Say if someone starts on Dec 31, are they the first thru-hiker of the year or the last of the year even though 99 percent of their hike will happen in 2006?
E=MC2
Starting on Dec 31
system
#2
Since your Hiking into 2006, and if you finish your Thur-Hike in 2006, its reasonable to assume you would be the First Hiker to Thru-Hike in 2006, and Since you you did not Finish your thru-Hike in 2005, “06” would be a good bet! 2CM=E
Einstinerrrr
system
#3
Starting January 1 or December 31 is no guarantee you’ll be the first to finish in 2006. Most really early starters end up taking a lot of time off because of the weather, if they don’t quit outright. Hiking in snow and ice is much more physically challenging than hiking later in the year and it is emotionally much more challenging to be dealing with constant cold and the solitude of winter hiking. The days are very short, which means either hiking short miles or hiking in the dark, increasing the risk of injury. Then there’s the issue that Katahdin doesn’t open until May. So at best you’re doing a 5 month hike, maybe six if the park opens late.
Ginny