Thru-hiking partner

imported
#1

Hi all;

Looking for partner(s) male or female to through hike AT next year 2008.

Bob

Bob

#2

You may have heard all of this before:

It can be really difficult (even for husbands/boyfriends and wifes/girlfirnds) to thru-hike together. There are a large number of variables involving pace; daily distances; daily start times; when or whether to slack pack; when/how to resupply; etc.

Having said all of that - some partners/couples will “hike their own hike” during the day (often apart) and arrange to camp at the same spot at night. That might be a good compromise.

Best wishes and hope you find the best solution for yourself.

Dill Pickle

#3

Another way to go about this is to just set a limit. For example, Bloody Cactus and I said we’d hike together for the first two weeks. After that we were free to do what we wanted–if one of us wanted to jet away, that was fine. If one of us wanted to dally, go ahead. No promises after the first two weeks.

That said, if you leave at a common time–March 1st, March 15th–you’re more than likely to run into a bazillion people to hike with! There were about 30 on March 1st, 2004, so I didn’t have to worry too much.

Then again, be careful about hiking partners…you can end up…ahem…married to them. Right, Cheers and Grace?:girl

Xena

#4

I would also love to hike the AT in 2008. I have not committed to doing it just yet. Obviously there is a lot to consider! It is a dream of mine…something I feel like I HAVE to do. I am in a 6 year relationship, but my boyfriend does not have the same itch that I have to start (and finish) a thru hike.

One thing that holds me back is the thought of starting alone. I know there will be tons of people setting out at the same time, and I love the idea of making new friends. I guess I would like to have someone to share the process and excitement of planning, and I think it would be a lot less scary than starting alone. Like Xena said, maybe it would be cool to make an arrangement with someone to start together, then see where the journey takes us.

I have so many questions…Every time I read someone’s trail journal I get so excited. 'Specially when I read the words of females setting out on their own.

There are so many reasons I want to do this…the idea of accomplishing something so great, spending time in nature, living simply, losing vanity, waking up to see the world without the distractions we have all become accustomed to, meeting likeminded people…pushing my body to become strong…I suppose I could go on and on.

Just hope I take the step and decide to finally fulfill my dream…!! To those that have completed it, congrats…I enjoy reading all your entries and learn a little bit every time I read. Each passage also re-affirms my desire to do it!! Hope I make it out there!

gina

#5

When I started a year ago this past Tuesday, I started north on my first hiking my first solo overnight. It was wonderful to have independence, set my own pace, and still find myself surrounded by supportive hikers day-in and day-out. Sometimes I only got to see them at night, sometimes we hiked together or past each other during the day. Sometimes I slowed my pace to match theirs, but most of the time we met up at watering holes and vistas.

There was great freedom in not having expectations and only having opportunities.

Sweet Tea