Starting to get excited...

[10-K]

When I finished the AT in 2010 I decided to hike one "longish" trail a year. In 2011 I thrued the BMT. Now my 2012 Long Trail E2E hike is in a few weeks and I'm starting to get that feeling that you get when you have a nice long hike almost within reach....

Starting to lay my gear out, think about what I'm going to do different, etc.

I think I like getting ready to go on a multi-week hiking trip as much as I do actually hiking it.

[Storm]

Have a safe trip and have fun. Stay hydrated.

[Slo-go'en]

10K, I can relate. I head for Glacier NP for a 2 month stumble along the CDT in about a week. I *think* I've finally settled on the pack I'll bring and the selection of clothing and other stuff. Having a closet full of packs and other gear mades for some difficult choices

Have fun on the LT! The trail gets "interesting" north of the AT.

Speaking of gear choices, I need to throw a few things into my overnight bag and do another "warm up" hike later today. The weather here is great this weekend. Last weekend I started at 4 PM, which was a little late for the combination of trails I ended up taking. Hitting tree line as the sun set and still having 2 miles to go to get to shelter was a little crazy - but it was fun!

[on_the_GOEZ]

You're going to love it! Be sure to stop by the Ben and Jerry's factory in Waterbury after the hike - great icing on the cake!

Going NoBo or SoBo?

[Feral Bill]

10K, I can relate. I head for Glacier NP for a 2 month stumble along the CDT in about a week. I *think* I've finally settled on the pack I'll bring and the selection of clothing and other stuff. Having a closet full of packs and other gear mades for some difficult choices

Have fun on the LT! The trail gets "interesting" north of the AT.

Speaking of gear choices, I need to throw a few things into my overnight bag and do another "warm up" hike later today. The weather here is great this weekend. Last weekend I started at 4 PM, which was a little late for the combination of trails I ended up taking. Hitting tree line as the sun set and still having 2 miles to go to get to shelter was a little crazy - but it was fun!

Check with GNP re snow conditions. There could be trails closed or very difficult conditions..

[mudhead]

10K- You glad to be out of the basement? Mutley going with?

[AndyB]

I hear ya, played with my gear all evening..I'm just a dollar store trip away from being ready

[Tinker]

The LT is a nice trail. I think you'll enjoy it.

[stranger]

A tight back has curtailed my training somewhat but plan on being back full force in a few days! Very excited about my trip as well, my first LT hike was one of my best experiences ever.

[mirabela]

Great. Maybe we'll see you out there. My son and I will be hiking App Gap to Smuggler's Notch starting 6/25.

[hikerboy57]

10k i know that feeling. Im preparing for my own hike this august, im sectioning from katahdin to gorham. the boss has granted my request for a month off, and its the first time ill have been out for more than 2 weeks at once, so im pretty excited myself. my biggest challenge now is planning my meals for a month rather than a week or two. ive already climbed katahdin back in the 80s, and ive done grafton to gorham , so i know the terrain ill be hiking is fairly difficult, so im already in stage two of overplanning!!
Have a great hike 10k!!

[Cookerhiker]

Getting the same feeling for my JMT hike which starts August 18. As usual I'm a little apprehensive about acclimation, more so for my hiking partner than me.

[Maddog]

When I finished the AT in 2010 I decided to hike one "longish" trail a year. In 2011 I thrued the BMT. Now my 2012 Long Trail E2E hike is in a few weeks and I'm starting to get that feeling that you get when you have a nice long hike almost within reach....

Starting to lay my gear out, think about what I'm going to do different, etc.

I think I like getting ready to go on a multi-week hiking trip as much as I do actually hiking it.

I'm jealous! I've got another year...maybe two...before my next long hike! Good luck and have fun! Maddog

[Papa D]

you will really like the LT - - north of Middleberry Ski bowl (nobo mile 135) about 30 miles past where the AT turns off, the trail changes - - the whole thing is pretty but it starts to gain an alpine feel - - sort of like parts of New Hampshire - - above tree line but green below - there is some bona-fide exciting hiking too - - lots bordering on easy rock climbing - - ladders - - the full treatment - it's great.

[Nar Nar]

I envy you... after a failed end-to-end attempt in June there is nothing more than I want to do than get back out there and correct all the mistakes I made and give it another go... good luck and enjoy!

[lazy river road]

SOBO Leaving late July, cant wait to meet yall on the trail.

[Marta]

Check with GNP re snow conditions. There could be trails closed or very difficult conditions..

Because of the reservation system, he doesn't have much choice about checking with the NPS. :-)

One of my friends here, who works at the backcountry reservation desk at West Glacier reports having had a number of interesting discussions with CDT starters about their intended routes. There is indeed quite a bit of snow in spots, including in some of the campsites. Logan Pass is still under many feet of snow.

[Tipi Walter]

When I finished the AT in 2010 I decided to hike one "longish" trail a year. In 2011 I thrued the BMT. Now my 2012 Long Trail E2E hike is in a few weeks and I'm starting to get that feeling that you get when you have a nice long hike almost within reach....

Starting to lay my gear out, think about what I'm going to do different, etc.

I think I like getting ready to go on a multi-week hiking trip as much as I do actually hiking it.

Fortunately I get this headrush every month. The best feeling is having everything I need for 20 days and taking that first step at the trailhead with a heavy pack.

[jakedatc]

I envy you... after a failed end-to-end attempt in June there is nothing more than I want to do than get back out there and correct all the mistakes I made and give it another go... good luck and enjoy!

what happened?

[stranger]

I envy you... after a failed end-to-end attempt in June there is nothing more than I want to do than get back out there and correct all the mistakes I made and give it another go... good luck and enjoy!

Hey man your 16, you have a lifetime of miles ahead of you. I hiked the LT as my first long distance hike when I was 18, I'm now 37 and doing it again. I've done a number of hikes and on some have come up short, but I keep hiking and keep experiencing the trail. Finishing a trail is not that important in my view, it's the experience that you have for life. So much of a hike is where your head is at...and sometimes it's easier than other times.

Every hike is a learning experience...but we only learn from the experiences we learn from. You will be back!