What's your age at the start of your hike?

**1Pint** · 07-19-2006, 17:33

Another section has a discussion going on the age distribution of thru-hikers. Most people are saying that it's pretty much people in their 20s and retired people in their 50s+. It'd be fun to know what the class of 2007 will probably look like, so I'm starting the attached poll.

**Old Hillwalker** · 07-19-2006, 18:54

The upper age bracket needs to be raised.

**1Pint** · 07-19-2006, 19:44

Originally Posted by Hillwalker

The upper age bracket needs to be raised.

Sorry Hillwalker. I was just trying to get a feel for it. I'm sure the 24 year-olds don't feel they belong with the 17 year-olds either. I didn't want to have 100 categories, so I lumped those upper decades together.

**Footslogger** · 07-19-2006, 22:04

53 at Springer ....54 in July, shortly after Harpers Ferry.

'Slogger

**onicoe** · 07-19-2006, 22:46

i'll be 24 by the time i start next year.

**VictoriaM** · 07-19-2006, 23:26

I'll be 26 at the start, and turn 27 on the trail.

**WhoAh** · 07-20-2006, 00:07

57 at Springer, 58 in June - where ever I will be on the Trail....

**Heater** · 07-20-2006, 02:30

Looks like it will be in '08 for me and I'll be 48.

**Ali Baba** · 07-20-2006, 04:31

Question: How old is too old?
Answer: Depends on the Individual.

Some people are too old at 30 and others too old at 90.
Lets hope I'm at the upper limit, 60 on Springer and 61
on the trail.

Lots of luck to the 2007 AT er's

**Grampie** · 07-20-2006, 08:56

I was 66 years old when I did the trail in "01". I meet quite a few older folks who are thru-hiking and enjoying it with few problems. Two things you need for a sucessfull hike are; time and money. These hikers have both.

**frieden** · 07-20-2006, 12:54

Wow, I wonder why many are in the mid-30s. You wouldn't think that would be a big thru-hiker time.

I'm 37 for Springer, and 38 in June.

**Alligator** · 07-20-2006, 13:25

Originally Posted by frieden

Wow, I wonder why many are in the mid-30s. You wouldn't think that would be a big thru-hiker time.

I'm 37 for Springer, and 38 in June.

I would guess divorce.

**1Pint** · 07-21-2006, 18:30

Originally Posted by Alligator

I would guess divorce.

I've been burned out for a little bit now. Our newest union contract added a tiny paragraph called "voluntary pay reduction" that allows a person to request up to six months off without pay in an effort to help the state budget. Some of us started talking and everyone kept saying how they couldn't afford to quit their jobs for 6 months even with the health coverage. I realized I was in the perfect place in my life for taking that kind of time and I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. So, AT here I come. If they deny my request for time off (which is their choice), I'll simply quit and look for another job when I'm done with the trail. But the provision for the leave and hearing everyone say how locked in they felt by their material world helped give me that kick in the butt I needed.

**mweinstone** · 07-21-2006, 19:38

my start date is feb 18th.

my age is 45

my 1st 2nd 3rd thru hike atempts i was ,...22,33,and 44!

so in 07 ill be 45 when i start and 46 around max patch.

max is my 16 year olds name.when we spoke from the trail this year on my birthday via cell phone, it was a nice spiritual gift rather than a phisical gift.

**maxNcathy** · 07-21-2006, 21:14

Originally Posted by mweinstone

my start date is feb 18th.

my age is 45

my 1st 2nd 3rd thru hike atempts i was ,...22,33,and 44!

so in 07 ill be 45 when i start and 46 around max patch.

max is my 16 year olds name.when we spoke from the trail this year on my birthday via cell phone, it was a nice spiritual gift rather than a phisical gift.

Hi Pa!!

Can I have the car while you're gone?

**Imayroam** · 07-22-2006, 17:19

I'll be 20 when I start, as will be my friend who is hiking next year as well. Its kinda difficult to plan a hike at this young of an age w/ school and everything, but my fear is if I don't do it now, I may never.

**Johnny Swank** · 07-22-2006, 21:17

"I would guess divorce."

That was what finally got me off my butt to make a stab at the AT at 30.

As far as planning, you can spend 12 months planning the trip, or about 12 hours. After about 12 days you'll have about the same result. The AT is a very forgiving trail, just make sure you have time and $.

FWIW, I've heard that some folks take a couple of grand out for their hike from their student loans.

**Sundancekid** · 07-23-2006, 10:45

I'll be 26 at the start and turn 27 in june

**Michele** · 07-23-2006, 10:45

I'll be 33 when I start, and turn 34 in July. I'm not in the middle of a career change, I've just never figured out what it is I'm supposed to be doing!

Can't wait to see everyone out there! Start date = March 15

**Heater** · 07-23-2006, 10:52

Originally Posted by Michele

I'll be 33 when I start, and turn 34 in July. I'm not in the middle of a career change, I've just never figured out what it is I'm supposed to be doing!

Can't wait to see everyone out there! Start date = March 15

I'll be turning 49 in July (25th) when I hike in 2008.

Poll: At the start of your 2007 thru-hike, what's your age?

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What's your age at the start of your hike?

Upper limit

sorry!

Age?

Age

or anticipated career change

my birthday is march 4th

Age and planning, and stuff

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