View Full Version : newbie needs advise
bubba man
08-15-2012, 13:10
hey all BUBBA MAN here - yea the A.T. is in the blood now i live on long island N.Y. and want to know the easiest way to pick up the A.T. ALSO NEED A GOOD MAP FOR THAT AREA.. I`M A viet nam VET AND WAS IN THE JUNGLE 20 DAY`S AT A TIME THAN IN FOR 3 [ CHANGE OF FATIGUES AND A SHOWER ] AND OUT AGAIN FOR ANOTHER 20 THAT`S WHAT I DID MY WHOLE TOUR.. SO I`D LOVE TO JUMP ON THE a.t. JUST SOMETHING ABOUT BEIN ALONE AND UNDER G O D ` S sky... my daughter is stationed at FT. BRAGG N.C. - HER AND HER HUSBAND [ SPECIAL FORCES ] ARE SENDING ME ONE OF THEIR RUCK`S - SO I AM DEFINITELY ITCHING TO GO...
:welcome Bubba Man, You should probably check out the "Trailhead" forums on this site for access points to the AT. If it has been a good while since you have done any kind of hiking or camping even you should start out on a managable section near to home as you can, a couple of day or overnighter to start, Spend some time checking out the other forums here like "gear for sale" reviews of gear and "cooking" for alot of good ideas, It ain't hard to get the fever, and once you got it, I really haven't heard of a permanent cure for it. Just start getting as much quality gear as you can, and the lighter the better, it helps you to enjoy the whole trip. I started with a lot of old gear and after I got the bug, started getting as much good quality gear as I could and enjoy it more and more each time, Don't worry about not having the exact right gear at first, you gotta start somewhere, but it it is too heavy to haul up hills, it won't be too much fun, even coming down again. Good luck, enjoy the fever, have fun in the woods, and thanks for your service-
theoilman
08-15-2012, 13:57
Two main sources for maps and guide books:
http://www.theatguide.com/
http://www.atctrailstore.org/
You might find maps from both available at your area outfitter.
hikerboy57
08-15-2012, 14:15
you can take the lirr to pennstation, walk to port authority and take a bus up to bear mtn, or southlands pick up the trail there. or you can take metro north to pawling, on weekends they have a separate stop right on the trail itself.or you can take a bus to boston, another to bangor, another to medway, shuttle to baxter and start at the beginning sobo.
there is both an REI and EMS in Carle Place for maps and gear.
Tipi Walter
08-15-2012, 14:25
You may want to send a message to Superman either here or at Sgt Rock's site as below. He's a Nam vet too. My only suggestion for the AT itch is to start out---and you probably already knows this---by throwing a bedroll together and sleeping out in the backyard or on a porch or deck. Or set up a tent/tarp or hammock in the yard and get used to sleeping outside again---if you haven't already.
http://www.hikinghq.net/
(http://www.hikinghq.net/)