Before trying to read all the journals for South Bounders, does anyone know of any truly spectacular ones I should read first that clearly reflect the trail without being to “dreamy”? Thanks for the help. I’m thinking about maybe doing a South Bound next year since I won’t get laid off till mid June. Hydro Heidi’s Jan 1 2005 was great on a Northbound, but summer will be different I suspect then winter.
Guino
Guino
Weka and Kea’s journal is great. They’re from New Zealand and tell it like it is! They give a lot of good information for future southbounders. Good luck on yours and I hope you have more rain next year so that you don’t run into the lack of water like they are having this year!
Lipstick
Thanks for the info lipstick. Don’t think any water or lack there of could be worse then the first 700 of the PCT this year(Cali’s dryest year ever) but Hey a little rain would be cool too just like hawaii:smokin
Guino
if you start “late,” as in late July or August; OR if you just plain take your time, a early northbound hike is very similar to a late southbound hike. Hydro Heidi would have seen fall in the south and early spring in the north. The only difference would be hydro saw more early spring in the middle of the trail, a southbounder would walk through a summer season in the middle of the trail.
Calazone in the Zone
I agree with Lipstick. Weka and Kea’s journal is good. I started corresponding with them before they arrived in the states. They’re from New Zealand and have experience hiking down there. They will give you good information for a SOBO. If you live near the AT catch up with them some weekend.
Bilko
Check out Obie’s SOBO. Not sure if you want slow and easy or fast and furious. Obie is fast hiker, but his journals talk about many of the mental hurdles to overcome, i.e., loneliness, boredom, why am I doing this, etc. Also not afraid to deal with ‘clics’ and ‘purest’ issues. Very witty and subtle sense of humor. Just a different perspective. Hope you find what you want. Good luck on your hike.
Slow Mo
I agree with Slow Mo. Obie’s journal has been entertaining. I will check out Weka and Kea’s. Weka and Kea’s
Lyle
You don’t say if you’re a guy or girl. Two good sobo journals from women in '06 are Marta’s (5 leaf clover) and Superstar. SS finished up in '07.
Mango
Thanks for all the info on the jounals. I have some reading ahead for sure enveryone. Trail reading’s fun though, so I’ll kick it and read some this week. Oh Mango the “o” ending in Guino would signify that I’m a dude. an “a” would be female. From Pinguino, The Penguin. :cheers
Guino