View Full Version : Starting Hike...any last minute advice?
fantasticwrite
07-11-2013, 18:18
I finally get to start my section hike at the top of Springer Mountain! My gear is all packed, weighed, and ready to go. Any last minute advice before I start?
Find something positive about every moment.
Teacher & Snacktime
07-11-2013, 18:37
The most crucial and welcome advice I was ever given: have a good time.
johnnybgood
07-11-2013, 18:46
1) Take an abundance of pictures. 2) Keep a journal, taking time to jot something down in it every day. 3) Have fun
hikerboy57
07-11-2013, 19:01
Embrace the suck.
Have a great time
Slo-go'en
07-11-2013, 19:09
Drink pleanty of water!
MuddyWaters
07-11-2013, 19:18
If you hear banjo music, ....hike faster.
hikerboy57
07-11-2013, 20:00
take care of your feet
atmilkman
07-11-2013, 20:07
If you hear banjo music, ....hike faster.
or start dancing.
hikerboy57
07-11-2013, 20:10
or start dancing.
do not, under any circumstances, squeal like a pig
Don't forget to pick up a pebble at Springer so you can drop it off at Katahdin
Lone Wolf
07-11-2013, 20:42
I finally get to start my section hike at the top of Springer Mountain! My gear is all packed, weighed, and ready to go. Any last minute advice before I start?
throw out your itinerary if you got one
Odd Man Out
07-11-2013, 21:47
Read Bill Bryson's account of the Springer approach trail in A Walk in the Woods and don't do that.
Drybones
07-11-2013, 21:59
throw out your itinerary if you got one
+1...............have fun!
fredmugs
07-11-2013, 22:03
Read Bill Bryson's account of the Springer approach trail in A Walk in the Woods and don't do that. I read Bryson's book. Don't do that.
slbirdnerd
07-11-2013, 22:06
1) Have fun. 2) Don't quit before you are SURE you need to, you may wish you had kept going. Happened to me in June this year and I can't find a hole in my calendar to back till maybe fall if not next June. Pics, video, journal... Sassafras Mountain is not a hard climb, my 10 year old did it. Take breaks when you need to, it will be hot and humid. Yes on the water, yes on the feet. This might be TMI but we were just there! :) I thought it was just beautiful there, every step.
Chair-man
07-11-2013, 22:07
I finally get to start my section hike at the top of Springer Mountain! My gear is all packed, weighed, and ready to go. Any last minute advice before I start?
After you take a break get in the habit of looking around real good before you leave, even in the trees, you might have left something hanging or dropped something.
Slo-go'en
07-11-2013, 22:17
How big a section - days, weeks, months..?
Double Wide
07-11-2013, 23:07
Stay hydrated. Stop walking before you take in the view. Take a silent break every now and then and just listen to the sounds of the forest. Keep smiling. The worst day on the trail is better than the best day in the office.
With each stride let yourself experience the unveiling of the majestic and awe inspiring universe that is in and all around you.
Teacher & Snacktime
07-12-2013, 00:52
Read Winton Porter's book Just Passin' Thru and look forward to Neels Gap
rocketsocks
07-12-2013, 06:54
I finally get to start my section hike at the top of Springer Mountain! My gear is all packed, weighed, and ready to go. Any last minute advice before I start?
Avoid packing any last minute "Oh I may need these" Items. Have a great hike.
unless you really need em, then buy all means...pack em!
Make sure to carry at least a 2 person tent so the guy who is gonna hike the smokies with just a bivy has a place to sleep when the shelters are full.
fantasticwrite
07-12-2013, 17:21
Wow! Lots of good advice. I plan on hiking just three or four days from Springer to Neels Gap. I wanted to hike longer, but I have to go back to work in about 3 weeks plus this is my first over night hike and I don't want to over do it. Who knows, maybe I'll decide not to stop!
rocketsocks
07-12-2013, 17:28
Wow! Lots of good advice. I plan on hiking just three or four days from Springer to Neels Gap. I wanted to hike longer, but I have to go back to work in about 3 weeks plus this is my first over night hike and I don't want to over do it. Who knows, maybe I'll decide not to stop!Who knows...wouldn't be the first time someone walked off into a sunset...have a great hike! :sun
Omaha_Ace
07-12-2013, 17:31
I finally get to start my section hike at the top of Springer Mountain! My gear is all packed, weighed, and ready to go. Any last minute advice before I start?
Aim for the head.
hikerboy57
07-12-2013, 20:24
Aim for the head.
shattered kneecap in the mountains is just as effective
max patch
07-12-2013, 20:34
plus this is my first over night hike and I don't want to over do it.
Since this is your first overnighter I'll just say don't let the heat get you down. Spring and fall are better to hike weatherwise
hikerboy57
07-12-2013, 20:35
Wow! Lots of good advice. I plan on hiking just three or four days from Springer to Neels Gap. I wanted to hike longer, but I have to go back to work in about 3 weeks plus this is my first over night hike and I don't want to over do it. Who knows, maybe I'll decide not to stop!
dont use a bounce box
flemdawg1
07-12-2013, 20:36
IF you are near overheating (easy to do in GA in July), find a stream and dunk your shirt in it. It WILL be incredibly cold for 6 seconds, then it'll feel great.
Old Hiker
07-12-2013, 22:17
Embrace the suck.
Have a great time
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=56795&c=516
This is going to go on my pack in 2016 to remind myself.
Advice: try to enjoy, no matter what. Take pictures, people (if any), especially. From a post above: stop, get off the Trail for a bit and just listen.
Just enjoy it.. Some of us are stuck at work:rolleyes: