Hi all!
I am 27 years old and female from Upstate NY. While I grew up camping and hiking and often do long day hikes, I’m a newbie when it comes to multiday, longer backpacking trips. I am in research/read everything/learning mode right now, and have been formulating a plan.
GOAL - I would like to be ready to hike 65 miles of the NY section of the AT by early September in one trip.
I think that if I start training now, get into better shape, use and practice with my gear and do a few overnight weekend 1 or 2 night trips, and hike as many different trails as I can in the meantime, this could be a reasonable goal.
Of course my family, while well-meaning, is freaking out and saying absolutely no way will this be possible for me.
I’m not a novice that doesn’t realize the huge risks, physical and mental demands, safety and training needed...but I really feel like I could do this if I really dedicate myself and use the next 6-8 months wisely.
Any words of wisdom?
Am I seeking the impossible or setting my expectations way too high?
What do you think?