So what is it?

So what is it?...

For those of you who have stumbled across this, or are just having a quick browse through curiosity; what is the Appalachian Trail? Well, it's a footpath. In North America. Going from Springer Mountain in Georgia, north to Mount Katahdin in Maine, covering a distance of somewhere between 2000 and 2180 miles depending on which source you read. The 30% of aspirational thru-hikers that complete it take 4-6 months, cross 14 states, take 5 million steps, and I've heard somewhere that they climb the equivalent of 16 Everest's. Ok, enough about the manliness of the feat at hand; its basically going to be a cracking walk through some beautiful environments and (I hope) one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences in my life.

For those of you who're interested I'm going to keep this page updated as I plan, prepare, and eventually hike the trail. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!

Friday 20 September 2013

More reviews and stuff coming soon...



The stove and hammock in action! Looking forward to using them both properly next year!
The review for the Woodgas stove is on the 'kit talk' page. I'll get one of the hammock done as well, now that I've had the opportunity to use it a bit more.

I eventually hope to do a video going over all of my gear, once I've gathered everything together. This should hopefully be done by the end of this year. Stay tuned! (or the equivalent of)

Saturday 14 September 2013

Inspirational stuff

This year Chris Gallaway has been NOBO thru hiking the Appalachian Trail, recording the whole thing in film and photos to make one awesome series of short documentaries. Congratulations to him for summiting Katahdin on the 3rd September! His journey has been particularly challenging. Not only has it taken him longer than average; given the extra equipment he was carrying and recording he did along the way, and the harsh weather experienced with the early start; he has dealt with a personal tradgedy yet still managed to accomplish what 70% of aspiring hikers do not.

His story, 'The Long Start To The Journey' can be found via Osprey Packs website. Its inspiring stuff, definitely worth a look!

http://thelongstarttothejourney.com

Thursday 12 September 2013

I met Leo Houlding!!

Leo Houlding came to Cotswold Outdoor Truro to present the first of his series of lectures he will be doing up and down the country over the next few months. It was an awesome night, truly awe-inspiring stuff! He chatted about all of his major trips, especially his most recent ascent of Ulvetanna which was made into to a film by Alastair Lee called 'The Last Great Climb', due to be released in November. Looking forward to that one! The stuff he's done almost makes the AT look easy... :)


Tuesday 3 September 2013

Training, sort of...

I've been keeping myself pretty busy over the last few weeks. I've spent most day when I'm not at work doing little day hikes or climbing down at the local crag. I'm not 'training' with the specific aim of getting super trail fit, although the more active I can stay, the better my core strength and aerobic fitness, the easier I figure those first couple of weeks of breaking myself into the trail will be.



A couple of weeks ago I managed an overnight trip from Truro, down to the south Cornwall Coast to Portscatho, and around the Roseland Peninsula via St Just in Roseland to St Mawes. The trip was about 30 miles in total with some good hills, and I was very generous with the kit I took so was carrying near AT weight.



 
 
Overall it felt pretty good! Despite the fact I hadn't been out for a while and it was hot, humid weather, I made good time and the mileage felt comfortable. The kit performed like a dream: The hammock went up as easy as ever and I had none of the problems I have had with the stove.

I should hopefully get another weekend or two in this side of Christmas. I'm thinking a trip up on Dartmoor in wintery conditions could be fun!