Date: 2008-09-28
To: About my hike 1
Miles today: 0.0

        Well, I had the intention of some post-trail entries but I never got around to them. I was recently asked if I would do anything differently, and I figured I might as well write something up and post it here so everyone could see it.        All in all, I'm really happy with the way my thru-hike turned out. I have no regrets, but sometimes wonder how things would have turned out if I had made a couple different decisions.        The first, and most important thing I want to talk about is schedules. I came to the trail with enough food to get to Neel's Gap. I had no idea what city I would resupply at after that, and I pretty much kept it that way the entire trail. I did one food maildrop to myself at Fontana Dam which turned out to be a good thing because the store was closed the day I got there. Other than that, I bought as I went the entire trail. This took a great strain off me as I didn't have to constantly make sure I would get to a PO at the right time on the right day to get my packages. Granted a couple resupplies sucked and consisted of junk food, but you can get by on that.        Schedules suck. I know not everyone has the time, but if you do, just start hiking and don't worry about when you will be where. Take everything one resupply at a time. It will relieve some stress and you will have a much more enjoyable time.        Fitness: I went straight from the couch to the trail and it worked out for me. That isn't to say you wouldn't have a more enjoyable time if you were in shape when you hit the trail, but it isn't necessary unless you are extremely unfit, overweight, etc. One problem I struggled with early on was knee pain. It started a few days in and went on for a couple hundred miles. It sucked. Early on I started taking maximum strength glucosamine/chloritidin, but this takes about 6 weeks to kick in. Eventually I took 3 zeros in a row after I had been taking the meds for a while, and my troubles were knocked out. I would suggest starting 1500mg Glucosamine 1200mg chloritidin two full months before you start. A fair number of thru-hikers were having knee problems like me. The pills are cheap and light, so it can't really hurt to take it every day. Ibuprofen did help with my knees, but it isn't good to take that for long periods. I did have some luck with Arnica Montana, a topical cream that is an herbal anti-inflammatory. Worked for me, and it isn't as harsh as Vitamin-I, so it may be worth a try. You might be able to find it in a drug store, but at a Vitamin-type store for sure.        When you start, especially if you are solo, bring a book as you may be spending 14 hours every night in your sleeping bag. Very boring.        When to start: I started Feb 16 in an attempt to ¢beat the crowds¢ and make sure I made it to Maine by mid-October (which shouldn't be an issue once you get your hiking legs). I did stay out in front and led the northbound charge, and I enjoyed it. I didn't see many people at first. Mainly thru-hikers. At one stretch I spent 7 nights in a row alone in shelters, but this didn't bother me (it may others). I ended up pretty much shelter hopping for the entire trial because it was just so easy. There was only one night I came to a full shelter and I set up my tent unplanned. It was great to be able to pretty much rely on shelter space being out in front. Same went for hostels, none of them were close to being full. I did, however, see other thru-hikers and day and section hikers. I definitely wasn't alone out there.        The first mosquito I swatted was in MA. That is a very long way without bugs. Granted I was in the cold for a little longer, but I had plenty of winter camping experience with the Scouts when I was younger, and I had the proper gear for the cold. The only time I shivered the entire trip was during the half-gallon challenge. There aren't leaves on the trees, so it is much easier to get good views.        I stayed out in front of the thru-hiker rush the entire time. That may not be for everyone, but I enjoyed it.        Hiking partners: I started out hiking solo with the intent to hike solo the entire trail. I mainly didn't want to be tied to others' schedules. From Damascus on, I joined up with a group and stayed with them for the rest of the trip. I found I thought about quitting less as there was a support group to help you along, and the people got to know you much better than the many nightly encounters on the trail. The trail became a much more enjoyable experience. However, we all always carried our own gear and food and were completely independent of each other. This can be a very good thing as we hiked with some people who shared gear and didn't hike the same speed, and it didn't work out well. One had the water filter, so the other couldn't get water, and one had the pot and stove so the other couldn't cook. Carry all your own gear, you could only save a few ounces anyways.        If you want to hike with others, or have a partner, don't try to find one to head to the trail with. Start hiking, and you will meet people. You will end up staying with people who hike like you do. People hike at different speeds, do different distances, and this can be a big constraint if you go to the trail with someone who doesn't hike like you. You will meet lots of other thru-hikers.Thats all for now. I will do some more in a day or two. If you have any questions, sign my guest book and I'll get back with you.