Thre Things

[mrc237]

Have plenty of cash---don't forget your cellphone---clean up after your dogs

[rickb]

For those of you who've hiked already, if you could tell prospective hikers just three things about their upcoming trip, what would they be?
Reply With Quote

I think its interesting that all of the responses you have received so far have answered a different question-- that being what advise they would give prospective hikers.

[Lilred]

Make sure your boots fit.
Take time to stop and look around while hiking.
Don't leave trash in the fire ring

[Jaybird]

Don't be afraid to be yourself.
Don't be afraid to take a zero day if you need one.
Realize that other folks have their ideas as to how you should hike, but when it all boils down to it, it's YOUR hike.

Yo ONELEG!


i thought you UN-PLUGGED your InterNEt??????????

[One Leg]

Yo ONELEG!


i thought you UN-PLUGGED your InterNEt??????????

Hey Jaybird:

I've been back online for 3-4 months now. Personal problems worked out.

Look for an email, I've got something to share with you...

-Scott

[MOWGLI]

1. The best way to carry water is inside of you.

2. Don't rush yourself to catch up with a particular group of folks on the trail. The people behind you or ahead of you are as nice or nicer than the folks you have been hanging with.

3. Either during your hike - or afterwards - take the time to give back in the form of trail maintenance. And join the ATC. Their work makes the trail's continued existence possible.

[Skyline]

1) You're going to see lots of shelters. You don't HAVE to sleep in them.

2) You will have great days, average days, horrible days. You will have more of the first if you aren't a slave to the miles.

3) You will meet a wide spectrum of people on the AT--some of whom represent populations you never associated with before. Celebrate the diversity, learn and grow with it.

(This is a GREAT thread BTW!)

[Lone Wolf]

1. Don't filter/treat water
2. Don't use Leki poles
3. Don't sleep in shelters

[Tin Man]

1. Be prepared, but don't over plan. Researching gear and your hike are important activities. Testing gear on test hikes are very important activities. Do not plan every mile and every stop. Some structure is good and allowing time for the unexpected is good too. You may not want to miss an opportunity for enjoying unplanned activities and you may have to deal with unexpected issues on the trail or at home.
2. Don't underestimate the mental aspects of a long-distance hike. Ask yourself why you are doing this and impressing others should not be on the list. When the going gets tough, remind yourself why you are doing this and if the reasons still apply, keep going, otherwise you are done and you should feel no shame.
3. Listen to others, but remember this is your hike.

[Tin Man]

1. Don't filter/treat water
2. Don't use Leki poles
3. Don't sleep in shelters

1. You don't have to agree with L. Wolf.
2. You don't have to listen to L. Wolf.
3. But, please put your Leki's down, while filtering water or staying in a shelter or talking to L. Wolf.

[SGT Rock]

Don't put it off too long
Don't put it off too long
Don't put it off too long

[Amigi'sLastStand]

Make sure your boots fit well
Do prep hikes or similar conditioning prior to start a thru
Make plans for contingencies. Preperation BEFORE an emergency is half the battle.
And four, like Mowgli said, water is best carried inside you. Camel up!

[ed bell]

I think its interesting that all of the responses you have received so far have answered a different question-- that being what advise they would give prospective hikers.

Took me second to understand, Rick, but you are right. Also noticed that responses are coming from people who have not thru hiked. No problem with that, it's not my thread. Just an observation.

[StarLyte]

Took me second to understand, Rick, but you are right. Also noticed that responses are coming from people who have not thru hiked. No problem with that, it's not my thread. Just an observation.

You're right Ed--that is funny--we all just jumped in on that....I'm certainly not qualified to give any opinion as a thru, I should have stated....

".....after listening to you give many speeches and lead thru-hiker bullsessions, don't forget to tell them this Jack........"

There most certainly is a criteria for offering advice as a thru hiker that is completely different than the life sectioner. Good point.

[emerald]

1. You are the recipient of an incredible gift. Show gratitude toward those who provided it for you.
2. Be considerate toward those you meet on the A.T., especially in towns through which it passes, particularly service providers.
3. Allow others to share in your experience when possible. Your generosity is apt to be returned to you and others in the years ahead.

[Big Dawg]

1. Don't filter/treat water
2. Don't use Leki poles
3. Don't sleep in shelters

1. HYOH
2. HYOH
3. HYOH

[SGT Rock]

My opinion was from someone that should have retired this year and hiked. Wait too long and something will get in the way.

[ARambler]

I was at (one of) last years Gathering seminars. My answer would have been: "only carry your pack". Someone else made the point (maybe somewhat clearer) to make sure your relationships issues at home are taken care of before you leave for the trail. While only a small number of thru hikers have spouse (or girlfriend) problems, it is amazing how many people are carrying "baggage" from home that affects their hike. Things like job problems or unrealistic time or money pressure are other common sources of stress. Also, hikers should be very careful to tell the difference between HYOH and their preconceived notions of what the hike should be like. For example, I've seen a lot of hikers who night hike every day, and then sleep until noon. This is a "style" for some and a bad habit for others. Know yourself is more important (and a prerequisite) to HYOH.
Rambler

[RoyTruelove]

- Don't worry about what you know / don't know prior to leaving, but be ready to make mistakes and learn when you get out there.
- No one has ever regretted doing the trail too slowly, but many regret doing it too fast. You have a lot more time than you think you do.
- All it takes is one irresponsible hiker to ruin things (esp reputations in towns) for the rest of us. When you're in town you represent the whole AT and not just yourself, so be good!

[Big Dawg]

Know yourself is more important (and a prerequisite) to HYOH.
Rambler

Absolutely!