# of 2016 thru hikers and ovecrowding

[wornoutboots]

They must have been in a big hurry to get to Maine.
That's a "not to be missed" side trail (weather permitting).

Agreed!! That's what having to "keep up with the bubble" can do to you

[rafe]

Agreed!! That's what having to "keep up with the bubble" can do to you

Not so much keepin' up with the bubble as trying to get to Maine on time. Let's see how many side trails you do when your thru hike is underway.

[John B]

Not so much keepin' up with the bubble as trying to get to Maine on time. Let's see how many side trails you do when your thru hike is underway.

What year did you do your thru?

[rafe]

What year did you do your thru?

I section hiked over many years. Attempted thru in 1990, quit in VA. Finished in 2007.

[John B]

I section hiked over many years. Attempted thru in 1990, quit in VA. Finished in 2007.

For some reason, I had the impression that you'd done multiple thrus.

[rafe]

For some reason, I had the impression that you'd done multiple thrus.

Nope, not me. I've done the HMW a couple times, and other bits of the trail many times over. The White Mountains are just a couple hours away, that's where I do most of my hiking these days. Other (shorter) trails as well, eg. MA Mid-State, Long Trail, Grafton Loop, etc.

[Jake2c]

I am taking a break, started the end of February. Will hit the 900 mile mark in a few days when I get back on the trail. For the most part the numbers I have seen have been low. In the beginning I was almost always alone, even in shelters (which I avoid unless there is bad weather). Two nights ago I shared a shelter with one other guy on a stormy night. The next night, also stormy, we were at capacity (6). In one of the link stories above it shows a picture of a crowded camp sight. I believe I was there that day and it was unusually crowded but for the most part, especially if you stay at camp sights vs shelters, I get a fair amount of "alone" time. Not sure what it looks like behind me with the March and April bubbles.

[Kayak]

A gun is really not necessary. Plus where are you going to keep it where is is handy to get too? Keeping it from the environment, dirt and moisture can be an issue. I ran across a hiker carrying a gun. I asked him what caliber it was and why he was carrying it. He said it was a .22 and had it for the bears. I told him a .22 would only piss the bear off. He said the noise could scare off the bear. A .22 is not very loud.