View Full Version : Leaving This Sunday nobo
So I've read tons of these threads but been unable to post because my work computer blocked the ability to post. I work for a school, just for off work yesterday till mid August. Parents are driving me to the trail head Saturday from Illinois. Heading for a springer mountain sunrise on Sunday.
Meriadoc
05-31-2013, 06:25
Thumbs up! Two of them.
Cookerhiker
05-31-2013, 08:29
Have a great hike! Are you going to flip-flop or play it by ear, depending on your progress?
Im doing Springer to NOC with my dog starting Tue the 4th at lunch time. Maybe I will catch up with you? Either way have a great hike.
Thanks a lot guys. I'm planning on going as far north as I can this summer. Hope to meet some of you.
hikerboy57
05-31-2013, 11:16
Thanks a lot guys. I'm planning on going as far north as I can this summer. Hope to meet some of you.
have a great hike. if you get up to ny, let me know, send me a pm here.
HikerMom58
05-31-2013, 11:32
have a great hike. if you get up to ny, let me know, send me a pm here.
Epoling... when you breeze through Daleville VA, let me know, as well, send me a pm here. Have a great hike!
Awesome guys. Thanks so much. I saved a note to contact both hikermom and hikerboy. Expect to hear from me. Carb loading all day. Can't let my food in my house go to waste. Eat all the food!!!
Last minute worries, I'm goin without a stove. Figured I could boil water on my fire. How often will I be able to find a camp ground that allows fire? Will I be able to pick up a stove along the trail if I really need one
hikerboy57
05-31-2013, 13:14
Last minute worries, I'm goin without a stove. Figured I could boil water on my fire. How often will I be able to find a camp ground that allows fire? Will I be able to pick up a stove along the trail if I really need one
you're going to need one, either pocket rocket w/canisters,or an alcohol stove. not always easy to find firewood, the areas near the shelters are usually picked pretty clean at this point. if you're strating at springer, you can buy a stove at neels gap at mtn crossings
Great info. Rough price on a pocket rocket? They don't sell anything like that around here ( Illinois)
fins1838
05-31-2013, 14:07
Late start
fins1838
05-31-2013, 14:08
Hiked around Manassas area last week. Impossible to find anything dry.
Cookerhiker
05-31-2013, 14:22
In addition to wood availability and possible fire bans, it will take more time to build a fire. I suspect you'll realize soon that if you want to cook hot meals, a stove is the way to go.
Here's some idea on stove prices for canister stoves: http://www.rei.com/product/660163/msr-pocket-rocket-backpacking-stove
http://www.coleman.com/product/micro-backpack-stove/2000001833?contextCategory=2005#.UajqBJyjI4o (http://www.coleman.com/product/micro-backpack-stove/2000001833?contextCategory=2005#.UajqBJyjI4o)
The outfitter at Neel Gap - Mountain Crossings - has pocket rockets for sale per their website (http://www.mountaincrossings.com/category-s/1514.htm). It's about 30 miles from Springer.
Got a Coleman micro stove from wal Mart. All is good. Just gotta get it all in the pack and buy my permit for the smokies
Cookerhiker
05-31-2013, 14:26
FYI I have Coleman's predecessor to the one you have and I've been pleased with it for the 7 years I've owned it.
Great info. Rough price on a pocket rocket? They don't sell anything like that around here ( Illinois)
Those things have been for sale online since shortly after Al Gore invented the Internet. Before that, they were available through mail order. Walmart sells a canister stove.
Have fun.
Wayne
Glad you found a stove.
Wayne
Rough estimate on mileage from springer to smokie mountain np? Need to know a rough estimate
hikerboy57
05-31-2013, 19:36
roughly 165 miles to fontana dam:http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/content.php?728-Appalachian-Trail-Shelters-mileages-and-coordinates
Rough estimate on mileage from springer to smokie mountain np? Need to know a rough estimate
I'm envious.
No plan. No clues. No stove. Going to cook over open fires. No clue where to buy a stove. No clue that the AT Distance Calculator exists. No itenerary.
You are going.
You will survive.
Wayne
I don't even know first town I will come too. Everything will be a surprise. Lol.
I don't even know first town I will come too. Everything will be a surprise. Lol.
You'll probably, and have :) take some ribbing for the perception of a bit of logistical unpreparedness. However, I get the impression from your posts that you are just going to go as far as time permits you and will figure it out as you go.
I actually find that somewhat refreshing and adventurous. As long as your decisions on the trail with regards to safety don't put you or others in harms way or you don't end up having to rely on others for daily needs.
I for one, hope you keep s regularly updated online trail journal. I think as the days pile up, it will be interesting to see you learn and figure out how to adapt along the way.
Have fun!! Be careful!
Thanks RC. I will be doing my best to update my journal. Which brings a good question, how often will I be able to recharge my phone? In towns only I assume. Correct?
hikerboy57
06-01-2013, 12:18
Thanks RC. I will be doing my best to update my journal. Which brings a good question, how often will I be able to recharge my phone? In towns only I assume. Correct?
towns or hostels
max patch
06-01-2013, 12:18
Get a Companion (the guidebook not a person:) )when you get to Neels.
And anyone ever use the trail map magic app for iPhones? Just downloaded it and it seems very minimalistic. Perfect.
I have been planning on that. Thank you.
I don't even know first town I will come too. Everything will be a surprise. Lol.
Do yourself a big favor a buy a guidebook first chance you get. I personally like AWOL best, but the Companion will also work. While maps are nice, you can get by on the AT without them. But a guidebook like AWOL has a wealth of information. Last time I was in 3 Eagles Outfitter in Franklin I know they had them, Outdoor 76 probably does too. Don't remember if Neels Gap did, but I would think so (only a little over 30 miles from Springer).