2012 hikers, have you picked a start date?

[TFOS]

I know it's really early, but I'm sure I can't be the only one who has picked a date already. What's yours, and did you pick your date for a reason?

Max and I are going to do the approach trail on March 19th next year. I want to be on top of Springer when the sun rises on the 20th, the first day of spring. If things go well, we'll have hiked through each of the four seasons (ok, so we'll only be hiking for one day of winter, but still).

[RETCW4]

I was going to start April 1 this year until I herniated a disc. Now I am plannining March 15th 2012.

NOBO
Trail Name: Tumbleweed
Start Date: March 15, 2012
Approach Trail: No

Tumbleweed

[Sickmont]

Not yet. I'll determine it probably sometime next january, to be honest.

[Far East]

Another 370 days to go... (still depends on the price for the flight from Europe, so +/- 5 days)

NOBO
Trail Name: don't have one yet
Start Date: March 15, 2012
Approach Trail: No

[SweetBee]

We're definitely doing our thru next year but the start date has yet to be determined. It will most likely be early March though, as ideally we need to be done by the end of July. We both work at summercamp for kids with diabetes and although I know the fiance would be willing to miss it for the trail, I know I won't be ok missing it. If we don't make it to Katadhin in time, there will simply be a 3week camp hiatus from the trail before we return.

[Old Hiker]

29 Feb - special date as it's a leap year and my mom's birthday.

[HockeyGirl]

Hey Old Hiker - that's my birthday too! :-)

NOBO
Trail Name: Button
Start Date: March 15, 2012 (for now - might be a couple days earlier)
Approach Trail: Undecided

I'm now officially counting DAYS, not years and ticking them off the calendar!

[ekeverette]

i will be working my last day after 30 years, around mid march. i'm planning to hop on the trail between april 1st through the 15th. i'm so overwhelmed can't control myself!

[One]

NOBO
Trail Name: One
Start Date: March 15, 2012 (Not set in stone, but feels good to put a date on the calender )
Approach Trail: Absolutely


Sorry, can't wipe the smile off my face as I am typing this start date!

[Old Hiker]

Hey Old Hiker - that's my birthday too! :-)

NOBO
Trail Name: Button
Start Date: March 15, 2012 (for now - might be a couple days earlier)
Approach Trail: Undecided

I'm now officially counting DAYS, not years and ticking them off the calendar!

Beauty! 357(?) days or so right now. I have the countdown on the front board in my classroom and my kids are counting with me.

Where is Hampshire? I was born around Wimpole Park, Cambridgeshire - Alconbury AFB - father was American Air Force. I was stationed in northern Germany and actually had to go to the UK for sunshine and warm weather! Thanks for giving me about 2 weeks head start - I'll be the old grouchy guy moving slow! See you on the trail.

[sjd0397]

I'm planning on mid march between the 11-17.

Trail name: ?

[HockeyGirl]

Hampshire is about 2.5hours SW of Cambridgeshire, we're on the coast, but certainly doesn't give us any more sun or warmth!

And even with 2 weeks headstart, that's no guarantee I'll catch you, I'm hot a hiker, more of a meanderer

Hope to see you on the trail though!

[LDog]

Max and I are going to do the approach trail on March 19th next year. I want to be on top of Springer when the sun rises on the 20th, the first day of spring. If things go well, we'll have hiked through each of the four seasons (ok, so we'll only be hiking for one day of winter, but still).

Love this concept. As Mary and I are not spring chickens, we're weighing the trade-offs between an early start to provide some safety cushion, and a later start to avoid cold and snow ...

My Birthday is mid-march, and that would be a great day to climb the approach trail to Springer. I like the idea of a spring equinox start. But, then, there's also something right about an April 1st start to a Fool's Journey!

[Captain_Slo]

NOBO
Trail Name: Captain
Start Date: March 12, 2012
Approach Trail: Yes

[Trailryder42]

NOBO
Trail Name: ?
Start Date: Around April 1st
Approach Trail: Yes

[De nova]

Nobo
I am contemplating my first hike ever of the AT next year.
I have some hiking experience and plan some backpacks in California this summer.
I am reading all the time about the AT and I am looking at a start date at the beginning of April.
I really never even dreamed I could hike the AT and decided just to weigh in now.
So far my greatest obstacle is friends telling me, "You can't do that!" for a myadrid of reasons.

[Sonno]

5/14/12
Sobo MeGa

[Storm]

April 1st 2012 since everyone thinks I'm an old fool anyway. Did the approach trail a couple weeks ago so might not do it again. Didn't find it to be a big deal. Thinking about staying in the Hike Inn and leaving from there on March 31st. Only 4.7 miles to the summit from the Inn.

[Entropy2012]

NOBO
Trail Name: ?
Start Date: March 1st to 7th (it'll depend on flights/travel arrangements etc.)
Approach Trail: Yes

Aaaaagh, I'm so damn excited it's ridiculous! I've never done anything remotely like this before, so I'm literally shaking with anticipation. :

[Handschin]

NOBO
Trail Name: ?
Start Date: 20 Feb 2012
I have not figured out if I am doing the approach trail yet. I am fired up to say the least!