Mike here:

[Mike415]

I have decided that I will begin next April 1 or 15, my birthday, to hike the trail. I have read books, this site, and lord knows, ever gear site there is. I am looking forward to the hike although , like most of you, a bit worried about whether I can remember all the things I am to learn and do on the trip. Hope to hear from you. Mike

[bfayer]

For your planned start date I wouldn't worry about the weather too much, just start with the right gear (i.e. don't go stupid light) and you will be fine. Welcome to WB.

[HikerMom58]

Hi Mike... welcome!

[shelb]

Welcome! You will find a lot of information here!

[aficion]

Welcome and Godspeed.

[Old Hiker]

3 things to remember:

a. Pack your pack.
b. Put it on your back.
c. Start walking. (Preferrable the same direction you were walking the previous day.)

Unless I repeat something a LOT or over many days, I tend to forget it. All the nifty tricks I read about here on WB, I pretty much forgot.

The first few weeks on the Trail, I obsessed with going over every inch of ground to make sure I didn't leave anything behind. It got better over time. Once I packed, I knew I was packed and ready to go.

Practice until then! Good luck on your hike.

[Mike415]

Thanks all. I am completely overwhelmed at work now and for the next for the three of four weeks; that said, I find solace in the upcoming walk. This will be a good time to meet new folks and get back to basics.

[Deadeye]

Welcome and good luck. With a long hike, whether it's 5 days or 5 months, it's all in the mind.

[rock steady]

Welcome! You'll do well I'm sure. I'm starting march 1st or 2nd but prob gonna go slow the first week at least. Be careful and God bless!

[Doc Mike]

I'm doing a 350 mile section starting on the approach trail on April 8th. Hope to see you out there and good luck.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Terry7]

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwjpBT4fyuBBCznQDy_QYsw my you tube channel no gear advice but you can get an idea of trail life

[Rolls Kanardly]

Welcome Mike415, may every shelter be a five star motel for you. Good luck on your hike. Rolls

[4eyedbuzzard]

. . . a bit worried about whether I can remember all the things I am to learn and do on the trip.

Walk, eat, sleep, repeat 180 times (or so). It's so easy even a Texan can do it. Best of luck on your hike!

[mcgame]

I'll be starting April 1st. Hope to see you!!

[MkBibble]

When our first child was born, I told the nurse that I had NO idea how to change a diaper. She told me not to worry; I would be an expert in a month. I haven't thru-hiked, but suspect the same thought applies.

[Dahoyt]

Just study, save money, be confident, and have a good time... Don't overthink it, just make the right gear choices, and don't push yourself too far too fast... The rest will fall into place!

[Tipi Walter]

I have decided that I will begin next April 1 or 15, my birthday, to hike the trail. I have read books, this site, and lord knows, ever gear site there is. I am looking forward to the hike although , like most of you, a bit worried about whether I can remember all the things I am to learn and do on the trip. Hope to hear from you. Mike

If you don't work the midnight shift, and if you haven't started doing it, I'd start sleeping outside tonight in your backyard or on a porch (not IN a porsche*) or on your deck and start getting used to sleeping under a bag and atop a pad. Eventually this system may even become your preferred sleeping system later when you're off the trail. I still do it at home in the yard. It grows on ya---maybe. Sure you could do this indoors but it's different under the stars. Prepare for the cold and rain or even snow this way by using a shelter or a tarp or a bivy sack or whatever you have planned.

* Reminds me of an old joke: A house painter arrives to paint a wealthy owner's house and the guy tells him to paint the house white and don't forget the porch in the back. Owner returns later in the day and finds his Porsche a dull latex white. Ha ha.

[Mike415]

thanks all; have finally told partners of my trip; they are supportive but don't really think i will do it. bought my scale to weigh stuff; working out a bit but planning more. mike

[YesRushGen]

thanks all; have finally told partners of my trip; they are supportive but don't really think i will do it. bought my scale to weigh stuff; working out a bit but planning more. mike

Hey Mike - Kelly here. I'm starting out March 12th, 2015. For me, the final commitment and notification of intent was to start my blog. In my mind, that is what's binding me. Also, I am well into gear acquisition - so financially I feel bound.

So far, the response I've received on the blog is overwhelmingly positive, with no "nay-sayeers" so far. However, I do plan to implement Zach Davis's suggestion (from Appalachian Trials) and ask if anyone wants to bet against me!

Maybe we'll cross paths out there next year.


Kelly

[Dahoyt]

Welcome to WB!