Is any of the info in either the 2002 ATC Data Book or ALDHA Book still up to date - at least, south of Harper’s Ferry?
Other than just the info on the trail, that is. I mean info on hostels/supermarkets and other essentials.
I imagine operating hours have changed, but the main question is have any of them closed - or have new ones opened?
Kineo Kid
I used a 2000 version of Wingy’s book on my 2003 hike. Just didn’t feel like giving Wingy any more money. No real problems with using the book. The only problem I had was the 2000 book didn’t have the info on the relo between Apple House Shelter and Kincora. I knew the relo was there so no big problem. Most of the stores, hostels, supermarkets don’t really change that much.
Moose
Well, the last major relocation that I know of was the one south of Kincora. Before that, it was the boardwalk in Jersey.
So, the data book should not have changed significantly. I would not hesitate to use an out of date data book.
Wingfoot’s handbook and the ALDHA companion does change quite a bit from year to year. In fact, when I hiked though in 2001 and 2002, I discovered numerous changes in the data, so I marked up the pages accordingly and sent it back to Wingfoot. Hopefully, the 2002 and 2003 editions had fewer mistakes in it. But, I guess that Moose didn’t notice all the errors.
I think that if you have an out of date handbook or companion, then you need to ask others about the services that are available in the next town.
Peaks
Maps are even worse than guidebooks. Even when the map was printed the year before, I found that most still had old info at best. I remember almost everyone obsessing over the vertical side-profiles for the first month or so, only to be confused when we zoomed up a “steep” mountain with ease.
Try not to be as mad as I was when I discovered the shelter had been torn down, or the spring was dry, or the store I was counting on resupplying at was closed. When the guidebook claims that a restaurant or hostel is fantastic and you have a mediocre experience, remember:
The Trail, like life, is a journey with many ups and downs.
30-30
GAME 94
GAME 04
30-30
When the handbook claims that a restaurant or hostle is fantastic, and you have a mediocre experience, then make a note of it and pass it along to the editor. After all, things do change. And if we the users don’t pass along the update, then it isn’t going to happen. When I finished my hike, about all that was left of my handbook was the covers.
Peaks
Wingfoot is now accepting advance orders for the '04 Companion book, as stated on his website, already sent to printers and expected Jan 10. Price is $20.98 with shipping USPS Priority. I have the '01 version, and it has been useful in getting a general idea, but wanted the '04 version for my actual hike. I don’t plan on carrying maps or the data book or other stuff, save a 1oz Highgear Traildrop compass that is also my watch/alarm/date/temp/wahtever else it does thing.
The trail is marked well enough, I’ll know I am lost when I see signs saying “welcome to mexico” :tongue
xtn :smokin
airferret
i plan on using the 2003 guidebooks… i dont intend to spring for another set (compantion+data book) when little will change… but as long as I remember the 03 book was written in 02… i may not take the databook tho. just the companion…
id like the new version but am not sure i want to spend again on something that may have few changes…
Bloody Cactus
Bloody Cactus,
I’m sure you will be just fine using the 02 companion in 03.
Airferret,
It’s irresponsible not to carry maps. You never know when an emergency situation may arise that requires you to get off the trail.
Peaks