I know that the big start month for most thru’s is in March…any words of wisdom?tips?first time fears that really arent things to worry about?a quick pep talk to root the newbies on?things you thought of later that you wish you thought of sooner?
A.T.DREAMER
The best advise that I can give a new thru-hiker is to follow the advise of many; “Hike your own hike.” Listen to your body. When you hurt, stop to rest and recover. If you are an older hiker, take your time. It will take you longer to get into trail shape. The first month take a “0” day every five days or so. You got a long way to go so don’t rush it.
Don’t forget that the odds of you finishing are against you. Prove that the odds are wrong. Enjoy the adventure.
Happy trails to all.8)
Grampie-N->2001
Remember you won’t be walking to Maine in a single day or week. Keep that goal in the back of your mind but set smaller goals. Maybe just a week, day, or even one shelter at a time. And also not every day will be sunshine and happy-ville. By accepting that not all days will be gravy, it will make quitting harder.
Officer Taco
This has been said before but it is oh so true. Remember to take pictures of people you hike with, even if only for a day. It will be a great reminder in the years to come.
Go for it Class of 06, enjoy each and every day.
socks
If you get discouraged and want to quit, don’t do it right away. Slow down if possible, take a break, change your routine. Give yourself at least a week or two to make the decision to quit. Chances are you will have changed your mind long before your deadline is reached. There are cycles during a long distance hike, don’t allow yourself to give in to bad weather, blisters, heat, lonliness, or anything else too soon.
Other than throwing in the towel, anything else can be adjusted for.
Lyle
Make your goal to enjoy and appreciate each day you’re on the trail and do whatever you can to do so. You may or may not make it to Katahdin (or Springer) but you will have hiked a worthwhile hike that you will cherish for the rest of your life.
Enjoy the friends you’ll make along the way.
Take the time to get your body in shape BEFORE you start your hike. It’s more important than getting all the right gear.
Travel as light as you can. The lighter your load, the greater the chances you’ll hike all the way.
Write in a journal and take lots of photos. You’ll appreciate them five years from now!
Know that you will be transformed.
Rainbow
Off. Taco Along with a few others gave ya some great advice. I would add start off slow, and then get slower as you go. The old saying I like allmost best is " It’s not the destination, it’s the journey"…Enjoy yours!!
The Desperado
Hike your own hike, repeat: Hike your own Hike.
And do not let none of those liberal wussys give you any lip It is still a free country, and anyone tries to shout you down because you happen to be a Conservative Republican
tell’em to kiss your butt
hee hee( I am such a trouble maker
CAPTAIN CAVEMAN!
Too many miles, too fast, and too heavy sends you home too soon.
If you take pictures… keep a log. That was one of the things I am so glad we did. I’ve forgotten a lot of the names and places in our pictures but the dates and photo numbers match our log book (the smallest wirebound note pad we could find 2x3) and make it so easy.
NO RAIN, NO PAIN, NO MAINE
Papa Smurf GA>ME '02
Papa Smurf