Date: 2007-12-15
To: Warner Robins
Miles today: 0.0

Questions anyone ???Thought I would answer a few questions online rather than personal emails, and possibly help others who may not be quite bold enough to ask directly. Also note that there are many other good websites for this type of info (e.g., WhiteBlaze), but I completely understand that it makes perfect sense to go straight to the source, especially when someone has just completed a hike similar to what you want to do.Soooo, will use Binzo¢s questions as a starter (not picking on you Binzo) since his questions are sound and essentially the same as I had last year. Btw, good luck to you on your SOBO in 08.Anyways, answering Binzo Q1: I used a Cannon 4M digital, but there are dozens of other good choices. I used plastic bags to protect the sensitive electronic stuff, and never had any issues with dropping-bumping-wettness etc. I had several memory chips, where one or two were always in the mail to or from the transcriber, while always leaving me with a fresh chip on hand.Binzo Q2: please see the Sept 14 TJ entry for more details on my journal philosophy. Know that there are many good reasons and implementation schemes for journaling. Boils down to personal choice. I hand wrote my thoughts and used ¢snail mail¢ for the notes and pics. Consequently, there was always a 10 day to two week lag.   However, once the process began, the goal was to have a new post and pic every day.   The transcriber took my notes and phone comments and compiled an edited journal entry.Binzo Q3: All pics were downloaded at home from chip to computer. They were edited if necessary, then uploaded to TJ. There are many other good ways to do this.Binzo Q4: Cell coverage was spotty all the way down (I have AT&T). If I could see a tower, that would be the cue to whip out the phone and start calling, otherwise you get what you get. No real complaints though, the coverage was often enough to do what I wanted. I sometimes carried my chargers (phone and camera), and sometimes ¢bounced¢ them. Which raises another related question, ¢¦I used NO pre-planned mail drops. There were plenty of hostels, food stores, etc along the way to resupply. However, I did use a ¢bounce box¢ for items I did not want to carry, but wanted access to. Never had any major problems with the PO, but I did choose POs that were in trail towns and were familiar with hikers. I think on one occasion my box was late, but the PO forwarded it to the next location at no extra cost.Binzo Q4a: I did not start out with any specific mileage goals or agenda. I think in the end this made the journey much more enjoyable for me. Having said that, I knew I was capable of big days, and when it felt good, I went for it. Was genuinely surprised that some of the crummiest days (weather-emotions-health) would turn into high miles days. Go figure. Make sure to work some zeros and/or neros into your schedule to regroup/recharge, and don¢t feel guilty about it. Your body will tell you when. Binzo Q4b: Was not too concerned about cold weather down South, but know that I have experience sleeping on solid frozen ground in the winter (with appropriate gear of course).   If conditions got bad, I would deal with it accordingly. As it turned out this year, I could stay ¢light¢ and beat out the cold fronts. The SOBOs a few weeks or so behind me definitely had to deal with snow, ice, etc. Each year is different. The late Fall potentially can be mild in the Smokies, but be prepared for the worst. Don¢t bank on Global Warming to bail you out at 6,000 feet in December.Binzo Q4c: I felt pretty strong after a few weeks on the trail. However, I did have several issues that bothered me for at least a month (blisters, a knee thing, an Achilles thing). Each hiker and his/her style is unique. From other journals I noted a few hikers that NEVER settled into a smooth strong hiking rhythm. Some still made it, some didn¢t.I continue to maintain that the mental hurdles are more demanding than the physical (see TJ entry Nov 18).   Each person has to figure out how to deal with loneliness or NON-loneliness (trail drama) or sheer boredom at times. Take it in stride and laugh it off. Physically, I suffered no permanent aftereffects that I know of. My knees still ache even after a month off, but I am convinced that will take care of itself. I am working out to ¢rebuild¢ my upper body strength. I ended the journey with no weight loss, but I still have a tremendous appetite and the ability to put away vast quantities of sinfully rich food.Finally, this journey was one of the best things I ever did. No regrets. Boy, what a character builder. Don¢t want to do a repeat anytime soon, but I AM convinced that I will make this trip again some day.Everyone have a safe and very Merry Christmas.Thanks for reading.   ~ Dr Jekyll (Obie)   ME-GA 07