,000-Miler” rocker for an A.T. patch. Your name will be added to the roster of 2,000-milers. Forms are also available at Baxter State Park, Maine, and Amicalola Falls State Park, Ga.
How many hikers have completed the entire A.T.?
More than 8,000 people have informed ATC that they have hiked the entire trail. This includes hikers who have completed the trail over many years, as well as those finishing in one trip.
How can I find out who those hikers are?
Each spring, ATC publishes a list of hikers reporting completion of the trail the previous year. The list appears in the May/June edition of the Appalachian Trailway News (ATN), ATC’s membership publication. Issues published since 2000 are available online.
Source: Appalachian Trail Conservancy
––––––––––
ITINERARY.........
Brian Iacona and Ryan Black have embarked on a 2,174-mile, seven-month journey along the famed Appalachian Trail. The two men, who began their hike Feb. 28, researched and planned the trip well in advance. Here is their itinerary for the first half of their trip to Caledonia State Park.
Trail stops - Miles to hike - Days - Miles per day - Arrival
Springer Mnt., Ga. 0 4 10 Feb 28
Blairsville, Ga. 40 5 15 Mar 3
Franklin, N.C. 73 4 15 Mar 8
Fontana Dam, N.C. 58 3 14 Mar 16
Gatlinburg, Tenn. 42 4 16 Mar 19
Hotsprings, N.C. 66.5 4 17 Mar 23
Erwin, Tenn. 68 3 15 Mar 27
Roan Mtn., Tenn. 45 4 17.5 Mar 30
Damascus, Va. 70 4 18.8 Mar 30
Atkins, Va. 75.3 5 17.36 April 3
Pearisburg, Va. 86.8 5 18.5 April 8
Troutville, Va. 92.9 4 19.15 April 13
Beuna Vista, Va. 76.6 3 17.36 April 17
Waynesboro, Va. 52.1 5 16 April 20
Luray, Va. 80 5 16.1 April 25
Harpers Ferry, W.Va. 80.5 3 19.6 April 30
Caledonia State Park, Pa. 58.9 0 May 3
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE TWO
Correspondence
For those interested in contacting Brian Iacona and Ryan Black during their, the two men will accept letters addressed to their package pick-up points. Life on the trail at night can be long, cold and lonely. Iacona and Black are willing to write back and answer questions or give some details of their adventure. They anticipate reaching Caledonia State Park on May 3, depending on weather, injury or any unexpected delays.
Letters should be addressed to:
Brian Iacona or Ryan Black
General delivery
City, state, zip code
“Hold for trail hiker”
(Post offices will hold mail for hikers up to one week.)
Locations and dates:
Atkins, Va. 24311, by April 3
Pearisburg, Va. 24134, by April 8
Troutville, Va. 24175, by April 13
Beuna Vista, Va. 24416, by April 17
TAKING THE ULTIMATE HIKE
By Jaime North
Public-Opinion (Chambersburg, PA)
March 19, 2005
Outdoor adventure has been a passion shared by childhood friends Brian Iacona and Ryan Black. The two Chambersburg natives spent the past two summers in the vast wilderness of Arizona and Alaska, fostering a growing love for frontier life.
Black, 22, and Iacona, 21, will live the ultimate frontier life this summer while they hike the famed Appalachian Trail. For roughly seven months, their lives will be stripped down to the basic elements. The two men will go days without a shower, live off of nuts and berries, and hitch-hike to the nearest town for a taste of civilization.
“Ryan has always really been into the simplification of life,” said Terri Black, his mother.
“Whatever you need to sustain your life, you carry with you. Hiking the Appalachian Trail has always been a goal of his.”
The Appalachian Trail stretches over 14 different states and passes through more than 60 federal, state, and local parks and forests. It begins at Springer Mountain, Ga., and ends at Mount Katahdin, Maine. More than 100 roads cross the trail, and in some parts, the trail is only a few hundred feet wide.
Each year, several thousand attempt to thru-hike — complete the 2,174-mile trip in one journey. Only about three in 20 hikers make it the whole way, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
After graduating from Chambersburg in 2001, the two men developed a stronger friendship
through their summer jobs at Lake Powell, Ariz., in 2002 and at Denali National Park, Alaska, in 2003 — jobs they found online at coolsummerjobs.com.
“These guys are adventurous,” Terri Black said. “For two summers they worked in the outdoors. They were able develop to hike a lot and collect all the necessary gear they would need for the Appalachian Trail.”
The two men frequently took 17-mile hikes when in Alaska.
“They would go deep into the wilderness, in the middle of nowhere,” Terri Black said. “They would camp out, and then come back to the park. They loved it.”
The plan for the Appalachian Trail really took shape when the two came close to finishing their post-graduate studies. Iacona took a semester off from school at Montana State University. He is two semesters away from graduating with a degree in land resource management. Black took two online courses, so he could stay on schedule to graduate on May 14 from the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport. He is attempting to time his hike so he will be able to attend graduation and receive his degree in automotive technology management in person.
Black and Iacona spent considerable time researching, planning and preparing to ensure that their thru-hike would be successful. The two read books, researched the Internet, trained and spoke with Nathanael Harter, a Chambersburg native who thru-hiked the trail in 2001.
“Nan was very, very helpful to the boys,” Terri Black said. “He gave them a lot of helpful information.”
Some of the preparation included a detailed itinerary identifying stops on the trail, miles between stops, miles to hike in one day, how long a package of supplies is to last and estimated date of arrival.
“They have promised to call home at every stop,” said Cathy Iacona, Brian’s mother.
According to Terri Black, “so far, they have been very faithful.”
Terri Black took the two grocery shopping for food and supplies, which were packaged in boxes to be mailed to specific post offices along the way for the hikers to pick up.
“We spent close to $800 on groceries,” Terri Black said. “We bought routine stuff like oatmeal, granola bars, nuts and raisins, Lipton’s meals and boxes of MREs (Made Ready to Eat).”
The trail cuts through Franklin County in the area of Blue Ridge Mountain. Many hikers can be seen walking along U.S. 30 toward Fayetteville in May heading for places to eat and to pick up packages at the local post office. Two of those hikers will be Black and Iacona, who plan to reach Caledonia State Park tentatively on May 3.
As of Monday, Black and Iacona will have been on the trail for three weeks. They embarked on their journey on Feb. 28 at Springer Mountain, Ga. According to their itinerary, the two men should be just past Gatlinburg, Tenn., and on their way to Hotsprings, N.C. — roughly 250 miles into their hike.
“They have met so many interesting people so far,” Cathy Iacona said. “A 17-year-old boy has been hiking with them. They said that he was all by himself. They also met this 60-year-old guy, who is making his fifth hike of the trail.”
The biggest hurdle for the guys so far as been with the wintry weather.
“They have gotten into some snow storms and waking up to frozen water bottles,” Terri Black said. Getting their camp set up each night helped Ryan Black to come up with his trail name Sure Shot. Adopting a descriptive trail name is a signature ritual for every trail hiker.
“The reason is when they hang their food from the trees to keep them away from bears, Ryan would toss the bundle over the tree limb every time,” Terri Black said. “Over and over again, he couldn’t get the food to hang from the tree.”
So far, Brian Iacona has yet to pick a trail name but only time will tell.
––––––––––
APPALACHIAN TRAIL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How long does it take?
From four to eight months, depending on how fast you hike. The average is slightly over six months.
When should I start a thru-hike?
Hikers have tackled the trail at all times of year and with varied itineraries. Most thru-hikers start their trips in early March or April at Springer Mountain, Ga., and finish at Mount Katahdin, Maine, in September.
How can I avoid the crowds and still hike the entire trail?
Hike southbound, or “flip-flop.” Increasingly, hikers are choosing to start somewhere in the middle of the trail; they hike to Katahdin, then return to their starting point and hike south to finish their hike at Springer. On flip-flops such as that you'll find some fellow hikers (without the crowds), better terrain to begin with, and better weather.
Do I need to carry maps?
The trail is well-marked, so many thru-hikers, who become skilled at following the blazes, choose not to carry maps. Maps are quite useful for planning a thru-hike, and in an emergency are your best source of information on how to get off the trail and find help. Maps also help you get a sense of where you are and how far you've gone and can enrich your trail experience.
How detailed should my plan be?
Be mindful that unforeseen factors can affect things. A section of damaged trail or extreme weather, for instance, may slow you down considerably. A grand view from a trailside overlook may likewise make you run late. In either case, include some flexibility in your plans and adjust your itinerary accordingly.
How can I know if I can stand it?
The smartest thing you can do is to take a practice hike that includes at least two nights out on terrain that approximates the part of the trail you plan to start on. This will help you evaluate gear, physical conditioning and mental readiness.
How much does it cost?
A fair amount of money — typically about $3,000 to $4,000 — to undertake a 2,174-mile, five- to seven-month hike, not counting $1,000 to $2,000 or more for gear. Many dollars are spent in vain, along with planning time and effort, when someone learns too late that a thru-hike is not for him or her.
What costs so much?
Most of your money will be spent in town. Few thru-hikers can’t resist the temptation of restaurant food, motel beds and hot showers after days of deprivation. You will also need money for supplies, laundry, postage, equipment repair and equipment replacement.
What happens when I finish?
The greatest rewards are personal ones — the memories, friendships, photographs, the sense of accomplishment and the deeper appreciation of the eastern mountains. When you finish the entire trail, either in one season or sections added together over the years, let the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) know. You'll get a form to report and describe your hike. When you return it, ATC will send you a certificate of recognition and a “2,000-Miler” rocker for an A.T. patch. Your name will be added to the roster of 2,000-milers. Forms are also available at Baxter State Park, Maine, and Amicalola Falls State Park, Ga.
How many hikers have completed the entire A.T.?
More than 8,000 people have informed ATC that they have hiked the entire trail. This includes hikers who have completed the trail over many years, as well as those finishing in one trip.
How can I find out who those hikers are?
Each spring, ATC publishes a list of hikers reporting completion of the trail the previous year. The list appears in the May/June edition of the Appalachian Trailway News (ATN), ATC’s membership publication. Issues published since 2000 are available online.
Source: Appalachian Trail Conservancy
––––––––––
ITINERARY.........
Brian Iacona and Ryan Black have embarked on a 2,174-mile, seven-month journey along the famed Appalachian Trail. The two men, who began their hike Feb. 28, researched and planned the trip well in advance. Here is their itinerary for the first half of their trip to Caledonia State Park.
Trail stops - Miles to hike - Days - Miles per day - Arrival
Springer Mnt., Ga. 0 4 10 Feb 28
Blairsville, Ga. 40 5 15 Mar 3
Franklin, N.C. 73 4 15 Mar 8
Fontana Dam, N.C. 58 3 14 Mar 16
Gatlinburg, Tenn. 42 4 16 Mar 19
Hotsprings, N.C. 66.5 4 17 Mar 23
Erwin, Tenn. 68 3 15 Mar 27
Roan Mtn., Tenn. 45 4 17.5 Mar 30
Damascus, Va. 70 4 18.8 Mar 30
Atkins, Va. 75.3 5 17.36 April 3
Pearisburg, Va. 86.8 5 18.5 April 8
Troutville, Va. 92.9 4 19.15 April 13
Beuna Vista, Va. 76.6 3 17.36 April 17
Waynesboro, Va. 52.1 5 16 April 20
Luray, Va. 80 5 16.1 April 25
Harpers Ferry, W.Va. 80.5 3 19.6 April 30
Caledonia State Park, Pa. 58.9 0 May 3
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE TWO
Correspondence
For those interested in contacting Brian Iacona and Ryan Black during their, the two men will accept letters addressed to their package pick-up points. Life on the trail at night can be long, cold and lonely. Iacona and Black are willing to write back and answer questions or give some details of their adventure. They anticipate reaching Caledonia State Park on May 3, depending on weather, injury or any unexpected delays.
Letters should be addressed to:
Brian Iacona or Ryan Black
General delivery
City, state, zip code
“Hold for trail hiker”
(Post offices will hold mail for hikers up to one week.)
Locations and dates:
Atkins, Va. 24311, by April 3
Pearisburg, Va. 24134, by April 8
Troutville, Va. 24175, by April 13
Beuna Vista, Va. 24416, by April 17