A thru-hike .... deciding to decide

[desert spirit]

I've been daydreaming about a long-distance thru-hike for a long time, ever since I first heard about the AT, the PCT, the CDT, and all the rest, and have now finally begun to get serious about doing it myself. I knew a guy who thru-hiked the AT the summer between high school and college, which was really my first exposure to the idea, and which I found utterly astonishing ... to think that a person could do such a thing. I was blown away.

In the years since, each time I run across another person who has done one of the trails, my imagination is fired a bit more about the adventure of it, the challenge of it, the overall zen of it. And then there is the ineffable, magical, heart-pounding appeal of it ... where if you have to ask "why?", then you wouldn't even begin to comprehend the answer. I doubt anyone on this board would ever need to ask "why".

At the moment, I'm favoring the Grand Enchantment Trail next spring or fall, although that's subject to change at any time. And if I do it at all, I will go alone.

As I think about the challenges involved, it seems to me that they fall into the following categories:


1. equipment

Of all the challenges, this one is the most straightforward, I think. I've spent a lot of time reading what other people have said, studying their experiences, and absorbing their thoughts. The hardest part may be simply that there are so many choices, but I'm pretty confident I can come up with a good set of equipment that will meet my needs.

I figure I'll need to spend a good $500-600 for new lightweight stuff, which itself is a point of no return of sorts. Once you've spent that amount of money, you're committed.


2. experience

A lot of hiking literature talks about this mythical creature called the "experienced hiker." I always wonder what that means, exactly. Surely it's not simply a matter of trail miles, since every mile is different, and my miles are obviously nowhere near equivalent to yours. Probably most of the people on this board have more miles than I do, but how much does that matter? What does being an "experienced hiker" mean to you?

Maybe one area where experience matters the most is when things go wrong. I'm confident of my ability to take care of myself as long as everything is hunky-dory and things are working the way they're supposed to.

But what if I turn an ankle or sprain a knee? What if the sole comes off a hiking boot? What if I get really sick or get nailed by a crawling critter? What if I get completely lost? What if I badly miscalculate my food needs? What if encounter a bad guy on the trail?

What would I do in those situations? How will I react? Will I tumble into a fetal ball, crying for my mommy, or will I be a tough, resourceful woman and somehow, some way, find a solution and get through it?


3. physical conditioning

This shouldn't be a problem, I don't think. I'm in very good condition. But at the same time, I wonder if there are particular things I ought to work on, specific exercises or whatnot that I should spend time on. What do you guys think? Should I worry about something like upper-body strength? I'm confident I have the endurance to do 12-15 mile days, but not so sure about back and arms and shoulders over the long haul.


4. mental conditioning

This is the biggest unknown, and the one where you can get the least help from other people. Am I really ready to do this? Can I make it? Will I want to quit? I think maybe the real challenge with a thru-hike, as it is with any grand undertaking, is to stay positive, and don't fall into the trap of thinking that you can't do it.


I'm interested to hear the thoughts of others about this, not so much for encouragement -- if I need to be encouraged by other people, then I sure as hell ain't ready to do it -- as for the spiritual empathy, I guess you'd call it. Lots of times, just knowing that something is doable is the biggest challenge to overcome. I can't wait.

[PaleoRob]

What are "powered" socks?

Socks with tank treads on the bottom, to move you through tough terrain with ease!

[desert spirit]

The Art of keeping your pumpkin alive

A notable goal!

I think he means "powdered" socks.

ROFL ... I had these visions of little battery-powered, spring-loaded things

[desert spirit]

Socks with tank treads on the bottom, to move you through tough terrain with ease!

Gotta get me some of those!

[azbackpackr]

I had thought of doing something like this for years, but family considerations have been more important to me I guess. We got the kids all raised, and now hubby is disabled. I hope you get to do a thru-hike! And yes, you need to get with Tommy about his AT and PCT hikes. He just recently completed PCT, and did AT last year. Not sure if he plans CDT next year or not. He has offered to help people with advice about logistics, gear, etc.

The Appalachian Trail is the only one that is logistically easy. The other long trails have some very long stretches where there are no resupply points.

[desert spirit]

you need to get with Tommy about his AT and PCT hikes

Thanks so much! I plan to be doing that over the next several months. You know, what's really nice is that this group doesn't immediately start telling me that I'm crazy to even consider it. I've even had people get quite upset with me over it, but of course, none of them have ever done it and have no idea why anyone would want to.

[Jeffshadows]

you need to get with Tommy about his AT and PCT hikes

Thanks so much! I plan to be doing that over the next several months. You know, what's really nice is that this group doesn't immediately start telling me that I'm crazy to even consider it. I've even had people get quite upset with me over it, but of course, none of them have ever done it and have no idea why anyone would want to.

Responses like that are more about what the speaker is capable of than what you are...

[Tommy1]

I can honestly say that doing a thru-hike was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Even if you try and for whatever reason don't finish, I doubt you will regret the experience.

Along with agreeing with what everyone else has said, here are a few more places on the web with information.

Ula-Equipment. Brian's adventure write-ups are detailed and informative, especially about doing non-cookie cutter type long trails. Oh, and he's one of the few who have hiked the Hayduke trail end to end.

Gottawalk. Ken and Marcia are also active on Trailjournals and have a wealth of knowledge. They didn't start long distance hiking until they were retired and together have hiked the AT, PCT, CDT, AZT, and American Discover Trail (Atlantic to Pacific.) Very inspiring.

Backpackinglight. A ton of information about gear and general backpacking - what works well and what doesn't.

**
Anyway, good luck! I'm planning my Arizona Trail hike for next May, so I'm going through a lot of the same jitters.

[tahoemike]

I agree with Tommy (Hi Tommy!), my PCT hike this summer(and spring and fall) was one of the finest experiences of my life. I'll fill in a few hundred miles of holes next summer on the PCT and then Spring 2010 I have my sights on...the GET.

You sound like you're definitely thinking about light or ultralight. I would take the time to hike with the ultralighters in this group and pump them unmercifully for info on how their stuff works and what else is available.

I noticed a bunch of folks on the PCT who had, I thought, the wrong sleeping bag for them. If you're a "cold sleeper", then you'll want a little more bag than usual. And if a "warm sleeper", then a little less bag (and less weight to carry as well as space to store). You have time to get out and try stuff before your trip. Now while the temperatures are cooler is the time to be out and test just how much bag plus extra clothing you need to stay comfortable.

The same kind of argument applies to all the gear you'll select. Get out and try it in as many adverse conditions as you can. It's a heck of a lot easier to bail out of the "backyard" than the middle of the Gila Wilderness.

And to add to a point Al touched on, have a good time. Initially I let the miles drive my hike. Eventually (it took longer than it should have) I adopted as a goal for each day to have a good time. Interestingly, sometimes doing a big mile day is a good time, but take an hour or afternoon to just drink in the scenery if that's how the mood strikes you.

And keep asking questions! Folks are only too glad to help...

tahoemike

[writelots]

You know, what's really nice is that this group doesn't immediately start telling me that I'm crazy to even consider it.

Not only are we not thinking your crazy for considering it, we're jealous!

I know as a woman that I get a lot of flack when I go out on my own. For some reason there's this misconception out there that women are in more danger out there than men - as though bears, thorns, loose rocks and cliffs discriminate who they hurt based on gender. I'm probably in more danger walking through my inner-city neighborhood alone at night than I am on a backcountry trail (with the exception of being close to the border - and that's a whole different story). One of my greatest victories in recent years was the day my own mom said to me "It doesn't bother me anymore that you hike by yourself. You're experienced enough and smart enough - I think you can take care of yourself". Made me wanna cry.

We just have to keep getting out there and proving that we're just as wild as men, and that those bears, thorns, loose rocks and cliffs better be wary of us!

[Jeffshadows]

You know, what's really nice is that this group doesn't immediately start telling me that I'm crazy to even consider it.

Not only are we not thinking your crazy for considering it, we're jealous!

I know as a woman that I get a lot of flack when I go out on my own. For some reason there's this misconception out there that women are in more danger out there than men - as though bears, thorns, loose rocks and cliffs discriminate who they hurt based on gender. I'm probably in more danger walking through my inner-city neighborhood alone at night than I am on a backcountry trail (with the exception of being close to the border - and that's a whole different story). One of my greatest victories in recent years was the day my own mom said to me "It doesn't bother me anymore that you hike by yourself. You're experienced enough and smart enough - I think you can take care of yourself". Made me wanna cry.

We just have to keep getting out there and proving that we're just as wild as men, and that those bears, thorns, loose rocks and cliffs better be wary of us!

This perception is based on the notion that most men are capable of dealing with a fellow male who might be unruly or unscrupulous that they encounter while alone...something which rarely stands up in practice. The fact is, everyone's a little exposed when you're out there. The law is no longer at your "beckon call" and you may be tired and off-guard. Even the world's toughest MMA fighter could be jumped, ambushed, or shot from a distance after inadvertently walking into someone's clandestine marijuana field, smuggling operation, etc. The rest is bravado. I used to hike with a guy years back that made little noises and comments when he saw women powering up the same trails we were on. Some men are pre-programmed to believe that they are tougher, stronger, smarter than women and it is a huge blow when they are constantly reminded of how false that "logic" is; you see this a lot in the military.

On a lighter note, Dave Baker is going to talk about his experiences walking the AZT this Thursday night at 8:00 at the Speedway Summit Hut.

[RedRoxx44]

I've done about 80% of my hikes solo. I like it but like the right kind of company too. Not really a group person. My longest trek was 66 miles in the Gila Wilderness solo. I did about 65-70 miles solo in the Escalante country in Utah but part of that was a road walk hitching to my car.
I find I have a better sense of my pace alone, and better problem solving skills when it is just me. If I have a competent partner then I can get lazy. Except in caving where everyone needs to pull their own weight. I also feel a little more free to compose photographically, which is a big deal to me.
IMHO you must tolerate some pain, free yourself from fear, and find the natural pace you have genetically programmed from long ago. And discover you don't quite need all the things you think you do.

I've also done a few days here and there as solo walks--no map, compass, no stove, tarp for shelter, no sleep pad, etc. Minimal food and water. Dust off those innate survival skills. I like my niceties, I've found, but in a pinch can do without.

[rally_toad]

Let me tell you what I'd like to do as a thru hike. Today I was browsing info about the "Hayduke Trail", a route starting in Arches, connecting all the Utah National Parks and Grand Staircase, and the Grand Canyon, winding through Southern Utah and Northern Arizona.
Its about 800 miles long, and it also goes through some cool Wilderness areas and Wilderness study areas, ultimately ending in Zion National Park at the weeping wall.

Let me tell you if I suddenly had a whole bunch of time and money, I'd be out on the Hayduke Trail, forget about the AZT, AT or PCT.

I found a website with a thorough description of someone who did it all the way from Zion to Arches, I was ready to hit the trail after reading it.

[scorpion scus]

what was the website?

[Al_HikesAZ]

what was the website?

Scus - Joe doesn't like us linking offsite, so google Hayduke Trail or go to HaydukeTrail org ULA-equipment com also has some info on the trail.