On a scale of 1 to 4, with 4 being fully ready for the trail, I'm at a 2+ right now. I've been training with a 30-35 lb pack for a few weeks now, mostly doing 1-hour walks or stairs. Yesterday I did a good 13 miles of flat walking with 30+ lbs. By the end, it hurt.
There's a lot of work to be done....
Monday, February 26, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Goals
I've got a few goals. First, success is arriving at Springer Mountain, which is an 8-mile hike. Then I've got 30 miles to Neels Gap. In 2005, 1392 people started the trail, and 1156 made it to Neels Gap, so 236 out of 1392 were out in the first section.
My first goal is to arrive at Fontana Dam, the entrance to the Smokies, 160 miles into the trail, on April 10th or so. If I have a minor injury (~1 week recovery) before Fontana Dam, I'll wait it out down south and keep going. In 2005, 1124 people made it this far, so only 32 people dropped out between Neels and Fontana.
The second significant goal is Hot Springs, NC. Late April, 25 or so days on the trail. I have to make it here; it is my major goal. Making it a month is key.
The third goal is Shenandoah National Park. I can't wait to see it; it should be the highlight. And yes, I will take some side paths to see the sights, Chuck W. and Dave S.
Beyond that, it's a toss of the die whether I make it all the way to the end. So many variables, so much out of my control. I'm getting to Hot Springs unless hell freezes over, (even if I have to take some significant time off due to injury). Beyond that, the adventure awaits.
My first goal is to arrive at Fontana Dam, the entrance to the Smokies, 160 miles into the trail, on April 10th or so. If I have a minor injury (~1 week recovery) before Fontana Dam, I'll wait it out down south and keep going. In 2005, 1124 people made it this far, so only 32 people dropped out between Neels and Fontana.
The second significant goal is Hot Springs, NC. Late April, 25 or so days on the trail. I have to make it here; it is my major goal. Making it a month is key.
The third goal is Shenandoah National Park. I can't wait to see it; it should be the highlight. And yes, I will take some side paths to see the sights, Chuck W. and Dave S.
Beyond that, it's a toss of the die whether I make it all the way to the end. So many variables, so much out of my control. I'm getting to Hot Springs unless hell freezes over, (even if I have to take some significant time off due to injury). Beyond that, the adventure awaits.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
For Those About to Walk....
We Salute You!
Good luck to everyone out there getting ready (or already starting) a 2007 thru-hike.
I've been amazed by the support I've received from people in my life, from my family (my parents had a cake made that said "Good Luck mATt") and friends to my co-workers and boss(es) (Dave convinced me to get a personal locator beacon). I'm definitely going to give everything I've got into this hike.
Some days I wake up in a bit of a panic, other days I think I'm ready to take on the 2175 miles with energy to spare.
I can't wait for day one.
Good luck to everyone out there getting ready (or already starting) a 2007 thru-hike.
I've been amazed by the support I've received from people in my life, from my family (my parents had a cake made that said "Good Luck mATt") and friends to my co-workers and boss(es) (Dave convinced me to get a personal locator beacon). I'm definitely going to give everything I've got into this hike.
Some days I wake up in a bit of a panic, other days I think I'm ready to take on the 2175 miles with energy to spare.
I can't wait for day one.
Monday, February 12, 2007
A very rough time plan
One never knows how the trail will go, but for those who plan to meet me somewhere between Georgia and Maine, here's a rough sketch.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Preliminary Gear List (Click on List to View)
My gear list, as it stands today. I'll update along the way.
Let the countdown begin
First blog post. I've got less than 2 months before I start on the AT. Lisa (Long-distance Intelligence and Supply Administrator-Thanks for the acronym Mom!) will be holding down the fort while I'm gone, but I'll post a few items here before I leave (and wherever I can along the trail).
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