I’m a married retired guy 65 looking for some one to hike the AT in March 2008, male or female. I live in Ohio and hike with a dog and want to do a month starting at the South end of AT. Splitting the load is the reason for a partner, stove, filter, maybe tent, etc.
I’m slow, maybe I did 1 mph average in VA AT trail last month.
Would have to meet and exchange a lot of info before making any plans.
my email is rhphillips@zoominternet.net
rocky65
Rocky65
leave the dog behind.
You will suffer and so will the dog.
If memory serves me right, Ohio is quite flat…
I am not a young punk I speak with plenty of Zest and Zeal try the trail for a month before you decide to torture your dog and possibly lose him.
Thats all I ask.
True Trail dogs have years and years of experience and have adapted to Trail hiking ( “just because he is a dog does not mean you should treat him as such” )( you can free-quote this)
Please dont be another fool on the trail w/dog…
Capt. Caveman
Rocky. H Y O H I am 73 female hike with a dog Have never had problems Do keep on a leash AT ALL TIMES use a tent and stay out of shelters I’ve hike for more years than I care to remember I always have my dog and Enjoy the trail most ( all) of the “fools” I’ve met were ill mannered humans.
cowboy
Capt. Caveman,
Hiking with a dog is torture? It’s obvious you have NO experience backpacking with dogs. And I pray you don’t own any dogs. Someone with your attitude and ignorance shouldn’t be allowed the privilege of owning a dog.
Please only speak on topics you have actual experience with. Your previous post shows a lot of ignorance.
Dallas
Capt. Caveman may have experience or he may not. He is right about a dog walking in a flat area or neighborhood and walking the first month on the AT. It is a different experience, my dog loved hiking. I have an old lab that used to section hike with me the first 100 miles or so of the trail. We would only go out for 4-5 days but they always took a toll on him. The last time we went out it took him a couple of weeks to recover. Just make sure your dog can handle the miles, weather, etc.
Rocky 65. I’m 10 years younger than you. Starting in March can be tough on anybody, I would not start before St. Patrick’s Day March 17th. It can be snowy, cold and icy before that time. It will be cold after that time but usually only at night. Having a dog along during that type of weather can be tough on both of you.
If splitting the load is the reason for a partner, stove, filter, tent, etc. You might want to reconsider. Your speed is not the problem. A partner may back out (sick,injury, work etc.) at the last minute. You would be stuck. A partner may decide to give up the first week, you would be out of luck. Injury on the trail etc. happens.
I would suggest going very light weight and carry your own equipment. Even the best of friends, marriages etc. run into problems if one of them can no longer carry on. You need to be ready to carry it all. You should have no problems in getting your pack down to 30-35 pounds with food and water. If you cannot carry that amount of weight, you may want to reconsider the hike. It is difficult. No matter what speed. Good Luck to you.
Bilko
I have two dogs, a lazy 8 year old english lab who is tired after a mile, and a 4 year old high energy mixed retriver 80 lbs who can carry 15 bs and is my buddy. I only hiked 3 days in the SNF in VA with her but she was perfect. Now in a wet cold rain in a tent we shall see.
I imagine thier are many fools with dogs every place, I see lots around my house then on the AT.
I’m going to do some hiking in VT in November and snow hiking in January to check out my gear, and yes I need to lighten my pack and my belly. Thanks for the input.
rocky65
Hi there - regardless of the physical condition you or your dog is in, you must consider what your mental status will be. If you are burdened in ANY way while hiking, the dog would be an additional burden…during snow being holed up in a shelter, illness: not all places accept a dog if you are laid up due to illness or injury. If you need resources for ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT anything, please let me know, I’ll email them to you. I’m not endorsing anyone, I have asthma and have to hike UL. I also live in Cleveland Ohio 
Much luck to you, and don’t ever let anything keep you from hiking your dream!
StarLyte
my dog will be 15 in 8weeks and it was pulling 30+ mile days last year on a thru hike, and lovin it.
ldh