Fall of 2009

[fairweather8588]

Well I finally did something thats been on my mind for oh say, around 8-9 years (basically since I moved to the Valley from Nebraska all those years ago). I've been searching for a challenge in my life a lot lately, mostly due to the part of my lack of interest in what my daily life has consisted of and wanting to do something big. Very big. Like, 800 miles big. After putting this idea in my mind for the last several months and talking it over with those in my life that are close to me, as of now I'm officially throwing my hat into the Arizona Trail ring. Whew. Finally feels good to have that monkey of my back. Defying conventional wisdom and doing a Southbound autumn trek, I hope to experience the trail in a way and a season that most thru-hikers are unfamiliar with. That gives me around a year and a half to get my act (and life, for that matter) together.

Giddy-up

[joebartels]

Congratulations, you've been wanting to do this for like... half your life!

[te_wa]

conventional wisdom nonwithstanding, SOBO makes more sense. Get on the Utah border by early October, thru the canyon and across the plateau by mid of October, down the rim and thru the Supes and headed for Summerhaven at the start of November, and all the way to Patagonia in 40 days. There are plenty of friends on here to act as "trail angels" should you need us.

[fairweather8588]

conventional wisdom nonwithstanding, SOBO makes more sense. Get on the Utah border by early October, thru the canyon and across the plateau by mid of October, down the rim and thru the Supes and headed for Summerhaven at the start of November, and all the way to Patagonia in 40 days. There are plenty of friends on here to act as "trail angels" should you need us.

40 days? You underestimate me my friend.......

[fricknaley]

Tear it up dude! i'll help you down in the Ol' Pueblo if you need it. 8-)

[big_load]

conventional wisdom nonwithstanding, SOBO makes more sense. Get on the Utah border by early October, thru the canyon and across the plateau by mid of October, down the rim and thru the Supes and headed for Summerhaven at the start of November, and all the way to Patagonia in 40 days. There are plenty of friends on here to act as "trail angels" should you need us.

I agree. I'm surprised the conventional wisdom would be otherwise, although I haven't really heard any of it. Also, I couldn't help thinking back to my grade school days, when we thought by Fall of 2009 we'd all be commuting to work by rocket pack.

Anyway, congratulations on setting this goal and good luck achieving it.