Who would u hike the AT with?

“What makes people think they can walk the whole AT and have no clue what their getting into? I'm suprised there are that many rookies willing to give it a shot.”

“I fear that Bryson's book, rather than dissuading greenhorn hikers, may actually encourage them. It was so popular it obviously fell into the hands of many persons who don't hike or backpack, and who won't see themselves any clearer than Bryson did at the outset.

But then I'm not a fan of the book -- anyone want my copy (if I haven't ditched it already)?”

“Now Maryphly..me, quiet lil ol me a party animal?? No Way! ask my brother..he was the wild child!

I'm only wild when I get around bpbaby..and even then I go a little crazy and drink my de-caf tea WITHOUT the milk!!

Rad..a tent heater? Is that what you think? Nah..you're just a piece of work!

As for M-nutz, he prolly would make a good cabana boy..Although I am FAR from being an expert on that subject..now bpbaby..SHE is a frickin' expert..

Watch out Bacpac..I'm the quiet one, Bpbaby is the wild child...”

“There is a movie/documentary called "5 million steps". Its about the AT and through hikers. Many of the folks who completed it were NOT experienced at all. Many had never bped before. I also just read a book highlighting many individuals stories about their through-hikes. Again many first-timers.

I dont think that being a very experienced hiker would be a necessity. It WOULD provide more skill,a lighter pack and familiarity with gear but...lets not forget,BPing is just walking with stuff on your back. Granted it would be physically tough but if ones mind is set regardless of experience I would reckon they would complete it.”

“There are a lot of factors I suppose.. sorry to hear you didn't care for the book pekka.. but hey.. if we all had the same taste, there would only be ONE book in the library.

As for folks not recognizing what they are up against, WD?.. Hey, we come across 'yuppie' types with all new gear on the trail.. folks who actually clean their boots off after every mud puddle.. and the idea that you might actually have to SWEAT a little to get to the top of that peak is a foreign concept..

Anyway, what were we talking about?”

“TownDawg, so you've seen the new library in Kabul? If anybody can help you cut packweight by getting rid of non-essentials, it's the Taliban, LOL.

Ooops, now I've brought religion into the thread.”

“Excuse me,did I read that correctly?”

“Experience necessary to thru-hike the AT? Not any more. Hell there are so many services popping up to make the hike easier I don't really see any challenge in it except foot problems and missing your family. Most of the trail journals I read nowadays sounds les like a thru-hike and more like a six-month bar hop to Maine. I still want to thru-hike the AT but the CDT is looking better by the day.”