Hiking partners

imported
#1 
									I tried to hike the entire trail in 2009.  I was alone, got hurt, had a very bad infection, and left the trail.  It was, in my opinion, a bad idea to  try to hike the trail alone.  Anything can happen to you.  I needed to be more physically fit as well.

I was wondering if the trail clubs would provide someone to hike with me across their territory and hand me off to someone in the next club. This way I could have someone hiking with me the length of the trail. I don’t know anyone that would be interested in hiking this trail. I am a retired senior and would like very much to complete this trail. I need to get into really great physical shape prior to my next attempt in 2013. The key here is if I can have one or several hiking partners by 2013. I already have the equipment and know the physical and mental requirements necessary for success. I already have the equipment. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

									_blackeyedsusan_
#2 
									I have come to learn that hiking on the trail is very similar to living life off the trail.  As long as you are independent enough to manage your everyday life without assistance you should be able to complete a thru hike.  Everyone has a different speed and level of fitness.  That said the AT is not the place for a person with a few years under their belt to get back into shape.  Rather a place to celebrate life both within and the natural world abounding on route.  So let go of the fears and begin to go for walks around town on a daily basis starting off slow at first and increasing the time (do not worry about mileage) spent walking on these constitutional outings.  Do not push and allow an increased fitness level to develop as the body acclimates to this new lifestyle.  Regarding hiking partners...there are so many wonderful people on the trail and you will be blessed by many of them along the way.  Most of all...let go of your fears for they will only weigh you down...too much food, gear, not enough time, solitude or whatever it may be.   Send me an e-mail if you like.  You should have my address from our previous correspondences back in 09.  I am glad you are well and still working on your goal of completing the AT.  From what I have learned from our relationship online I believe you will make it (and love it) with proper preparation.   :) 

									_stealthblew_
#3 
									@ Stealthblew...well said with a great attitude.  Thanks for the insight.  I'm hoping to complete my many years of sectioning in July.  :oh :) 

									_Lady Di_
#4 
									StealthBlew I am absolutely amazed that you remember me from my preparations for a 2009 thru hike.  I did get my pack weight down to 25 lbs with 1.5 liters of water and 3 days food. I didn't lack anything and was comfortable in the nasty weather that year. It took some doing, but I got there with your help and that of others.  As long as there were people on the trail, the woods did not scare me at all when I was by myself.  I left the trail at Low Gap. I think I passed you on the trail as I was leaving.  A few weeks later I returned to the trail for trail days.  After my bout with sickness I was still not strong enough, but I did hike another 25 miles or so.  I truly enjoyed my trips.  This time I will be a little more prudent on getting in outstanding physical shape.  Thanks for remembering me.  I will take your advice on physical conditioning as well.  Thanks.  Take care and keep on smiling!

Lady Di, I wish you well on your continued efforts with the end in sight.

									_Blackeyedsusan_
#5 
									Sorry to hear about your black eye Susan.  I'll get that guy!  :cheers 

									_Guino_
#6 
									Guino,

Thanks. The name is Hard Rock and was located just past Stover Creek. Hope this helps.

									_blackeyedsusan_
#7 
									Stealth, I don't have your e-mail.  I am not sure what happened to it.  E-mail me mapplegate06@earthlink.net a short message so I can capture it.  Thanks.

									_Blackeyedsusan_