Shake Down

I have finally started my trail journal!  WOO HOO!
Included in my gear (which will be further delved into in a future post.) I have included a journal.  I will do my best to update this nightly with the days finds and events and upload them as often as I can when I come into town to resupply.  These will likely be accompanied by pictures I take along the way, assuming I can obtain computer access in some places and have uploading abilities.  So fair warning, posts may be few and far between, but I will do my absolute best.




The mission:
On April 14th of 2011 I will be leaving my home in Maine and heading to Georgia to begin my 2000~ mile trek along the Appalachian Trail.  I have long dreamed of this journey and have only this year been able to make it a reality.  My hiking will officially begin April 15th 2011 at the approach trial; 8.8 miles of steep uphill terrain (over 2000ft of elevation to the peak of Springer Mountain; the start of the AT.  I have set to goal to finish on my 25th birthday, September 14th 2011; which gives me a total of 5 months to complete the trail.    

The Preparation:
I started planning, researching, and gathering gear 6 months ago in October of 2010.  I have recently finished making/purchasing gear, my airline ticket is set, and my reservation at the  Hiker's Hostel is in place.  I have begun hiking near daily around the area carrying my pack and breaking in my boots.  Physically I am still behind where I would like to be, but far from being too hindered to complete the trek.  I have also begun "shakedowns" to test my gear and get accustomed to using it. 
I am eagerly awaiting to see what Trail Name I might get bestowed while hiking, until an appropriate one is given, I have decided to go by Trail Wolf for the purpose of this blog.  It will be updated as necessary in the future.


Hiker's Hostel:
What incredible people they are!  I managed to score the last bed they had available for that date, a futon in the basement of the common area.  Having grown up living on a futon as my preferred bed of choice, this will be most comfortable and fantastic.  Included in their "Thru-Hiker's Special" package is transport from the airport (or rather the Marta North Spring Station) to the hostel, over night stay, breakfast and 8oz of cooking fuel of your choice, and a shuttle to the approach trail or Springer parking lot.  I am truly grateful for how easy and convenient they made it for me to get from the airport to the trail.

Tonight: It's chilly and nasty out!  Rain has turned to snow and the wind has picked up outside.  Currently 36°F~ outside, tonight it is expected to drop to around 33°F.  However when I returned home from work I was pleased to find my Warbonnet Black Bird Hammock had arrived!  Finally!  I ordered it a month ago, and I can now begin to test it out and give it a proper night outdoors!  What better way to test it's sheltering abilities than to give it a try in the snow?

April 4th 2011 WBBB 1.1dbl shake down

  I will update soon with my gear list as well as a review on how my first night "hanging" went.  

For now, Peace Love and Hippie stuff!

 -TW