Thursday, February 23, 2012
What do hikers eat while on the AT?
Above is a look of my first mail drop on the AT and what food I'll be eating.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Questions, Questions, Questions
Thanks for your questions -- I hope you three enjoy your Emergen-C!
"So, realistically, what do you think your chances of reaching Katahdin are? This ain't no walk in the woods, despite what Bryson claims! =)" -Ryan Carpenter, Hiked the Appalachian trail in 2003 and Pacific Crest Trail in 2010 and is the creator of AtlasQuest.com.
Tough question, I like your style Ryan! Well, as I'm sure you know roughly 20% of hikers make it to Katahdin. That is why I frame the conversation about my hike as an "attempt" because there are so many variables. One careless step can force a hiker to leave the trail due to injury, which is not the even the number one sited reason for leaving the trail. I have had several backpacking trips under my belt, so the day to day camp operations are not much a worry. I think the mental aspect of the hike will be my challenge -- as it is for must. All and all if I have to put a number on it, I'd say I have a 67.33% chance to make it to Katahdin! My goal for this hike is to have an amazing journey and raise as much money for the Chicago Fire Foundation as possible.
"Are you cutting your hair for your hike? this is a legit question. Cause if its going to be hot during your hike then you should buzz it." Katie Nava, Freeport High School grad -- Go Pretzels!, Studying Art Education at Western Illinois University, and a great date for any high school dance.
That's an interesting question you pose there. Similar to an injured athlete I think this is going to be a "game time decision" as in when I'm sitting in your apartment and you have the clippers in my hand I'm going to have to make that choice. I've had my lovely locks for nine+ years and it will be hard to part with them. However, my receding hairline is already helping me do so, dang it!
"Have you planned ahead on where you will be stocking up on supplies and what is the average weight of your backpack you will carry during the hike?" -- Frank "El Guapo" Cardenas, Legendary member of Section 8 Chicago and the best trumpet player on both sides of the Mississippi.
The first month of my hike is generally planned out. I have post places that I will stop and resupply highlighted in my A.T. Guide. This book features most major landmarks on the trail (streams, shelters, intersections with other trails, roads, towns, etc.) At just 8.4 ounces this book maps out the entire trail. My pack will be about 19 pounds, without consumables (food, fuel, water) and about 29 pounds fully stocked with five days of fuel and food. My gear list with weights can be view here.
"So, realistically, what do you think your chances of reaching Katahdin are? This ain't no walk in the woods, despite what Bryson claims! =)" -Ryan Carpenter, Hiked the Appalachian trail in 2003 and Pacific Crest Trail in 2010 and is the creator of AtlasQuest.com.
Tough question, I like your style Ryan! Well, as I'm sure you know roughly 20% of hikers make it to Katahdin. That is why I frame the conversation about my hike as an "attempt" because there are so many variables. One careless step can force a hiker to leave the trail due to injury, which is not the even the number one sited reason for leaving the trail. I have had several backpacking trips under my belt, so the day to day camp operations are not much a worry. I think the mental aspect of the hike will be my challenge -- as it is for must. All and all if I have to put a number on it, I'd say I have a 67.33% chance to make it to Katahdin! My goal for this hike is to have an amazing journey and raise as much money for the Chicago Fire Foundation as possible.
"Are you cutting your hair for your hike? this is a legit question. Cause if its going to be hot during your hike then you should buzz it." Katie Nava, Freeport High School grad -- Go Pretzels!, Studying Art Education at Western Illinois University, and a great date for any high school dance.
That's an interesting question you pose there. Similar to an injured athlete I think this is going to be a "game time decision" as in when I'm sitting in your apartment and you have the clippers in my hand I'm going to have to make that choice. I've had my lovely locks for nine+ years and it will be hard to part with them. However, my receding hairline is already helping me do so, dang it!
"Have you planned ahead on where you will be stocking up on supplies and what is the average weight of your backpack you will carry during the hike?" -- Frank "El Guapo" Cardenas, Legendary member of Section 8 Chicago and the best trumpet player on both sides of the Mississippi.
The first month of my hike is generally planned out. I have post places that I will stop and resupply highlighted in my A.T. Guide. This book features most major landmarks on the trail (streams, shelters, intersections with other trails, roads, towns, etc.) At just 8.4 ounces this book maps out the entire trail. My pack will be about 19 pounds, without consumables (food, fuel, water) and about 29 pounds fully stocked with five days of fuel and food. My gear list with weights can be view here.
--
One week from today I will be summiting Springer Mountain in Georgia with my Grandmother and will begin my hike!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Want to Hike the AT in Less Than Five Minutes?
Green Tunnel from Kevin Gallagher on Vimeo.
Kevin Gallagher took 24 photos a day to create this stop-motion video of the AT. This video illustrates why the Trail has the nickname of the "Green Tunnel."
Monday, February 20, 2012
Everyone likes free stuff...
 |
| 300+ Envelopes of Emergen-C |
**Persons that won the facebook contest are not eligible, sorry!**
UPDATE 2.21.12 :: Contest is not closed, questions should be up soon.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Donations !
After lots of hard work from the ISA Board, I finally have a donation page set up through the Section 8 website, donate here. I have set a fundraising goal of $2,184 -- a dollar for each mile of the trail.
Just two weeks until I start my hike.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Halfway There
Friday, February 3, 2012
Where in the world is the AT?
Searching Appalachian Trail Map on Google Image search does not do the Trail much justice. On these maps it's nearly impossible to tell how close the trail is to cities along the way. The best way to see where the trail passes through is to use the map of the AT that Postholer.com has created. It is interactive, you can view distances, shelter/campsites, water reports, points of interest, among other things. It has been a great resource for running logistics of my hike.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)