What do veteran thruhikers think about supported hikes? I mean after you hike the AT several times and you reach some sort of monetary prosperity it makes sense to hike the trail with some support-like a van that meets you daily to provide food/shelter and some trail angel magic daily for 1 or 2 other hikers. This frees yourself from some of the physical challenges you have already accomplished from previous hikes to pursue other interests. Mike
mike
I say “hike your own hike”. If this is what you’d like to do; go for it! Others may not agree. Too bad. Decide if this truly is what you’d like to do, & do it. It’s not the traditional hike the way most others do it, but we all have good reasons (health, time etc) for doing what we do. And I think that many folks vary from what others think the traditional hike is commprised of anyway. You do what you’d like & more power to you. Again, others may not agree. That’s their right; but don’t get lost in trying to explain what you’re doing & why.
Neela
Mike…as Neela said…hike your own hike. If that’s what you want to do, then it’s fine. You’ll get some flack from others but I wouldn’t let it worry me any. I’ll add only one thing. IMHO, doing a supported hike removes the most enjoyable part of the hike, the interaction with the other hikers. Sure you’ll see everyone during the day but sharing meals and shelters and motel rooms is what makes this a remarkable trip. I’m going out for my third trip this year and what brings me back is the people. I think I’d feel robbed without that interaction.
Moose
Especially the one from Moose. The A.T. is undoubtedly the best known, and the most social, trail on the planet. It is the interraction with people that make it the A.T. and not the CDT or other less-travelled paths. If you’ve hiked it before you already know the A.T. has a subculture all its own.
So, maybe you should try for the best of both worlds. Just a thought, but there are sections of the A.T. that aren’t that tough where you could do it more traditionally–and reap the benefits (if you consider it a benefit) of maximum interraction with other hikers. And there are sections where having support would be a welcome change…not only for yourself but for some of the others hiking in the area at the same time who might find a little unexpected Magic.:rolleyes
Skyline