So I'm thinking about hiking the Appalachian Trail...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_Trail

I've been wanting to go ever since I moved to the US, and I've got plenty of cash saved up just for this. We're (me and the wife) are going to rent out are homes until we get back so we can get some money while we're walking, and we're both going to work overtime every day until we're ready to go so we can keep our jobs.

It's 2175 miles long and passes through something like eight states. If I were to go I would start mid spring, so, no worries, you'll have me for at least a while longer... This will be one hell of a vacation.

Don't get eaten by the bears.

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Originally Posted by nitsuJ

Don't get eaten by the bears.

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Don't worry, I'm bringing Sarah Palin.

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Originally Posted by Good as Gold

Don't worry, I'm bringing Sarah Palin.

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You may need her field stripping skills for the moose too. Gotta eat sometime. :banana:

But anyways...... If you actually do this whole thing in one season than CONGRATULATIONS!!!! It will be hard but I'll root for you!

Good Luck. The trail actually passes by really close to where I live.

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Originally Posted by Xox

Good Luck. The trail actually passes by really close to where I live.

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Good! I may need you for food after I die of a natural disaster, starvation, or disease and I become a zombie. :D

I did part of it for fun last summer with two friends. It is a lot of fun. I have great memories from it.

But seriously, do look out for bears. :P Make a 'Bear-bag' (if you haven't heard of this) to put all of your stuff that smells into when before you make camp. Like soap, food obviously, pans, everything. Better than waking up at 3 AM to a Black Bear going through your tent. Good luck.

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Originally Posted by Good as Gold

Good! I may need you for food after I die of a natural disaster, starvation, or disease and I become a zombie. :D

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You know, my family actually owns a few convenience stores/gas stations along that way. A lot of hikers stop by.

Cool stuff, GaG! My brother tried to hike the AT, but only lasted five or six days before he got lazy and didn't hang his supplies out of reach. He woke up at 1 AM or so to find a black bear going to town on his peanut butter and canned tuna. Plus his knee was acting up on him, so he gave up and came home. Never was much for persistence... :D

If you're planning on going, be sure you do your research, have the right (light) stuff, and get in shape beforehand! I believe there are drop boxes along the trail where you can arrange food drops. A silnylon tarp makes a lightweight, durable packable shelter, be sure you have enough paracord to rig the tarp and hang your stuff, take along a decently put-together PSK (Personal Survival Kit) with signaling device(s) and invest in a water filtration system if you haven't already, it'll save time and effort. A sleeping pad (or a hammock if you don't mind the bit of extra weight) can be a lifesaver, and a small cooking stove that can use liquid or solid fuel is very nice.

Shoot me a PM sometime. :D

And Xox, cool beans! I'm going to ask after you if I'm ever up that way stopping for gas. ;)

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Originally Posted by Man of Steel

Cool stuff, GaG! My brother tried to hike the AT, but only lasted five or six days before he got lazy and didn't hang his supplies out of reach. He woke up at 1 AM or so to find a black bear going to town on his peanut butter and canned tuna. Plus his knee was acting up on him, so he gave up and came home. Never was much for persistence... :D

If you're planning on going, be sure you do your research, have the right (light) stuff, and get in shape beforehand! I believe there are drop boxes along the trail where you can arrange food drops. A silnylon tarp makes a lightweight, durable packable shelter, be sure you have enough paracord to rig the tarp and hang your stuff, take along a decently put-together PSK (Personal Survival Kit) with signaling device(s) and invest in a water filtration system if you haven't already, it'll save time and effort. A sleeping pad (or a hammock if you don't mind the bit of extra weight) can be a lifesaver, and a small cooking stove that can use liquid or solid fuel is very nice.

Shoot me a PM sometime. :D

And Xox, cool beans! I'm going to ask after you if I'm ever up that way stopping for gas. ;)

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Thanks for the tips. Me and my wife are in excellent shape, so that shouldn't be a problem. Some of my friends will possibly be going with me too, and they've section hiked nearly all of the AT. This will be their first thru-trip, but they've got it down.

I'm definitely concerned about the bears, but it's bad form to bring a gun, so I'll carefully dispose of and handle my food and other items properly, and, barring that, buy some bear mace. :D

I have walked much of the trail myself. I practically live out there in the warmer months. Good for you.

Oh, and the bear fear is way overplayed. You are 60,000 times more likely to be murdered than killed by a black bear. They are very timid animals. Only 60 people have been killed by them in the last 108 years; all of them far north. I would worry about people trying to hurt you before I would worry about bears.

(Yes I have bad form)

Well, it's not so much about the bears doing you any physical harm, as just taking the proper precautions so they don't get all your food.