Boston 9-15-09 - overnite layover on way to sobo start

imported
#1

This might be a long shot and well asking for some( alot of ) kindness of a stranger( soon to be friend ) - but I figure its wortha try - I am traveling by train to boston and will arive 9-15 (tuesday) at 9pm and know nobody in this city - I will be leaving at noon 9-16 on a bus to medway and then starting the AT sobo on the 17th or 18th ( depending upon weather and how rested I am ) -
I am asking if perhaps some kind soul has a better place for me to spend the night than the transfer station . - as I cant justify a hotel stay at the begining of this trek when my clothes and I are dry and clean .
I will abide by the rules of the abode - if that means be qiuet & sleep on the floor of your front porch cause you gotta work in the morn’- i’m cool with that - or if it means I got the first pitcher of brew or two at the pubs as you show me what bostons all about - im game for that too .

brewtus dreadsmore

#2

If you’re starting south from Katahdin on 9-18 you’ll have a lot more to worry about than the logistics of where to stay in Boston. While you’re out on the town making new friends the mountains of northern New England will be making plans as for when to drop the first significant snowfall - before or after your arrival, as settled by a coin toss.

dume

#3

hey dume,
you seem like a person in the know. im actually starting later than brewtus. i fly into bangor on the 26th of sept and hope to get on the trail by oct. 1st. do you have any helpful information… i know i will be cold… but as far as trail info in the winter? i would appreciate it.

steve

#4

Where does everyone get the idea the curtain comes down on New England’s weather after Labor Day? We might not get any snow til Christmas, or we could get a few inches Columbus Day which wouldn’t stay around. Hiking in the Whites or Maine is totally doable bare booted (no traction required) through November some years. It’s quite unlikely there will be snow that stays around and accumulates til after Thanksgiving.

Bluebearee

#5

The curtain comes down on Katahdin October 15, statistically speaking. Can you get through the Whites before then? There’s very little difference between the two regions in terms of climatology, above 4000 feet.

If you’re prepared for anything the region might reasonably throw at you, then great - go for it! I’m just saying starting that late might be a handicap if the goal is to actually complete a thru.

dume

#6

Spent two seasons as the ridgerunner in BSP, I know pretty well what happens on Katahdin. We had a run of Class IV days past two falls but I went up the mountain Oct 20th last year on a gorgeous fall day. It closed for the summer hiking season a day or two later. But it can also extend into November. The 15th isn’t a guarantee either, in '07 the park had Class IV days from the 13-16th, opened on the 17th with snow and ice still present (I climbed with the lg group of thrus finishing) but by the time I left 10 days later it was still climbable.

Bluebearee

#7

Thats all true, but ignores the very important fact that you can’t camp in BSP after the 15th. This would require a very long day – too long for most hikers to accomplish – by starting ouside the park or perhaps getting a shuttle to drive you in the park to summitt. So for all practical purposes stating that 10/15 is the “deadline” is correct.

mr info

#8

I think we’ve pretty well painted the “truth picture” for the OP at this point. The chances of weather causing problems in the north country increases the further into the shoulder season you go.

dume

#9

Looking for a place to stay in boston is a dreadsmore move - just yes , it would be nioce to make some friends on the town !
on the trail… its a brewtus who be walking .I’m prepared for the cold/ice/snow/rain/rocks/mud/blood and dust .
I have camped in 30 below in mn - yes I had alot of gear - more than I’m willing to port in a pack on this trail .
If its a really harsh winter - yes I will maildrop the ol’ heavy reliables and pull a sled .
I am prepered to walk the trail as I find it - and adapt to it as neccesary .

brewtus dreadsmore