I know there are a few but has anyone ever run into them, asking them how they do it or why they do it? Do they actually thru hike the entire AT and turn around or simply section hike the same section over and over? I guess they are vagrants if they have no ways of maintaining a residence but I’m just curious on the subject.
Erkel
I don’t know of anyone who “lives” on the AT year round. I live in Damascus 60 yards from the AT and walk on it every day. Does that count?
Lone Wolf
Closest person I’ve ever known who fits that description is Peggy Childers. She alternated between Fullhardt Knob Shelter and Cornelius Creek Shelter in Virginia, and sometimes camped near Fullhardt after she was forced out of the shelter by USFS law enforcement.
Peggy is (was?) alternately a very nice woman and delusional, and often talked about her links to British Royalty, the Kennedys, Larry Flynt, etc. She certainly knew how to survive in the woods. Once in awhile she’d venture into Troutville, or over to Peaks of Otter’s store, for a day or more–so instead of 365 days maybe she was in the woods 325 to 350 days a year.
The Associated Press did a feature on her back around '98, which ran in papers all over the country.
I haven’t encountered her for about four years now, and hope she’s doing well. Anybody know what’s become of her?
Skyline
She is out there. I ran into her when I was coming out of Troutville last year. She had 2 “servants” carrying her luggage up the mountain.
Cuppa Joe
Boys, I dunno if I’d want to live on the AT in Maine year round. But in April to November, it might not be too too bad. Solitude would absolutely not be a problem at any of the lean-tos.
Kineo Kid
I’ve bumped into three guys who live out there … great great people. All three of them were older chaps who retired and live off of their pentions. It’s a cheap lifestyle and a great place to live.
Why they do it? Well, you can ask a thru hiker the same question and not get an answer. But why not? Do what you want and only do happy things. If living outdoors makes you happy, why not? Be good and be kind.
keep on hiking:cheers
Boorah
Cuppa Joe,
I don’t know how she convinced her “servants” to sherpa for her, but she’s got a way about her, doesn’t she?
May I assume Her Highness is still ruling the castle at Fullhardt Knob then? I may have to stop in and see her this Spring. She’s always good for a few hours of enlightening conversation, both about her “lineage” and her years thriving in the woods. During peak NOBO season, she used to be a walking encyclopedia of trail names past and present, and up-to-date trail tales. I always bring her food, calcium (her request), and vitamins.
Skyline
Skyline
There’s a big difference between staying in one place somewhere on the trail and constantly moving to a new area each day. If you can see more moving slowly on the trail just think what you can see if you stay in one place and explore.
Most people don’t really see much of an area just passing through but with some exploring I am sure there are some wonderful secrets on a lot of mountains. For instance most people do not know there is an ice cave near the tenting area between Bigelow and little Bigelow. There is ice in this cave all year round. There is also a cave on Avery Peak, this one is small and dry. If you sit by the tower on Bigelow and play a harmonica in the key of C (may work with other Keys I don’t know) you will start to see a type of wasp fly around you. It is a type of an arctic wasp but it is unlike any other I have seen. It has really large eyes but appears to be blind during the day. It also has what appears to be large pincers on its mouth.
Going slow and stopping in one area can be quite rewarding. Places change dramatically when the weather changes and from season to season. I can see why some people would like staying out there.
Crusoe of Lonesome Lake
Heald’s got an apartment and works every summer from May to September. I doubt anyone lives on the trail yr round, pretty hard to do
A-Train
I think about it. It’s an option I think about when things get bad. Thinking about and doing it are 2 different things of course. But it’s good to know it’s there. I hate the so-called “civilized” world.
Mini-Mosey
I also ran into her coming out of troutville, I was with skibum , she told him he looked like timothy dalton and asked him what nationality he was… She was camped off the trail at a small tent site, only a quarter of a mi from an old logging road. She had two suitcases with her, they were plaid I think , and a radio. We asked her if she was allright and she said she was fine and that a friend was picking her up. We thought it was kind of strange and then someone later talked about her and said yeah that was the queen of England… Personally I think she’s lost it…Adios
lumber