Last Minute Nervousness

[pvtmorriscsa]

Howdy All,

Like all first timers I have some nervousness. I have a few questions unanswered, and I would love to hear from first-timers like myself that might know, and the experienced hands to whom this all seems old hat.

Do I need to buy rope? The other day whilst researching "bear bags" to hold my food and other "picnic basket" sorts of items, I came across a site that recommended all sorts of ropes and accoutrements for the hanging of ‘bear bags”. Here I thought 50 foot of 440# parachute cord would work. I mean really do I need all this rope and ***** as well? Further, does anyone have a recommendation for a brand of “bear bag”? Also; should I hang my cooking gear, as well as my food and toothpaste?

Next, I am looking at 2/27 as my start date. Is that too early? Will the park be open? Am I going to freeze my skinny a** off in cold temperatures? Will my 20 degree Cat’s Meow bag be adequate?

Finally, (I am sure there will be more nervous musings), where can I get the maps? Do I contact the USGS? If so what maps in particular do I request, and what price can I expect to pay? (Ballpark estimate of course.)

Anyway, I am done now. I think I will off to bed.

Rob

[stickat04]

I am going to attempt another thru this year I made it about 900 miles last year and I am nervous again.
You will need about 40 feet of some type of rope. When I did hang my food bag I hung my cooking gear with it never my toothpaste but some hikers did put there toothpaste in there food bags to hang.
Don't leave your sweaty bandana's tied to your pack while you sleep the mice will chew holes in the for the salt.

I am starting 3/1 this year with a 20 degree bag and a sleeping bag liner and plenty of warm clothes. I started 4/9 last year and had 1 very cold night no liner and few clothes so I am hoping I will be set for warmth. If you get real cold you can always heat water up and put a warm water bottle in your bag down by your feet.

Maps some people use them some don't I am going to use them this year I didnt last year. Check ebay.

Stick

[Icicle]

We were a bit concerned at the price of the full set of maps...also the weight. We aren't doing mail drops as we are in the UK...it's a bit hard to organize them from here.

The maps we did get look like they will do the trick. They are bandana maps...you can see them at www.antigraitygear.com They are $12.95 each and you need 4.

As far as nervousness...yeah, definitely going through that! The more we pack the more nervous I get! Of course there is also the feeling of just wanting to "START ALREADY!!"

[Stuart]

You can get the maps online through the Appalachian Trail Conference:

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/

The complete set of maps and guidebooks is $224 for ATC members / $280 nonmember. The maps alone they have listed at $162 for members / $203 for nonmembers.


I have not seen the mapdana (sp) close up, but wonder if it would provide the detail necessary, particularly of surrounding areas in the event you needed to leave the trail and head in another direction. Haven't thru-hiked, but I am assuming that there might be times when you are looking for more than just the next white blaze. Can you see topogrophy, roads, etc on the bandana?

[oldyeller]

Nervous? Yup. 2nd guessing equipment, weight, weather, pace, etc? Yup.

At least 4 others starting on the 27 Feb (Approach or Springer). Some map sets offered 4 sale on WB - email me if you need more info.

See you on the 27th.

[Icicle]

Can you see topogrophy, roads, etc on the bandana?

It doesn't show topography like a normal map, but it does list elevation, distance between shelters, roads, rivers, water sources are clearly marked and also resupply recommendations, locations of ATM's, medical facilities with phone numbers, etc.

I think they will be fine.

[SalParadise]

I'm like Stick and am making a second attempt after 700 miles last year. I don't think I'm really nervous, nothing to get nervous about, but I am certainly anxious.
If you don't want to spend the money, you don't really need the maps, either just the Data Book or Wingfoot's book. Though if you're leaving that early you may also want a Thru-hikers Companion because you won't find many hikers in each town you stop at to tell you where everything is.
Last year I left March 29th, was lucky to be in towns for both snows, and had about four shivering nights, mostly about 50 miles after the Smokies. I'd imagine hiking through March you could add maybe 20 days of cold weather to that figure.
Best wishes on your hike this year.