|
|
Post by brianW on Nov 25, 2010 11:02:49 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Mark Y on Nov 25, 2010 13:10:38 GMT -5
I've often thought about doing this, but finding 4 months (I would need to allow more conditioning time than this young dude) is impractical without being retired. Like Troy, I couldn't do it without a pooch as a companion and my little fellow isn't big enough.
|
|
|
|
Post by Apollo on Nov 25, 2010 17:19:39 GMT -5
I've often thought about doing this, but finding 4 months (I would need to allow more conditioning time than this young dude) is impractical without being retired. Like Troy, I couldn't do it without a pooch as a companion and my little fellow isn't big enough. .... four months, hahahaha. no offense. im thinking 5 1/2, to 6.  |
|
|
|
Post by brianW on Nov 25, 2010 19:27:16 GMT -5
trail dogs are great. My lab loves to be on the trail/ Two places that the AT goes trhu that dogs (besides service animals) are not allowed. The Smokies and Baxter State Park in ME.
4 months is a good fast pace. Most thru hikers take5-6 months.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mark Y on Nov 25, 2010 22:18:23 GMT -5
trail dogs are great. My lab loves to be on the trail/ Two places that the AT goes trhu that dogs (besides service animals) are not allowed. The Smokies and Baxter State Park in ME. 4 months is a good fast pace. Most thru hikers take5-6 months. Why? This guy was 10 weeks in and over 2K miles. The math says 180 days is a 11.66 mile/day average. Allowing for replenishment stops will increase that, but still, 12miles/day is a bit low for a hiker in any kind of reasonable condition. |
|
|
|
Post by rsmith on Nov 26, 2010 8:02:26 GMT -5
Family friend, "buyer" for outdoor shop here in O-Town, has completed AT (3) times last 7 years. His most recent (2010) was 5 mths., ended in October. He hikes solo. Invited me along for a southern segment last year, but this guy is like top tour riders, 100% lean, no excess weight, rail thin, strong as an Ox. He admits, each trip, it is a very difficut challenge to complete entire trail - especially far northern segments. He uses trips to "test" equipment, gear, clothing for manufacturers, who sponsor cost. He does not have SAG, and doesn't take motel / housing stops - I'd miss my cold "Becks" at 6PM..... BTW - he's 62 years old.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mark Y on Nov 26, 2010 11:11:33 GMT -5
Well allrighty then! Give me 7 months! |
|
|
|
Post by brianW on Nov 26, 2010 11:37:26 GMT -5
I always heard of the "Fool's Day hikers" thru hikers that start April first at Springer and finish sometime in mid- September on Katadin. Back in '95 I was at Liberty Springs campsite (White Mountains, NH) and has speaking to a few trhu hikers who here there for 3 days hoping for a clear day to hike Franconia Ridge. My cousin and I hiked over it that day with at best 200 ft visibility and a few times we popped out of the clouds looking at a sea of white clouds (yes we were above them) Franconia Ridge is about 10 miles of at or above the tree line hiking. Really nice views. Understand why after months on the trail why they wanted to wait. 2 shots I found on line. mine are either on disc or lost   hiking south down Mt. Lafayette towards Mt. Lincoln, mt Liberty is just over the shoulder of Lincoln, Mt Flume is the point peak on the left. ski area in the distance is Loon Mt. (offer lifts for mt bikes)  |
|
|
|
Post by rsmith on Nov 26, 2010 13:26:49 GMT -5
Great pics. Shame AT is closed to bikes, but respect the heritage of the trail, I've only day hiked AT around Fontana, on off / rest biking day.........
|
|
|
|
Post by dparrott on Nov 26, 2010 20:32:31 GMT -5
I started section hiking the AT some time ago but have not been back out in about 6-7 years. Hope to get back out maybe this Spring - have a 39 mile piece left in VA. Guess I've done about 1600 miles of it so far.
The "100 mile Wilderness" in Maine is my favorite section.
|
|
|
|
Post by Apollo on Nov 28, 2010 14:42:34 GMT -5
Great pics. Shame AT is closed to bikes... It's is the furthest thing from a shame. hikers need a place to enjoy nature without all the other distractions. being on a mountain bike with the wind in your ears, focusing on every bump in the trail isnt the same as taking it all in hiking. if i were hiking and had someone fly by me on a mountain bike it would certainly take away from the experience. ;D |
|
|
|
Post by rsmith on Nov 28, 2010 15:16:25 GMT -5
.... sort of out of context there, Apollo. After the comma - sentence continued with ..... "respect the heritage of the trail".
We feel same way aboout trails we visit annually in Montana - great hiking, would be great biking as well, but "respect" user group limits, and we hike & enjoy each year .....
|
|
LIKE us on Facebook 
