Want to hike AT even though I'm have disabilities

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#1

I have been reading lots of peoples AT journals for the last year. I realy want to do this but have no idea where to start.
never have hiked as an adult. did as a kid in fact while on vacation one time we stopped in TN at Chimney Rock and we hiked on the AT just a bit there. That was my first and only time on it. but I have read lots about it. heard that there was a blind guy that hiked it
sure would like to be able to get hold of him and see what type of plans he had to make for it
I have no type of suport as for as hiking friends that is why I am posting here in hopes to get to know some people that can give me good advice as to where to start planning
please any one that has tips for beginners pass them along

thanks Yo-Yo

Yo-Yo

#2

Dear Yo-Yo,

You’ll find plenty of friends here. And they’ll all help to the best of their abilities.

It might help if you’d pose some specific questions to get the ball rolling.

And, if you’re comfortable with it, what sort of challenges you face.

Sincerely, Conan

Conan

#3

Dear Yo-Yo,

For more direct communication, if you wish, my email is posted to the side.

Conan

Yo-Yo

#4

Sorry, I’ve done the name thing twice in two days now.

My email address should now be to the left.

Conan

Coan

#5

Alright, my email address should now be to the left.

Conan

Conan

#6

Technology…Arggggh…

Conan

Conan

#7

Yo-Yo. It is always wonderful to see someone catch the “AT Fever”. Please don’t let your disability keep you from enjoying what the AT has to offer. I also have a disability and the AT saved my life and I would hate for you to miss the magic of the AT because of a disability. By reading the journals in here and all the books about the AT, you have made a good start. As Conan has stated, you will find many friends in here willing to help you all they can; and if your disability requires a special piece of gear, there are some great “Friends of the AT” who have the skills to make it for you. Good luck and I hope to see you on the trail some day.

Just a Hiker

Just a Hiker

#8

I’m the female half of the Frolicking Dinosuars. I won’t go into what happened to cause my disability (see our trail journal if you want details), but I now hike with two offset canes and a maximun pack weight of 18 lbs. The section hike goes on. I’ll be glad to talk with you about changes I’ve made in equipment and agenda to be able to continue.

The blind hiker you seek is Bill Irwin. He can be reached through this web site http://www.billirwin.com/

There is a very nice young man named Manfire who is legally blind. He helped me a great deal. His journal is on this site. Visit his guest book and tell him you need to ask some questions - he will answer when he gets Internet access he can use.

I’d also suggest reading One Leg’s journal - he’s an amputee who hiked most of the AT in 2004 with a machanical leg. He may be away at school right now, but I feel sure he will help you if he can.

Frolicking Dinosaur

#9

Hey YOYo and FD’s!
Yeah send me an email if you want. Ill be gald to help. Iv only completeed 1400 miles or so of the trail but ill do my best to help ya.
-Manfire

Manfire