Hiking Partner Fears

[bobbyw]

I'm admittedly scared ****less of getting 50 miles from the nearest location and something going wrong. I was a scout when I was younger for a period, and I spent 17 years in Western MA, not too far from the trail... so I understand a good deal of things. I've been compulsively reading about tricks and tips and bears and food, but I really don't know anyone who's actually done this trip, or someone who could help me plan it. I think I'm doing everything right, but everything I'm doing will only theoretically work. I've been living in Florida for a while, and I'm out of shape and extremely out of practice.

On that note, I'd like to find a hiking partner who has some experience, who knows their stuff, or even someone who is knowledgeable and doing this for the first time too. But, I'm afraid to ask out for a hiking partner because I'm afraid I'm going to meet a toothless hairy fat tranny who tells the same stories about his kids and the war over, and over, and over, and over at the beginning and have been better off alone. Does anyone else feel this way? Any ideas or suggestions? Anyone know a smart hygenic blonde that's leaving this year? If there is someone I could call and speak to on the phone about what to REALLY expect, that would be great.

[gaga]

i know many hygienic blondes

[Lyle]

Take what you've learned from reading here. Gather some gear. Take a few practice trips of a couple of days. You will quickly learn a way to accomplish the vast majority of the necessary skills. If you plan your practice hikes with bailout in mind, you should not put yourself in any type of real danger. Intermediate and advanced lessons will come with your thru hike, free of charge and without any effort.

As far as a partner, not needed. You will quickly find some folks who are compatible once you start hiking. It's amazing how fast you will develop some pretty solid friendships.

Don't over-plan or over-analyze the AT. It is a strenuous trail, but by and large a very easy trail to hike logistically. Plenty of support available if needed within a day or two of most points.

The VAST majority of hikers are dependable, honest, and helpful people. I cannot imagine anyone I've ever met hiking not helping a fellow hiker out in an emergency or potential emergency. Don't take this to mean that you shouldn't assume responsibility for yourself and use common sense, but don't be scared off by "what If" emergency scenarios.

Don't ever forget to have fun, even in the rain and snow. Our attitude is 100% dependent on what we allow it to become.

[Skidsteer]

I'm admittedly scared ****less of getting 50 miles from the nearest location...

That would scare me too.

I think you'll be surprised how close to civilization the AT is and you may prefer the more remote sections when all is said and done.

[Pedaling Fool]

I'm admittedly scared ****less of getting 50 miles from the nearest location and something going wrong...

You won't be alone on the AT, even if you're a SOBO. I wouldn't be concerned about finding a hiking partner, too much of a pain in the ass. I've seen many friendships destroyed by hiking together day-after-day.

[KG4FAM]

I've seen many friendships destroyed by hiking together day-after-day.

There are two SOBOs out there right now. Another SOBO asked one later in the trail how long they had been friends. He said from 3rd grade until Vermont.

[ofthearth]

I'm admittedly scared ****less of getting 50 miles from the nearest location and something going wrong. I was a scout when I was younger for a period, and I spent 17 years in Western MA, not too far from the trail... so I understand a good deal of things. I've been compulsively reading about tricks and tips and bears and food, but I really don't know anyone who's actually done this trip, or someone who could help me plan it. I think I'm doing everything right, but everything I'm doing will only theoretically work. I've been living in Florida for a while, and I'm out of shape and extremely out of practice.

On that note, I'd like to find a hiking partner who has some experience, who knows their stuff, or even someone who is knowledgeable and doing this for the first time too. But, I'm afraid to ask out for a hiking partner because I'm afraid I'm going to meet a toothless hairy fat tranny who tells the same stories about his kids and the war over, and over, and over, and over at the beginning and have been better off alone. Does anyone else feel this way? Any ideas or suggestions? Anyone know a smart hygenic blonde that's leaving this year? If there is someone I could call and speak to on the phone about what to REALLY expect, that would be great.

Go to the SORUCK and you will have a chance to meet/talk/"with someone ... about what to REALLY expect, ..." That's what the RUCK is all about. You never know, the person on the phone could be a "toothless hairy fat tranny who tells the same stories about his kids and the war......." . Of course you could do some shake downs on the Flordia Trail .......... Great trail, just won some awards ...but I won't start that again HUMOR HUMOR JOKE

[Lone Wolf]

I'm admittedly scared ****less of getting 50 miles from the nearest location and something going wrong. I was a scout when I was younger for a period, and I spent 17 years in Western MA, not too far from the trail... so I understand a good deal of things. I've been compulsively reading about tricks and tips and bears and food, but I really don't know anyone who's actually done this trip, or someone who could help me plan it. I think I'm doing everything right, but everything I'm doing will only theoretically work. I've been living in Florida for a while, and I'm out of shape and extremely out of practice.

On that note, I'd like to find a hiking partner who has some experience, who knows their stuff, or even someone who is knowledgeable and doing this for the first time too. But, I'm afraid to ask out for a hiking partner because I'm afraid I'm going to meet a toothless hairy fat tranny who tells the same stories about his kids and the war over, and over, and over, and over at the beginning and have been better off alone. Does anyone else feel this way? Any ideas or suggestions? Anyone know a smart hygenic blonde that's leaving this year? If there is someone I could call and speak to on the phone about what to REALLY expect, that would be great.

go to springer april 1st and you'll meet a few dozen just like you in the same boat

[ofthearth]

Also check out
Hike thru Ocala NF? thread. People down near you doing some hiking. A chance for shuttles and questions.

[SENRABJOE]

I have found that your best friend over weeks become drab, even boring, but you will cross paths with many people, who make the trek a real people experience. Also, unless you are tied to the hip of another, you will resupply, plan different camping spots and will possibly bathe at different times and places.
Senrab, hiking 3/10/09

[Blissful]

go to springer april 1st and you'll meet a few dozen just like you in the same boat

Agreed. And don't limit to who you might find out to be a real help out there and quite knowledgeable when you need it. Like that toothless, hairy, fat whatever. I had times I was stuck with a couple 20 year old invincibles who think they owned the trail. And we got along. Some are super friends.

[Serial 07]

my man bobby...you're 22...you'll make friends by day three...i met a tremendous "rest of your life" kinda friend at neels gap...2007, the guys i met at fontana dam, didn't see'em until PA...hiked the last 1000 miles with the same 5 guys...you'll meet folks...you'll form some kinda crew...ya'll come up with some kinda group name, have a handshake and a favorite double-duece that you buy from town in no time...stress is one thing you will not need to pack out on the trail...

[Slo-go'en]

The first 100 miles from Springer is one big roving party in the spring. Gotta admire that 20 something crowd, they do have fun.

[KG4FAM]

The first 100 miles from Springer is one big roving party in the spring. Gotta admire that 20 something crowd, they do have fun.

Especially at Cloud 9. I spent one night there this year and there were lots of folks that had been there longer than they had been on the trail. Not my kind of atmosphere, I will take the Blueberry Patch from now on.

[Pedaling Fool]

There are two SOBOs out there right now. Another SOBO asked one later in the trail how long they had been friends. He said from 3rd grade until Vermont.

Too funny, but very true and very common on the AT.

[Tinker]

I've been section hiking for years, and on the longer hikes, I generally meet someone (or some ones) who I find interesting and entertaining, and we often hike separately but camp together, sometimes we'll hike together, too, if we feel like talking. Don't worry about a partner. If you get too dependent on another person to keep you going, you might quit when they do (though that's not always bad, the trail will still be there). Since not too many people finish a thru that they start, it isn't worth worrying about partnerships, imo.

[snowhoe]

Everyone here is right, you will find someone when you get to springer. If you bring a hiking partner you guys might not hike the same and you dont want to be obligated to hike faster or slower because you feel you brought someone out here. If you are scared to be camping by yourself start off slow set your tent in the backyard a night or two. Then move to like a public campground and then finally take a overnight trip. You will get used to it and if you are like me you will love it.

[snaplok]

I'm admittedly scared ****less of getting 50 miles from the nearest location and something going wrong. I was a scout when I was younger for a period, and I spent 17 years in Western MA, not too far from the trail... so I understand a good deal of things. I've been compulsively reading about tricks and tips and bears and food, but I really don't know anyone who's actually done this trip, or someone who could help me plan it. I think I'm doing everything right, but everything I'm doing will only theoretically work. I've been living in Florida for a while, and I'm out of shape and extremely out of practice.

On that note, I'd like to find a hiking partner who has some experience, who knows their stuff, or even someone who is knowledgeable and doing this for the first time too. But, I'm afraid to ask out for a hiking partner because I'm afraid I'm going to meet a toothless hairy fat tranny who tells the same stories about his kids and the war over, and over, and over, and over at the beginning and have been better off alone. Does anyone else feel this way? Any ideas or suggestions? Anyone know a smart hygenic blonde that's leaving this year? If there is someone I could call and speak to on the phone about what to REALLY expect, that would be great.

My motto is a stranger is a friend you haven't met yet. That being said, I've met quite a few people that somehow managed to have friends before me that somehow surprised me with some funny stories. Even if I heard them a million times over. I tried joining a hiking club but all the other members where women who thought it might be a great way to meet guys. Never seen so much makeup and tight hiking shorts in my life lol. Not that I'm complaining just seemed to me more like the ones who go to the health clubs to workout for 10minutes and socialize for 50. Right now I'm looking for a hiking buddy(male or female) who at least has hiked before.

[modiyooch]

When I started out at your age, I didn't have a partner or the luxury of the internet. My only resources were one book in the library, and Backpacker magazine. Just research what you can and walk. You'll be fine.

[Gaiter]

But, I'm afraid to ask out for a hiking partner because I'm afraid I'm going to meet a toothless hairy fat tranny who tells the same stories about his kids and the war over, and over, and over, and over at the beginning and have been better off alone.

lol keep in mind this is the appalachian trail not craigslist, but also as many of the suggestions have mentioned there will be others out there, and you will find a partner that goes at your own pace, thats the biggest problem w/ hiking 'partners'