Thru Hike departure time

[Tony]

I will be retiring from the Marine Corps in late 2009 (Aug-Oct time frame). My plan currently is to wait until March 2010 to start my thru-hike however, I am wondering what the conditions are like doing a NoBo right after I retire. I understand that I would be in the mountains for most of the winter months. Looking for the experience and recommendations of those here who have hiked NoBo and what they would say. I am probably going to stick to the original step off date to give me more time with the wife to set up all the final prep stuff (i.e., mail drops, gear checks, last minute planning). Just figured I would ask and see what you all would recommend.

Thanks for the help in advance....
Tony

[SGT Rock]

Crusty if you started in August and headed south you would most likely be in the Smokies about right now. This means you would have nights in the 10-20 degree range with possible lows in the single digits on the really bad nights. There would be snow, not too deep normally but the chance it could be bad. You would probably be getting down to Springer around the middle to end of next month. It would not be too terribly bad for an old Marine to hack. If you waited until later than that you may as well wait until next Spring to start or do like me and start in January in the south if you are tired of waiting until spring.

[Just a Hiker]

Semper Fi Marine! If you retire (or go on terminal leave) in August, you could SOBO and be finished by January sometime or early February.

Just Jim

[SGT Rock]

Absolutly. I'm starting my terminal leave the 26th of this month and planned to start the next day. I've got so much leave accrued I'm getting paid for near 3.25 months of hiking.

But since I am so short I need a step stool to see myself in the mirror my unit has me doing NOTHING and I live a couple of miles from the AT - I'm planning to take some 4 day passes and start before my terminal leave even begins. Just consider the days off the trail this month as Zeros.

If this old Army guy can hike in ****ty weather, I know a Marine can get out there.

Good luck man.

[Tony]

I just talked to my wife tonight about my plan to hike the AT. She knew that I wanted to do the trail before I turned 50, however, she just found out tonight that I want to do a thru-hike in 2010. Surprisingly, she said ok. To be honest, wasn't sure what response I would have gotten however, I am going after this like Rocky after his wife came out of the coma and said "Win". LOL I appreciate the input and look to be more active on the boards now that the shadowy veil has been dropped and my lurking revealed.

Sgt Rock, look forward to meeting you someday at one of the events or on the trail itself. I have enjoyed/will continue to enjoy your postings.

Talk at you all in a while. (surfing whiteblaze)

Tony

[Tony]

Already planning to step off down south as my Brother in Law lives near Atlanta. However, I will see what happens as the date get's closer. LOL

Thanks

[SGT Rock]

Good luck with that. Lets us know how we can help in the future.

[Pedaling Fool]

Absolutly. I'm starting my terminal leave the 26th of this month and planned to start the next day...

Hey Rock, why you leaving so early? Damn Cold!

[SGT Rock]

It's either sit around the house driving my wife nuts or just suck it up and go hiking.

[Red Hat]

Yep, I'll be sitting around the house driving my husband nuts till I start my SOBO, but I'll be warm...

[Pedaling Fool]

Were suppose to have a high ~45 degrees here in Florida tomorrow, DAMN COLD.

[Hooch]

Tony, Marine to Marine, Semper Fi and best wished for your thru in 2010. to White Blaze, I'm sure that you'll find plenty of intl on here tohelp ypu in your thru planning. I saw that you're on Parris Island, I took an 11 week vacation there after I graduated from high school in 1987, graduating from Delta Co, 2d RTBN. Anyway, best of luck and glad to have you aboard.

Hooch
CPL, USMC
1987-1991

SGT, USMCR
1991-1995

[Lone Wolf]

Tony, Marine to Marine, Semper Fi and best wished for your thru in 2010. to White Blaze, I'm sure that you'll find plenty of intl on here tohelp ypu in your thru planning. I saw that you're on Parris Island, I took an 11 week vacation there after I graduated from high school in 1987, graduating from Delta Co, 2d RTBN. Anyway, best of luck and glad to have you aboard.

Hooch
CPL, USMC
1987-1991

SGT, USMCR
1991-1995

11 weeks? mine was 13. H Co., 3rd Bn. 1977

[Spirit Walker]

The problem with going north starting in August is that you wouldn't be able to finish the trail, even if the weather cooperates and you have a mild autumn/early winter all the way. Katahdin doesn't let hikers in during the winter unless they are in a group and equipped for winter mountaineering. Generally the mountain closes in mid-October and opens again at the end of May (sometimes later). The southern mountains are higher, but the trail is better (less rock climbing) so it is better to hike the northern mountains when they aren't covered with snow and ice. SOBO works better for a late start unless you plan to stretch it out to the following June.

[SGT Rock]

I assume he was going to hike SOBO if he started in August. That is why I said he would be in the Smokies around this time if he does.

[Hooch]

11 weeks? mine was 13. H Co., 3rd Bn. 1977

Yeah, but that's when body armor was made out of chain mail.

[Lone Wolf]

The problem with going north starting in August is that you wouldn't be able to finish the trail, even if the weather cooperates and you have a mild autumn/early winter all the way. Katahdin doesn't let hikers in during the winter unless they are in a group and equipped for winter mountaineering.

a great reason to move the northern terminus out of the constrictive, elitist baxter park

[Kirby]

a great reason to move the northern terminus out of the constrictive, elitist baxter park

Where should it end?

Kirby

[Lone Wolf]

Whitecap Mountain

[Kirby]

Whitecap Mountain

100 mile wilderness whitecap?

If so, that would be a good ending spot, impressive summit and view, of...Mount Katahdin.

Kirby