Let me start by saying that I am a “mentally young,” single, metro D.C./Maryland, senior citizen who has long had the philosophy of “Wear it (sic, my body) out, don’t just sit around and wait for it (sic, my body) to rust ---allegory--- out. Having had to sell my Hobie catamaran earlier this year because I couldn’t find folks ---my age or even much younger folks--- who actually enjoyed hard core sailing and were willing to tackle adventurous wind and sea conditions ; I am determined to try something new and challenging, possibly hiking the whole A.T. this year.
For the past three years I have been doing day and weekend hiking on the A.T. The most I have hiked on one three day trip was probably around 30 miles carrying a 35-40 pound pack. (As you may have noticed from my pack weight listed above: up until now I have been much more interested in camp comfort, than backpacking speed.) Typically, by this time of year, I would have been backpacking weekly for at least 2-3 months or so. Alas, due to the weather…and my recent move to the D.C. metro area from southwest VA, I have yet to get out this year at all. DRAT!
However, while I have not been out hiking, I have been “thrift shopping” and buying what I hope will be all of the clothes, gear, and accessories necessary to successfully complete the A.T. (With my new purchases, I have tried to make reasonable concessions regarding the need to carry a lighter pack so as to increase my backpacking speed and stamina.)
Anyhow, here is my game plan. In a few days or so, I plan on putting on my pack and traveling leisurely along a single A.T. section for a straight week or to see how it goes. If blisters, fatigue, or cramps don’t hold me back; then I will do another week/section. During both trips I will be refining the type and amount of gear I would need to continue north on the A.T. If during any part of the three week trail period, I determine that I don’t want or wouldn’t enjoy doing the whole A.T. at once; I will resign myself to that fact and will continue to just knock of A.T. section hikes as time allows.
If my three week trial period is successful, I would really like to try to do the entire A.T. this year.
Now here is the “fly in the ointment” for me:
I really need to find someone very responsible who would enjoy becoming my “base person.” While I have read about folks who manage to complete the entire A.T. via their own self-sufficiency; I know that, given that the trip will be funded by my pitifully small monthly Social Security checks, I will absolutely need regular re-supply mail drops for much of my food, all of my medicine, most (if not all) replacement gear and clothes. As much as I would love to be able to stay in very comfortable motels whenever I am in town, eat at the best restaurants, and purchase new gear or clothes whenever I feel like it, from whatever outfitter is nearby; the fact of the matter is I have a limited budget (which should prove to be adequate as long as I watch my nickels and dimes, LOL) to spend and need to economize where possible to be able to make the journey down the A.T. this year by both fun and as stress free as possible.
If you think that you might be willing to be my “base person,” drop me an e-mail and I will be in touch so that we can discuss whether and/or if the base person role is one you are willing and able to accept.
ASIDE: I can guarantee that whoever ultimately becomes my base person will hear (via weekly calls or e-mails) and see (via digital pictures, videos) enough funny and/or stupid backpacking/hiking stuff so that they could do a 30 minute Toastmasters (humorous) speech weekly regarding the perils and pitfalls of my backpacking adventures for the rest of the base person’s life ! It is not so much that I am such a clown (at least not in my mind), as it is my penchant for ending up in ridiculous circumstances and/or unique conditions on a fairly regular basis.
P.S. For the next couple of weeks, I hope to be out doing my “shake down” hikes; so don’t be surprised if I am unable to respond to your e-mail immediately.
Wish me luck as, over the next few weeks, I take on the alien-to-me new concept of lower pack weight versus greater camp comfort.