Thru Hike March 2010 / NOBO

[ShelterLeopard]

Pepper spray... I've heard a lot of people saying that you'll send it home. But, those people may have been expecting to use it on bears, and they may have been male. (Which I think is really weird, using pepper spray on wild animals). But I wouldn't mind having pepper spray in my pocket when I hitch in to town or start to hear drunken catcalls. :-P

[Red Beard]

Pepper spray... I've heard a lot of people saying that you'll send it home. But, those people may have been expecting to use it on bears, and they may have been male. (Which I think is really weird, using pepper spray on wild animals). But I wouldn't mind having pepper spray in my pocket when I hitch in to town or start to hear drunken catcalls. :-P

I hear cat calls (and see pink elephants) when I'm drunk, but I'm pretty sure it's not the same thing.

[ShelterLeopard]

I hear cat calls (and see pink elephants) when I'm drunk, but I'm pretty sure it's not the same thing.

Hmmm.... maybe, actually.

Note to self: do not leave pepper spray unattended near redbeard.

[drifters quest]

Well, bear spray is pepper spray that sprays a TON of pepper spray, but it comes in a much larger canister. Trust me, over here in grizzle country it can be very handy! It was the small pocket pepper spray I was talking about though, not neccesarily for the people on trails either, but as you mentioned hitchiking and drunk weirdos.

[slugger]

(Which I think is really weird, using pepper spray on wild animals).

That depends on your use of the words "Wild Animals". Some times the Drunk people making the cat calls would fit into this category.

[ShelterLeopard]

Yeah- I thought of just including them in the "wild animals" category. But I like wild animals a whole lot more than drunken townsfolk.

[daylaandjasper]

I do not plan to carry a gun nor even a big knife. The best thing you can bring with you on a thruhike for safety is your common sense and your intuition. I was only creeped out one time on my 01 hike and it was in town when I accepted an offer of a ride when I wasn't hitching. I was a young solo female. Once out there, your sense of who to trust becomes very developed. I'm hiking with my husband this time.
Doodlebug

[ShelterLeopard]

I do not plan to carry a gun nor even a big knife. The best thing you can bring with you on a thruhike for safety is your common sense and your intuition. I was only creeped out one time on my 01 hike and it was in town when I accepted an offer of a ride when I wasn't hitching. I was a young solo female. Once out there, your sense of who to trust becomes very developed. I'm hiking with my husband this time.
Doodlebug

So you'll be able to protect him right?

I always carry a knife, but I mainly use it to attack my block of cheddar cheese and salami... can be pretty vicious sometimes...

[daylaandjasper]

I like to think we protect each other, but I am the "tour guide" in a way. It's been interesting to not get the incredulous "you're going by yourself?" comment this time.

My knife's main victim is also cheese and salami.

[SurferNerd]

I'll be on the approach trail Feb 28, camping on the peak and starting March 1. Nobo. I'm gonna be solo for the most part, but it would hurt to start with some company to get the hiking blues gone.

[gm1275a]

I plan on doing the Approach February 28th and starting the trail March 1st. It would be cool to meet up with people!

[drifters quest]

I'll be starting March 12th or 13th

[SurferNerd]

I considered bringing my .45 or .22, but I've decided on carrying a can of Fox5.3 mace. It's the police grade stuff you don't find laying around at Walmart. Bear Spray is crazy bulky, and huge cans. Fox5.3 is a sticky gel that's 5.3mil Scoville Units. It shoots a stream or a cone, and comes in a foam model. My can is 6.4ounces, and I assure you that if you were to get hit with it, you'd bleed from the eyes for 48hrs. Get a cop friend to get you some, or maybe an online e-tailer.

Ive heard mixed review about bringing guns. Hicks along the way have bothered people or incase of a black bear attack, or just for safety reasons; you're on the trail for 6+ months. Why should or shouldn't I take a firearm?

[SurferNerd]

I'll be doing the same thing, so I'll see you there.

I plan on doing the Approach February 28th and starting the trail March 1st. It would be cool to meet up with people!

[Hobbot]

For those that have hiked the Southern section in March, what is the typical snow cover on the trail? I am prepared for the cold weather, but I have no idea about the snow. I am trying to decide if I need gaiters in the beginning (I don't typically hike with them).

[Spirit Walker]

Every year is different. You may get nothing; you may get two feet or more. More likely you'll get a couple of six inch to one foot snowfalls.

[Kashmir]

hey people, First post on here,, but I'm planning on starting tentatively on March 4th..

[HDMama]

I am from Australia and will not have family or friends in the USA for support so will rely on the friends I make on the way for moral support.

Starting mid March.

gopcgirl

You still comming in March? I'll see you on the trail!

[tintin]

I am from Australia and will not have family or friends in the USA for support so will rely on the friends I make on the way for moral support.

Starting mid March.

gopcgirl

You still comming in March? I'll see you on the trail!

You might even be to partake in your nations favourite national pastime along the way: pommy bashing! Good luck and should see you on the trail.

[johnny84]

Hey guys and gals! I too am hitting the trail NOBO in mid march so give me a shout if interested in meeting up.