That's a question I keep asking myself, and I think I finally know the answer.
First of all, for those who don't know, the Appalachian Trail is a footpath spanning the oldest mountain range in the world. Stretching almost 2200 miles (~3500 km), the trail passes through 14 states, from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. The total elevation change is 464,464 feet, which is roughly equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times.
Basically, as far as wilderness strolls go, it's a pretty damn big one.
Obviously, that much walking requires a lot of time, planning, and equipment.
Since I'll be starting college in August, I figure I'll need to start walking a bit early; most thru-hikes take between 5 and 6 months to complete. My ideal start date is February 16, but as I've said before, weather conditions play a major factor in whether or not I'll actually be able to hit the trail then. Mountains get cold.
With my start date only 17 days away (!!) I've still got stuff to do. I've got my budget mostly planned out, and most of my gear purchased and laid out. I still need to contact the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation and see about getting a list of EDS-friendly doctors along the trail, as well as do what I can to set up a support system along the trail in order to get me to one of those doctors, if need be.
I'm out of town right now, but when I get back I can do a more comprehensive post about the gear I'm packing, as well as what I've decided to leave behind.
I also realize that I haven't posted in a week- sorry about that! Hopefully as the big day comes closer I'll start finding more to post about.
First of all, for those who don't know, the Appalachian Trail is a footpath spanning the oldest mountain range in the world. Stretching almost 2200 miles (~3500 km), the trail passes through 14 states, from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. The total elevation change is 464,464 feet, which is roughly equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times.
Basically, as far as wilderness strolls go, it's a pretty damn big one.
Obviously, that much walking requires a lot of time, planning, and equipment.
Since I'll be starting college in August, I figure I'll need to start walking a bit early; most thru-hikes take between 5 and 6 months to complete. My ideal start date is February 16, but as I've said before, weather conditions play a major factor in whether or not I'll actually be able to hit the trail then. Mountains get cold.
With my start date only 17 days away (!!) I've still got stuff to do. I've got my budget mostly planned out, and most of my gear purchased and laid out. I still need to contact the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation and see about getting a list of EDS-friendly doctors along the trail, as well as do what I can to set up a support system along the trail in order to get me to one of those doctors, if need be.
I'm out of town right now, but when I get back I can do a more comprehensive post about the gear I'm packing, as well as what I've decided to leave behind.
I also realize that I haven't posted in a week- sorry about that! Hopefully as the big day comes closer I'll start finding more to post about.
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