Welcome, please, introduce yourself

**Trudger** · December 20, 2017, 2:35pm

Trudger here. I’m soon to be retired and planning to hike the AT in large sections beginning Spring 2018. I’m a big fan of UL backpacking and hammock camping. Looking forward to the experience!

**stevebo** · December 20, 2017, 9:37pm

Long time member of the Backpacker Magazine forums both old and new. Looking for a larger community

Steve

**Yardsale** · December 26, 2017, 12:24am

I am a section hiker and have hiked PA, MD, WV and part of Virginia and NJ.

**Nacle** · December 27, 2017, 3:08pm

Hello from the Pine Barrens in NJ. Completed the Batona Trail couple years ago and have done some trails in the Poconos. Still getting my feet wet with gear.

**Vica** · December 27, 2017, 6:27pm

Hi there! I’m Vica, 20 year old uni student from Hungary. I actually haven’t tried backpacking yet in it’s true sense, as in hiking for multiple days with stopping to sleep in between, but I’ve been going to an organized wild camp for young kids every year for 7 years. I’ve been an organizer for two years already, and the atmosphere of living outside and hiking every day seemed so good, that I want to try real backpacking too.
The biggest long distance trail in my country is the National Blue Trail (about 720 miles), but it’s very uncommon to thru-hike it, people usually section-hike it throughout their lifetime, if they are into hiking. So even if there isn’t a big thru-hiking community here, I plan to thru-hike it in one go during one season. I don’t know yet wheen I’ll do it, but I’m already planning and preparing the best I can.

**gorpgobbler2015** · December 28, 2017, 10:11am

Hi! Vica, Your adventure sounds great and I wish you much Luck. Who knows, by you doing a thru hike on the National Blue, you might start a new trend, and be the first name in a record book of many names to follow. Have you given any thought of coming to the U.S. and hiking the Appalachian Trail? It would take six months to accomplish this. I hope to hear more of your backpacking adventures.

**Vica** · December 28, 2017, 4:43pm

I did think of it, but it’s still a bit far off because as a student I don’t have the necessary monetary background yet for a thru-hike that long, not to mention abroad. But I’m keeping the idea in my mind for when I’ll be a bit more experienced.

By the way, do you know if there’s a place online where I could write about mybackpacking trips too, not just thru-hikes?

**gorpgobbler2015** · December 28, 2017, 7:36pm

You could write about them right here on Trail Journals.com. You will need three entries to get your journal established, after that just sign in any time and write about your experiences. You can post pictures, and read other hiker’s journals. Check it out.

**Ben** · December 31, 2017, 6:53pm

Hello… experienced day hiker. Looking to take my son on our first o.n. Backwoods trip in BSP this summer.

**bbikebbs** · December 31, 2017, 7:57pm

Welcome Ben! You’ll have to help me with the “BSP” as I don’t recognize it.

Scott

**Ben** · December 31, 2017, 10:37pm

BSP = Baxter State Park

**bbikebbs** · January 1, 2018, 3:33am

Sorry, since I’m 2 miles from the north end of Shenandoah National Park, that area is unfamiliar to me! Maybe someone else can chime in.

**Ben** · January 1, 2018, 6:33am

Ahh. I see. BSP is a wilderness preserve in Maine. Home of mount Katahdin which is the northern terminus of the AT… also home to some good backcountry camping, if you plan it right. Last time I camped there was in 7th grade…

**bbikebbs** · January 1, 2018, 10:10am

I’m familiar with Baxter State Park due to Mount Katahdin. Just had never heard it called BSP. Someday, I’ll get up there!

**gorpgobbler2015** · January 2, 2018, 1:48am

You might want to check with the BSP authorities as to good day hikes. The AT enters the park just a little way pass Abol Bridge over West Branch of Penobscot River. From there it’s 9.9 miles to Birches Campsite.

**Tara_Jean** · January 4, 2018, 7:05pm

Good day!
My name is Tara Jean, thank you for allowing me to join the community!
I am planning a NOBO A.T. thru hike starting March 07, 2018.
Look forward to soaking up all the knowledge shared!
Cheers!

**gorpgobbler2015** · January 4, 2018, 8:06pm

Welcome, Tara_Jean
With the abnormal weather, they are having along the Eastern Coast and throughout the South, you may want to monitor the conditions pretty close. A good weather site is www.atweather.org. Be safe and have an awesome hike.

**Lana** · January 4, 2018, 8:11pm

Hi, I am Lana and I am anxiously awaiting March 21, 2018 when I will step foot on the AT at Springer Mountain!

**Zunibear** · January 9, 2018, 1:38pm

I’m Jane from SC. I’m 62 and fortunately quite healthy and very active outdoors. My son Corey from Austin, suggested we do this together before we do the Camino. This will be a first although I’ve had horses my whole life and pretty familiar with trails, riding in mts., etc. We are both doing our research. He has camped with tents, starting his fires, etc whereas I’m good with eating dry food! I’m looking for suggestions on a backpack. I don’t need much. It won’t bother me to wear the same clothes for days (dry). Also, I’m thinking of starting south, Georgia and heading to Asheville. We plan to be gone 2-3 weeks or as far as that time frame will take us.

**Turk** · January 9, 2018, 11:31pm

I am Turk. I am a section hiker and one day a Thru Hiker of the AT. My longest trip was 21 days on the JMT. I have done a few 1 week to 10 day adventures on the AT. To date I have completed as far north as Standing Bear Farm, a small section in VA and NH, and 70 miles of the 100 mile wilderness.