In February 2012 I am starting my first day on the Appalachian Trail (AT).
I will try my best to document, and share as much as I can here. Here is a map you can zoom in on, see the trail, some pictures, and information for certain areas. http://www.appalachiantrail.../Interactive_Map.htm
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The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine.[2] It is approximately 2,181 miles (3,510 km)a[›] long. The path is maintained by 30 trail clubs and multiple partnerships,[3] and managed by the National Park Service and the nonprofit Appalachian Trail Conservancy.[4][5] The majority of the trail is in wilderness, although some portions do traverse towns and roads, and cross rivers.
The Appalachian Trail is famous for its many hikers, some of whom, called thru-hikers, attempt to hike it in its entirety in a single season. Many books, memoirs, web sites and fan organizations are dedicated to this pursuit. Along the way, the trail passes through the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. An extension, the International Appalachian Trail, continues north into Canada and to the end of the range, where it enters the Atlantic Ocean.
After reading thousands of pages of journals, and going over everything I can find, asking people whom have been there, and some just plain guesswork I decided to start earlier than most do on the trail.
The average Start date for people doing a Tru hike on the AT seems to be somewhere between March 20th, and April 1st.
However, there is still snow in the trail through May in many places. Temperatures will not be favorable (above 60) until June, or July.
It seems no matter when I start I will be hiking through snow. So I may as well resign myself to deal with it head on, and get a jump on the trail early so I have more time if I have any problems.
I am planning on carrying around 20 pounds in equipment, not counting food and water. I plan on carrying around a week to two weeks in food depending on where I am on the trail.
Right now I'm not sure where I will be when on the trail. I have to physically get out and test my speed, and I have not done this yet.
Here is a sample Itinerary hiking at an average of 12 miles per day. I fully expect to go well beyond that after the Whites, but I like the "plan for the worst" scenario.
I've re-worked this to start slow, and work up from there. This itinerary deals with a lot of hiking into towns and out of the way to go to motels, hostels, and shelters. Not what I plan really. I plan on doing what is called a "stealth hike" where I can simply set my hammock up when needed, and camp wherever I am at the end, I figure this should shave a few days off of my schedule easily. I then plan on using these "extra days" for zeros. Zero's are days where you don't hike, and use the days to recover, and relax.
You may find a book called "A Walk In The Woods" by Bill Bryson a good read. It's about his adventures on the Appalachain Trail. It's well written with a good sense of humor too.
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07:11 AM
nmw75 Member
Posts: 1676 From: Mc Falls, Maine Registered: Mar 2007
You'll be dealing with snow & ice in the White mountains of N.H in May & also hitting the peak of our Black Fly season (May & June) here in Maine. I'd HIGHLY suggest a head net. Your in for a treat if you've never had to deal with them before. I've done Katahdin four times. Its a great mountain to climb. Usually average less than 1mph with light day packs. 10 miles.
------------------ 86 GT 87 coupe restoration project.
A coworker of mine hiked part of it and told me about it. He told me something very disturbing. He told me that it is common for people to try "hold ups" on hikers. He had a pistol with him and said he had to draw it once. Just a heads up to make sure you pack some "heat" as well. On a side note Take plenty of pics and share!
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ARCHIES JUNK IS FASTER THAN SHAUNNA'S JUNK
12.3 is faster than a 13.2
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09:04 AM
82-T/A [At Work] Member
Posts: 22765 From: Florida USA Registered: Aug 2002
In February 2012 I am starting my first day on the Appalachian Trail (AT).
I will try my best to document, and share as much as I can here. Here is a map you can zoom in on, see the trail, some pictures, and information for certain areas. http://www.appalachiantrail.../Interactive_Map.htm
Brad
Wow, this is very, very cool... that's awesome. That will be some learning experience. Many men look at their backyards with an acre of so of trees, and think they've seen wilderness... you'll see that as just some brush after going through this...
Wow, that will be one hell of an accomplishment! Most I've ever walked in a day was ~15 miles, and I was exhausted, most on a trail was 10 miles, and I was so sore. I walked about a mile of the trail once when I visited my Aunt in Virginia, it was beautiful.
You may find a book called "A Walk In The Woods" by Bill Bryson a good read. It's about his adventures on the Appalachain Trail. It's well written with a good sense of humor too.
I've read it. lol
The part where he was describing his friend in a car, in a field in Iowa, upside down, asking the State Trooper "Is there a problem Officer" had me in tears. Then the guy throwing away all their food. LMAO. He can really write a story.
It really bugged me that he got so close and then just all of the sudden decided "I no longer need to do this, I'm done"
You'll be dealing with snow & ice in the White mountains of N.H in May & also hitting the peak of our Black Fly season (May & June) here in Maine. I'd HIGHLY suggest a head net. Your in for a treat if you've never had to deal with them before. I've done Katahdin four times. Its a great mountain to climb. Usually average less than 1mph with light day packs. 10 miles.
I dealt with black flies years ago. I wondered if a head net would be overkill. What I remember of them, they would cover me so that they were out of the wind. There was no bug spray that did away with them really.
The Whites are the place I worry about the most. I can handle woods (realistically), since I live in them, surviving above the treeline, without all of the things I can get away with in the woods (such as $#!tting in the woods). Basically the Whites are a culmination of everything I want to avoid in life.
Got pictures of you on Katahdin? I'd love to see them.
Today is the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Weeks Act, which permitted the federal government to purchase private land, protecting forests and watersheds in the Eastern United States. The act has been called one of the most successful pieces of conservation legislation in the nation’s history. It safeguards habitats for hundreds of species, and recreation space for millions, including miles of the Appalachian Trail. The trail meanders through fourteen states and thousands of acres of federally conserved land. It also passes through privately-owned and locally controlled land, leaving it vulnerable to threats of encroachment.
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11:53 AM
nmw75 Member
Posts: 1676 From: Mc Falls, Maine Registered: Mar 2007
I dealt with black flies years ago. I wondered if a head net would be overkill. What I remember of them, they would cover me so that they were out of the wind. There was no bug spray that did away with them really.
The Whites are the place I worry about the most. I can handle woods (realistically), since I live in them, surviving above the treeline, without all of the things I can get away with in the woods (such as $#!tting in the woods). Basically the Whites are a culmination of everything I want to avoid in life.
Got pictures of you on Katahdin? I'd love to see them.
Brad
Its the harsh weather that you need to worry about in the White Mountains: mostly Mt. Washington as it changes fast! Was up there last July. It was 75 deg at the base & 35 deg With 50 mph wind at the top. I'll scan & post some photo's of Katahdin for you.
------------------ 86 GT 87 coupe restoration project.
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12:25 PM
Boondawg Member
Posts: 38235 From: Displaced Alaskan Registered: Jun 2003
Do you prefer to do this alone? I have walked many miles through many a wilderness for many days, mostly alone. I enjoyed being alone. Looking back, I think I would have enjoyed it even more and gotten more out of it if I could have shared it at the moment I was expirencing it.
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12:33 PM
Xerces_Blackthorne Member
Posts: 6163 From: Mertztown PA Registered: Mar 2008
Looking at that itinerary Brad, if I join ya I will probably meet with you somewhere around Waynesboro, PA and hike up to the Allentown shelter. That way I can end somewhat close to home and still have someone pick me up (or strategically place my car nearby), since mom's place is less than 45 minutes from Allentown.
I figure if I take it slow, I can do that much in about 20 days max, then take 10 days max throughout as "zero days". May not fit with your schedule by the time you hit PA, so we'll have to see on that I want to do it in no more than 30 days though.
Looking at that itinerary Brad, if I join ya I will probably meet with you somewhere around Waynesboro, PA and hike up to the Allentown shelter. That way I can end somewhat close to home and still have someone pick me up (or strategically place my car nearby), since mom's place is less than 45 minutes from Allentown.
I figure if I take it slow, I can do that much in about 20 days max, then take 10 days max throughout as "zero days". May not fit with your schedule by the time you hit PA, so we'll have to see on that I want to do it in no more than 30 days though.
Sounds good. I'm trying to work out how to go about hiking with others since I will already be on the trail, and others will just be starting. I've got 3 or so others wanting to join up at different places, as well as my cousin talking about flying in and hiking for May-June.
I have no problem with people joining up with me, I welcome it! I will have plenty of alone time in any case.
We do have to discuss food with multiple people. We can cover that later.
Brad
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01:11 PM
Xerces_Blackthorne Member
Posts: 6163 From: Mertztown PA Registered: Mar 2008
Sounds good. I'm trying to work out how to go about hiking with others since I will already be on the trail, and others will just be starting. I've got 3 or so others wanting to join up at different places, as well as my cousin talking about flying in and hiking for May-June.
I have no problem with people joining up with me, I welcome it! I will have plenty of alone time in any case.
We do have to discuss food with multiple people. We can cover that later.
Brad
Food with me won't be much of an issue. I plan to pack 10 MRE's as backup food (I can ration them out to about 14 days or more if I have to), and I will be carrying a small fishing pole and reel, as well as a survival 22lr. Again, squirrel and rabbit stew will be the *planned* mainstay on my portion of the hike. I'll also be planning to carry something with a bit more punch in case I (we) come across any larger game that may be threatening (I.E., bears, cats, coyotes, etc.). The benefits of having a CCW permit
I'd take the hi point carbine, since it'd make a good all around trail gun, but its a bit heavier and quite a bit more conspicuous to carry than a break down 22lr and a handgun.
Also planning to learn edible plant ID before I make the trek, so I can forage for my veggies
[This message has been edited by Xerces_Blackthorne (edited 03-02-2011).]
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01:26 PM
nmw75 Member
Posts: 1676 From: Mc Falls, Maine Registered: Mar 2007
I think Xerces may have plans to shoot me out of a cannon or something.
I see several options:
Drive to Atlanta and get a ride to the trail, go Greyhound back to Atlanta.
Drive to Atlanta and get a ride to the trail, hitchhike back to Atlanta.
Hitchhike to the trailhead, and hitchhike home.
Take greyhound both ways.
Any variation of the above.
Mom brought up the option of talking to truck drivers for rides there and back. We did that for my brother and his wife to and from the Reservation in Arizona and it worked very well.
Brad
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02:23 PM
Ramsespride Member
Posts: 1979 From: Where i am is where i am. Registered: Feb 2010
Brad- i am still interested in tagging along for the trip. By 2012 i should be in good enough shape and my stomach ulcer is on the mend do to some holistic healing methods i have learned/discovered. I would be providing my own stuff to use and you would be welcome to some of it aswell. I am also planning on bringing either an SKS or M44 or something like that.
I can also have an emergency sat phone with a direct link to a friend with a Helo if needed. You have my cell. Shoot me a text.
I wouldn't mind someone carrying a pistol, or some light weapon for protection reasons, and I have no problem with people going. But I don't want to end up in Prison over hunting on Federal lands.
Brad
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02:51 PM
MidEngineManiac Member
Posts: 29566 From: Some unacceptable view Registered: Feb 2007
I wouldn't mind someone carrying a pistol, or some light weapon for protection reasons, and I have no problem with people going. But I don't want to end up in Prison over hunting on Federal lands.
Brad
Honest, officer (munch, munch, munch) this here fire-roasted deer just jumped out (munch, munch) at us and started shooting, so we had to (gnaw, munch, munch) defend ourselves by having it over for dinner.
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02:54 PM
Ramsespride Member
Posts: 1979 From: Where i am is where i am. Registered: Feb 2010
I wouldn't mind someone carrying a pistol, or some light weapon for protection reasons, and I have no problem with people going. But I don't want to end up in Prison over hunting on Federal lands.
Brad
I belong to a few tribal groups that have certain rights for hunting in the area. It pays being nearly Full blood Native at times.
I've heard bacon grease mixed with pine tar smeared on you will keep the black flies away, don't know what effect it will have on the black bears though. My experience has been that after several days in the bush without soap and water insects leave you alone. You might want to look at snowshoes if you expect alot of snow, army surplus boots and clothing should be cheap and were designed for the outdoors. Once something ceases to be useful or necessary you can abandon it at a shelter to lighten your load, so don't take anything expensive, used and surplus equipment will serve the purpose and you won't die or fail because you wouldn't part with your top of the line $1,000.00 back pack.
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06:25 PM
MidEngineManiac Member
Posts: 29566 From: Some unacceptable view Registered: Feb 2007
I've heard bacon grease mixed with pine tar smeared on you will keep the black flies away, don't know what effect it will have on the black bears though. My experience has been that after several days in the bush without soap and water insects leave you alone. You might want to look at snowshoes if you expect alot of snow, army surplus boots and clothing should be cheap and were designed for the outdoors. Once something ceases to be useful or necessary you can abandon it at a shelter to lighten your load, so don't take anything expensive, used and surplus equipment will serve the purpose and you won't die or fail because you wouldn't part with your top of the line $1,000.00 back pack.
Dude..you are in the maritimes, I am in ontario....we both know there is NOTHING that will stop the blackflies or mosquitoes, and the horse flies ARE going to carry away a chunk of your flesh.....ya can bathe in gasoline or turpentine, blow hundreds of buck on lotions...
and those frackers will still get ya.
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06:37 PM
Xerces_Blackthorne Member
Posts: 6163 From: Mertztown PA Registered: Mar 2008
Dude..you are in the maritimes, I am in ontario....we both know there is NOTHING that will stop the blackflies or mosquitoes, and the horse flies ARE going to carry away a chunk of your flesh.....ya can bathe in gasoline or turpentine, blow hundreds of buck on lotions...
and those frackers will still get ya.
Permethrin bug spray May not keep the f*ckers away, but I'll be damned if they survive after biting me Military grade too
Hmm Brad, that cannon? It can be arranged Although I'm almost sure you aren't Hunter S. Thomson reincarnated
[This message has been edited by Xerces_Blackthorne (edited 03-02-2011).]
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09:38 PM
W Scott Member
Posts: 254 From: Welland, Ontario, Canada Registered: Dec 2009
I also think it needs said, that I could not be doing this hike without the support of this forum.
I would personally like to thank GT-X for the gear he sent me, it will all be put to good use and I still cannot believe the quality of stuff he sent.
I would also like to thank Xerces_Blackthorne, Ramsespride, and Tbone for wanting to do this with me, even if only for a little bit, having to meet up with you guys, and getting to meet up with you guys will be a huge driving factor in my hike.
My cousin is also planning on flying out after school, he will be 15, and will complete the trail with me if his mother allows it . (he has to get his grades up.)
I put the tent up successfully for the first time today.
The poles had the stretchy cord (not sure of the exact name) that has fell apart, the result was a tent that needed three poles to put it together, and a jumble of different sides pieces.
I put my best puzzle skills to the problem, set it out logically. Dug up pictures of what it is supposed to look like on the internet. and got it done. Internet picture.
And what I ended up with.
W00T!!
Now I gotta figure out where to get the cord to replace the other, I can't be doing puzzles on the trail when I really need a tent.
Also, I have read of people putting the rainfly up first, and then putting the tent up under it, anyone have a clue how that would be done? Two poles go through a pocket in the tent.
You can order rolls of the bungie cord online. As for putting up the slick before the tent, not easy with this tents design. Practice a bit and you can get the tent up in a very short time, then just throw the slick over.
~Tyler
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Is it solipsistic in here, or is it just me?
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11:12 PM
pete 2m4 Member
Posts: 867 From: allentown pa. Registered: May 2009
Breakfast 4 X 6 bags. I enclose vitamins in the breakfast bags. (Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin C, and a Multi-Vitamin). Notice that some of the bags have 2 X 3 bags of milk powder enclosed and others have 3 X 5 bags of goldfish enclosed (for adding cheddar flavor to grits).
Lunch 4 X 6 bags. Same portion as supper without the side and dessert.
Supper 4 X 6 bags. One pot meals – starch, meat or beans, and vegetables.
Sides 3 X 5 bags. An extra serving of vegetables cooked in my mini-pot over candles.
Desserts 4 X 6 bags. Dried fruit and/or nuts with extra goodies like pudding, cake, and chocolate syrup.
Snacks 3 X 5 bags. Individual servings of Nuts, Trail Mix, Dried Fruit, Sweet Potato Bark, Pumpkin Bark, Pretzels, Gold Fish, Annie’s Bunnies. Four snacks per day.
Daily Rations go in One Bag Once everything is bagged, I vacuum seal the daily rations. I write down each day’s menu on a paper towel and pull the items needed from the piles around the kitchen – it looks like an assembly line. I cut the continuous eleven-inch wide rolls twelve inches long, sealing at both ends.
Inside Bags Left Unsealed I put a small slip of paper between the seals of the inner bags to keep them from sealing all the way. When I seal the outer vacuum seal bags, the air gets removed from the small bags inside, too. I enclose the paper towel menu for each day along with matches. The paper towels come in handy for clean-up and for toilet paper. Each day’s rations weigh about a pound and a half.
I box the rations and mail them to my drop ship points. I send them to hostels near the trail where I plan to stay or to post offices. I set out with four to six days rations after each resupply.
Before I sat down to write this page, I ate Bean Bark Stew and Apple Pie which I had bagged ten months earlier as described above. The food sat for several weeks at the Fontana Dam Post Office in my mail drop. I ended up not needing it and sent it home. The food was in great shape after ten months. Even the bread crumbs for the Apple Pie were still crunchy. I had packed Sweet Potato Bark for a snack, but the pressure of the vacuum sealing caused the Bark to stick together. I separated the Bark into clumps and put it in my mini pot with water over candles. Ten minutes later I had steaming mashed sweet potatoes. I was giddy eating them because it reminded me of those glorious days on the Appalachian Trail.
If you dry your food well and protect it from air and moisture in vacuum seal bags, your dried trail food will easily last a full year – long enough for a thru-hike.
JK
I want to do it in no more than 30 days though.
Brad, that cannon? It can be arranged 
