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Started By
Message
Anyone planning on doing the AT next year?
Posted on 12/16/20 at 10:38 pm
Posted on 12/16/20 at 10:38 pm
I am, let me know if you are
4
Posted on 12/16/20 at 10:58 pm to DoUrden
Good luck, think it is too late for me, wish I did it young. I will do the Smokies section in one go eventually. Done most of it already.
I want a thread when you go.
I want a thread when you go.
This post was edited on 12/16/20 at 10:59 pm
Posted on 12/17/20 at 8:30 am to DoUrden
I'm not. Thanks for asking though.
Posted on 12/17/20 at 10:08 am to Dam Guide
quote:
think it is too late for me
Lots of older people on the trail. Actually loved hiking and talking with many of them while I was on the trail. If it is something you are seriously interested in I wouldn't let age stop me. Less miles, lighter pack, etc.
You do not have to dedicate 6 months or plan to hike the entire trail to get the benefits of the trail. There were some people I hiked with that were so focused on mileage and being done by a certain date that they walked past the blue-blazed scenic overlooks, waterfalls, etc. While hiking if there was a music festival or any kind of community event like that we would try to stop by and experience it. I think someone could easily spend two months and get the benefits of the "reboot". I am not going to tell others what they should or shouldn't do, but just be open minded to doing a long section and don't think you have to hike the 2180 miles.
I will keep this short, but I have said this was one of the best things I have ever done. I was at a point in my life where I made great money, worked hard, but I also spent alot of money. I ate out alot, spent more than I needed to on gadgets, bikes, gear, etc. After spending 6 months carrying everything you need on your pack (while constantly looking to remove weight by getting rid of things you aren't using) you realize that you really don't need all these items. When I got home I looked around and was like why do I have all this stuff. Loaded up items and took it to goodwill. Few weeks later I did it again, and then again. You really learn that the simple life is a much more enjoyable life. I still make decent money but I don't spend it like I used to. I put myself in a pretty good position financially all while making less money than I did before. I still work hard, but I also make sure I spend time doing things I enjoy. I have a really good life now and consider myself extremely fortunate. If I had not hiked the trail, I expect I would still be in the same rat race I used to be.
DoUrden: Are you on whiteblaze?
This post was edited on 12/17/20 at 10:17 am
Posted on 12/17/20 at 10:39 am to Dam Guide
quote:
wish I did it young
I've met plenty of retired people on the PCT who were thru hiking.
Posted on 12/17/20 at 10:54 am to TimeOutdoors
quote:
Lots of older people on the trail. Actually loved hiking and talking with many of them while I was on the trail. If it is something you are seriously interested in I wouldn't let age stop me. Less miles, lighter pack, etc.
You do not have to dedicate 6 months or plan to hike the entire trail to get the benefits of the trail. There were some people I hiked with that were so focused on mileage and being done by a certain date that they walked past the blue-blazed scenic overlooks, waterfalls, etc. While hiking if there was a music festival or any kind of community event like that we would try to stop by and experience it. I think someone could easily spend two months and get the benefits of the "reboot". I am not going to tell others what they should or shouldn't do, but just be open minded to doing a long section and don't think you have to hike the 2180 miles.
I will keep this short, but I have said this was one of the best things I have ever done. I was at a point in my life where I made great money, worked hard, but I also spent alot of money. I ate out alot, spent more than I needed to on gadgets, bikes, gear, etc. After spending 6 months carrying everything you need on your pack (while constantly looking to remove weight by getting rid of things you aren't using) you realize that you really don't need all these items. When I got home I looked around and was like why do I have all this stuff. Loaded up items and took it to goodwill. Few weeks later I did it again, and then again. You really learn that the simple life is a much more enjoyable life. I still make decent money but I don't spend it like I used to. I put myself in a pretty good position financially all while making less money than I did before. I still work hard, but I also make sure I spend time doing things I enjoy. I have a really good life now and consider myself extremely fortunate. If I had not hiked the trail, I expect I would still be in the same rat race I used to be.
This post made my day, if not week.
Posted on 12/17/20 at 11:32 am to DoUrden
Good luck. I've done about 150 miles in various states. Should be a blast.
When I get a chance for a long thru hike it will be the CDT. Hopefully before it gets very crowded.
When I get a chance for a long thru hike it will be the CDT. Hopefully before it gets very crowded.
Posted on 12/17/20 at 12:22 pm to TimeOutdoors
Any suggestions on the “best” sections to hike? By best, I mean most scenic and convenient to get on/off the trail.
Posted on 12/17/20 at 12:42 pm to hungryone
quote:
Any suggestions on the “best” sections to hike? By best, I mean most scenic and convenient to get on/off the trail.
New Hampshire is tough hiking but easy access and maybe the most scenic. Fly to Boston and take a bus to Littleton or Goram. Bus back to Boston. That’s if you don’t want to rent a car.
Pre COVID hitch hiking is very easy near the trail. No point in a rental just sitting at the trail for a few days.
Access is relatively easy all over the trail. White blaze has many resources and people that can help plan.
Posted on 12/17/20 at 1:05 pm to hungryone
quote:
Any suggestions on the “best” sections to hike? By best, I mean most scenic and convenient to get on/off the trail.
For the southern half I love Grayson Highlands Area in Southwest Virginia. The Roan Mountain would be my second favorite area. If you have time a great 140ish mile section is Hot Springs - 19E. I would go to Hot Springs and get a shuttle to 19E instead of leaving my cat at 19E. If you want to skip the hike up Roan Mountain you can start at the top of Roan instead of 19E (but you will miss some great sections of the trail). This area has plenty of road crossings, overlooks, balds, etc. Plus Hot Springs is one of my favorite towns. There are plenty of road access points in that section if you want to plan something shorter.
Posted on 12/17/20 at 3:46 pm to TimeOutdoors
quote:
I love Grayson Highlands Area
Is that the area with the ponys?
Would be a nice hike through there.
Posted on 12/17/20 at 4:39 pm to Y.A. Tittle
quote:
I will keep this short, but I have said this was one of the best things I have ever done. I was at a point in my life where I made great money, worked hard, but I also spent alot of money. I ate out alot, spent more than I needed to on gadgets, bikes, gear, etc. After spending 6 months carrying everything you need on your pack (while constantly looking to remove weight by getting rid of things you aren't using) you realize that you really don't need all these items. When I got home I looked around and was like why do I have all this stuff. Loaded up items and took it to goodwill. Few weeks later I did it again, and then again. You really learn that the simple life is a much more enjoyable life. I still make decent money but I don't spend it like I used to. I put myself in a pretty good position financially all while making less money than I did before. I still work hard, but I also make sure I spend time doing things I enjoy. I have a really good life now and consider myself extremely fortunate. If I had not hiked the trail, I expect I would still be in the same rat race I used to be.
Great, Great, Great !
Posted on 12/18/20 at 10:47 am to Nodust
quote:
Is that the area with the ponys?
Would be a nice hike through there.
It is. I used to live in Boone, NC and I we had a photographer come out to do a shoot at a resort I worked at for a marketing promotion. I asked him where his favorite place to photography was expecting him to say Banner Elk, Grandfather Mountain, etc... he was the one that told me about Grayson Highlands (especially Elk Gardens). I have made several trips to the area but when I was hiking the A.T. I just happened to be with a guy from Scotland. His exact words were "this place is more like Scotland than Scotland is".. They have an aggressive burning program so there are lots of open grassland.
If you go make sure you bike the Virginia Creeper Trail between Whitetop Mountain and Damascus. They basically shuttle you up the mountain and you coast down the trail over trestles, following whitewater along the way. Of the 17 miles you maybe actually pedal 3 miles of it. (If you hike the A.T. out of Damascus you can also walk up the VCT till you get to the AT cutoff (it's a more scenic route for that section).
And lastly, Trail Days in Damascus is May 14-16 this year. Trail Days Link
Actually one more thing... If you are into winter hammock camping the Cold Weather Winter Hang at Mt. Rogers / Grayson (formerly known as the frozen butt hang) is Jan 21-24. Hammock Forum Link
This post was edited on 12/18/20 at 10:54 am
Posted on 12/18/20 at 12:34 pm to TimeOutdoors
quote:
Actually one more thing... If you are into winter hammock camping the Cold Weather Winter Hang at Mt. Rogers / Grayson (formerly known as the frozen butt hang) is Jan 21-24. Hammock Forum Link
I’ve been wanting to make one of those hangs. I do enjoy some cold weather hammocking.
Posted on 12/18/20 at 1:02 pm to Nodust
I know a few of the people on the list going. They are a great group of folks. Family friendly group too... they are alot of fun and it's worth it just to see the different setups. (Also great for learning more about dutch oven cooking over coals). It can be windy there in addition to cold so be prepared.
Posted on 12/18/20 at 1:07 pm to TimeOutdoors
I’ll have to plan one in a few years. Was going to the Louisiana one and COVID hit.
Posted on 12/19/20 at 9:36 am to DoUrden
quote:This jackass ain't doin shite.
DoUrden
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