Preparation - The Long Trail - Vermont

imported
#1

Hi! I heard about a group doing a workshop-type thing for possible LT thru hikers, maybe spanning over two days or so. Does anyone know anything about it, and has anyone taking it? Is this recommended?

Jenny:)

#2

Jenny: I think it’s the GMC that has a workshop. I suspect someone will post to give you better info on that.

I don’t think I would have benefitted from a workshop. There are really two kinds of knowledge I think you need for the trip. First, you need knowledge relevant to long distance hiking. I think you can that here, and at places like whiteblaze.net and trailplace.com. Secondly, you need information specific to the LT. In addition to this forum and the LT journals, you can search the web or look for Long Trail threads at places like viewsfromthetop.com, alpinezone.com, backpacker.com, or amcoutdoors.org. The Long Trail Guide and End to Ender’s guides at https://secure.earthlogic.com/gmc/products.php?catid=2 are very helpful.

On the trail, you can also get the latest info from hikers going the opposite direction from you, and lots of good info from people who are going your way.

pedxing

#3

I agree with pedxing, you probably don’t need a workshop. Read up as much as you can and talk to other long distance hikers as much as you can. Though it won’t prepare you for the trail, it will just make you feel ‘ready’ going into it. After hiking the LT, I don’t think there is anything you can do to train for long distance hiking. The trail will train you. As long as you have basic knowledge on how to use your gear, you’ll be as ‘set’ as you can be. Have fun!

tumblina/married to an ex-con

#4

I went to one of those workshops at the GMC’s headquarters in Waterbury after I finished the LT in '96. I went for the purpose of seeing what others had to say and to add my .02 worth if necessary. It was a one night session, about 2 hours and I thought it was well done. Afterwards, there was an informal “social” session where participants could talk with others who had done the trail and ask more specific questions. The format was a panel discussion with 5 former thru-hikers sitting on the panel.

Agree with the previous post in that you can probably glean enough good info. from these forums but this holds the advantage of a face-to-face Q&A session.

WoodBadge

#5

I have to agree with what has already been posted. The more information you can get your hands on the better prepared you will be. Yet, being on the trail puts it all in a different perspective. If that makes any sense. I would have loved to have gone to a session before my LT thru-hike just for the chance to actually be in a room with a bunch of people who had done the trail.
It also makes a difference if you’ve done long distance hiking before. The LT was my first BPing trip so I can’t even explain how much research I did before I hit the trail. This forum as well as backpacker.com were a great resourse. As well as fellow hikers on the trail.

ABomber

#6

Go light, but go with warm-when-wet, quick drying textiles. Go slow uphill for the first half. Go slow downhill all the time. Bring more food than you think necessary; you can give away what you don’t want. Headnets and a netted sleeping enclosure may save your end-to-end hike, and sanity, in black fly season. Get 3 units of Body Glide. Are your boots a little too long? GOOD.
Lace 'em up snug downhill. Get some big bandannas. Budget a week more then you think you’ll need. That way, you can rest/heal if you need; take advantage of fortuitous fun “side” experiences…(Inga! Helga! wait for me!); wait out an extra crappy day; and just feel like you are the master of your journey, rather than the SCHEDULE mastering you.
Get a Green Mountain Club membership and patch, and put that patch on your pack! You’ll feel very good about that. If not, I’ll give you your dues back. What do I know? Just some gleanings from half the LT, from long ago.

Info Gleaner

#7

Sorry… I forgot, Jenny is probably a woman’s name.
(Helmut! Bruno! Wait for me!)

Info Gleaner

#8

Wrote a doc three years ago for the LT. SOme of the info needs updating, but the basics still apply (I belive the Jonesville general store is no longer open. That’s the major difference).

Anyway, perhaps the doc could help.

If anyone wants to send me some updates, maybe I’ll revise it. BEing in Colorado, don’t think I’ll be doing the LT again anytime soon. :slight_smile:

Mags

#9

Thanks everyone! I appreciate it…if you think of anything else, feel free to let me know!

Jenny

#10

Another resource is the GMC’s mentor program - although I’m sure posters here (including me) would do the same informally.

You can email gmc@greenmountainclub.org and ask to have your email address fowarded to a past thru-hiker who has agreed to be a mentor. To see their brief description of the program check out their FAQ page at http://www.greenmountainclub.org/page.php?id=112

pedxing