Some hopefully helpful hints

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#1

Seems like there are always a lot of the same sorts of questions, so I thought I would be so bold as to offer my opinions on some of these subjects:

  1. Tarps and hammocks make great choices for shelter. They are both light and easily packable. Not only that but you when you do decide to stay in the shelters you can can hang them in front to keep the wind out.
  2. Definately stay at Miss Janet’s!!! Few people on the trail genuinely care about hikers on the AT as Miss Janet. It can get a little crazy when it’s busy, but that’s half the fun. If you do stay, respect that fact that this is her family’s home. They are great to put up with us.
  3. If you’re going to treat water, use bleach. It’s so much easier and cheaper that AquaMira and filtering.
  4. Use a pop can stove. They are so light and you can find fuel anywhere.
  5. The Baja Cafe in Damascus has the best damn burritos on the trail. As Sheriff(A.T. '03?)to pop in Trek or Share the Road for you. Great stuff in a great place.
  6. Don’t drink the water in Catawba.
  7. Remember that when you get to Harpers Ferry and need to switch out some gear at the outfitters, odds are you probably didn’t buy the gear there. Laura and Ron try to help as much as possible, but be realistic. Also if you need gear and plan on buying online, check them out first. They have good deals and you’ll be supporting folks that really support the trail.
  8. GO TO TRAIL DAYS!!!
  9. Don’t just hike the A.T., live it! This can be the best time of your life so really do your best to enjoy. Meet people, take the time to smell the roses, and just enjoy it.
  10. Don’t plan so damn much. Take it as it comes. I understand the need to plan foo drops and such, but be open to change.
    I did 1600 miles this summer and plan on doing all 2200 this summer. I hope you all have a great hike this summer and GOOD LUCK!!!

Nokia

#2

I don’t know - I kinda thought the Burrito Factory in Erwin was pretty good.

Also, I may be wrong but I think bleach does not kill Guardia. AquaMira does kill Guardia and other parasites. I’d like to know if this is correct.

jaws

#3

“Aqua Mira” does not advertise anything on the container except that it makes standing water -taste better? I would like more information about this, and the bleach theory goes? if you can taste the bleach then it works? also I heard that “Bleach” after a period of time loses its ability to combat the viruses

Ritchie Rich

#4

I used bleach for 1500 miles this summer including bog water in ME and NH as well as in the Grayson “horsepoop” Highlands.
I never got sick. Maybe I was lucky. As for the taste, after a while you can smell it when you take a sip. I just mixed in the old Gatoraid and Kool-Aid and it was all better.

Nokia

#5

I used bleach for 1500 miles this summer including bog water in ME and NH as well as in the Grayson “horsepoop” Highlands.
I never got sick. Maybe I was lucky. As for the taste, after a while you can smell it when you take a sip. I just mixed in the old Gatoraid and Kool-Aid and it was all better.

Nokia