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!

Trail Planning

I said I wasn't going to plan a daily itinerary and i'm going to stick to this plan; on a trip of this scale there is just too much uncertainty to be able to state my daily distances, where I will be camping each night, and where all of my food re-plens will come from. If I make a strict plan now, I feel that i'll be too constrained by it. I think it would be unlikely to slow me down, but I'd l just end up feeling stressed if I start falling behind my schedule; one more factor that might push me off the trail!

I have, however, been browsing through the AT Data Book and making notes on locations of food resupply points and potential town stop-overs. This is giving me an idea of how much food I am likely to need to carry per leg, and when I could have rest days. Until I get on the trail and start putting some miles behind me I can't know for sure what my daily average mileage will be; although based on my walking pace and experiences from other trips it should be in the region of 15-20 miles per day when I get into the swing of things.

Food wise, I handled 6 days worth pretty well over steep terrain in Iceland (you only carry 6 days for the first day!), although 5 would be more bearable, 4 ideal! If I can get away with carrying that little more it will save getting off the trail as often so I can hopefully maintain a good rhythm and routine, then really treat myself when I stop at a town. Hmmmm... we'll see! Lots to think about.

4 comments:

  1. Tim6 August 2015 at 11:28

    Hi will. Great achievement. Was it easy getting food along the way as a Cornishman with no backup parcels. I'm from Devon and would like to take up the challenge also Tim

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    1. Unknown6 August 2015 at 12:42

      Hi Tim. Thanks very much, it was an incredible experience; planning the next one now! Food wasn't a problem at all as there are ample grocery stores e.t.c. within easy hitch hiking distance from the trail. I started from Amicalola with 4 days of food and would just look ahead at each resupply to see how many days I needed. The only problem is that "hiker foods" can be expensive in some smaller places. For my next trip I think I'll use a 'bounce box', which basically involves stocking up with a load of food somewhere cheap like a Walmart and posting it ahead to the more remote locations. Good luck with the planning; give me a shout if you have any questions or anything :)

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  2. Tim9 August 2015 at 11:47

    Hey Will it must be good if you going to do it all again:) bouncing boxes sounds sensible and a very cost effective way of doing things. When I eventually make time for this venture I will sure to ask mate. Thanks. Besides getting there, and your gear what was the cost of whole trip?

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  3. Unknown11 August 2015 at 13:51

    I'd say round about £3500. Could definitely do it for a lot cheaper but it was nice having the spare cash for unexpected hostel stays and meals e.t.c. It was just a long holiday after all!
    :)

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