No, I'm not an ax murderer

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chief4db

When it doubt, run!
Feb 11, 2015
733
2,676
whatsamatteru. usa
Got a question slash request. But first I'm not a seriel killer, ax murderer or just weird. No record. Next year my company is shutting down for 6 months. I always wanted to do the AT trail. ( Appalachian trail.) U walk it so u don't have to b in good shape just healthy. The American history of it always intrigued me. U don't have to be knowledgeable on hiking bc I have plenty of experience and knowledge. Plus there are always other people doing it as well so it's not like u isolated in the woods. Plus any time u want to hang it up ur only a days walk to civilization to be picked up. Anyway if anyone wants to go message me. The more the marry. If u have never hiked before I will let u know what pack to get and what u will need. Safety, camping,gear,survival knowledge all well versed in. Also there r hotels along the way. Many people stay in them throughout the trip. It's not seen as cheating. I understand most people don't have that time but if u do and want to have an accomplishment of a lifetime hit me up. Also if u know of anyone who is interested. It takes 5 to 7 months. I need to do it in 6. I was also thinking of doing half of it first time. Not decided yet. Might play it by ear and decide on the trail to keep going or quit after half way. Along the way there r stations to sleep and rest. But a lot of the time it's under the stars and campfire. If interested u will have to register . No worries of getting lost. The trail is marked with blazes all along the trail. But by some weird event we get lost I will have a compass and map, will shoot an azimuth and will b back on track in no time. Feel free to Google it bc tons of info. Let's do this!!!
 

Doc Creed

Well-Known Member
Nov 18, 2015
17,221
82,822
47
United States
But first I'm not a seriel killer, ax murderer
Isn't this what a serial killer would say? ;-D

I've enjoyed sundry hiking videos/vlogs dispatched from the Appalachian Trail. For those that document the entire length of the trail they show the incremental difficulties through each state and some of the veteran hikers are full of fascinating stories and helpful tidbits for newbies.
 

mal

content
Jun 23, 2007
4,714
27,243
61
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Hi chief4db! You are a lucky guy to have that opportunity! I'd join you in a heartbeat if I had the time. I did a 4 day solo hike through the woods up hear in Canada, carrying everything on my back, as there was nothing but woods and wildlife. I bought a special filter cup ("Used by NASA Astronauts on the Moon!") and was able to drink lake and creek water without succumbing to the squirts. It worked well. I hope you are able to document your journey on this site, as it occurs, so we can all cheer for you! Enjoy!
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
87,651
358,754
62
Cambridge, Ohio
Hi chief4db! You are a lucky guy to have that opportunity! I'd join you in a heartbeat if I had the time. I did a 4 day solo hike through the woods up hear in Canada, carrying everything on my back, as there was nothing but woods and wildlife. I bought a special filter cup ("Used by NASA Astronauts on the Moon!") and was able to drink lake and creek water without succumbing to the squirts. It worked well. I hope you are able to document your journey on this site, as it occurs, so we can all cheer for you! Enjoy!
...where in hell did they find water on the damn moon?.....:D
 

chief4db

When it doubt, run!
Feb 11, 2015
733
2,676
whatsamatteru. usa
No worries. I will have all the latest hear and tech to boot. Didn't want to give my resume by then I sound like some braggart no it all. But we'll experienced in much more difficult hiking in much more extreme weather. From arctic circle to desert. I by no means take this lightly. Your gonna b tired. Feet r gonna b barking. U will get tired of the food ect ect. But u will have a new story everyday to tell u r grand kids. Friends ect. I'm am going to doc the trip. Also have a go pro as well. I'm honestly considering halfway. Problem is don't know next time I will have this much time off. I guess I could take a leave of absence. But that comes with no pay. This six months I will still get 85 percent of pay. So not decided yet.
 

chief4db

When it doubt, run!
Feb 11, 2015
733
2,676
whatsamatteru. usa
I would bring enough food for 5 to 6 days, then resupply. Dry foods. Pasta and the like to boil at night. Lots of high energy bars and foods. Cloths would be zip lock 6 pack of underwear. Although I free ball it. Less chance of jock itch or get it not so bad. Same things with socks except 12 pack in zip lock. Ur going to change out socks at least 1 a day. Zip lock everything. Space blanket. I also shave my head. The less hair the more sanitary. The list can go on and on but u gotta watch the weight. The difference between an 80 pound pack and a 65 is huge. I try to keep mine at 35 to 40. Then wear an h-harness to keep water around my kidneys. Best place since water weighs the most. Gold bond, gold bond and more gold bond. All packs will be identical in case of some emergency I need to know where to find xyz in ur pack. Seconds could matter. 1 person in group carries the emergency kit. Will Las that around like a joint to share the extra load. Power in numbers for sure when hiking. Sleep is a shelter half and a rubber bitch. Sleeping bag if u want but I pass on it. To billy. Light but bulky. I just lay on rubber bitch and use a space blanket. But should be warm enough. Hope that answers ur question. Just think lite and just necessities.
 

Sundrop

Sunny the Great & Wonderful
Jun 12, 2008
28,520
156,619
I live really close to the Grandfather Mountain portion of the Appalachian Trail. Please don't think it's even as easy as a moderately difficult trail.
Many people get lost here.....some for several days, and a few have fallen and been severely hurt.
 

HollyGolightly

Well-Known Member
Sep 6, 2013
9,660
74,320
54
Heart of the South
Got a question slash request. But first I'm not a seriel killer, ax murderer or just weird. No record. Next year my company is shutting down for 6 months. I always wanted to do the AT trail. ( Appalachian trail.) U walk it so u don't have to b in good shape just healthy. The American history of it always intrigued me. U don't have to be knowledgeable on hiking bc I have plenty of experience and knowledge. Plus there are always other people doing it as well so it's not like u isolated in the woods. Plus any time u want to hang it up ur only a days walk to civilization to be picked up. Anyway if anyone wants to go message me. The more the marry. If u have never hiked before I will let u know what pack to get and what u will need. Safety, camping,gear,survival knowledge all well versed in. Also there r hotels along the way. Many people stay in them throughout the trip. It's not seen as cheating. I understand most people don't have that time but if u do and want to have an accomplishment of a lifetime hit me up. Also if u know of anyone who is interested. It takes 5 to 7 months. I need to do it in 6. I was also thinking of doing half of it first time. Not decided yet. Might play it by ear and decide on the trail to keep going or quit after half way. Along the way there r stations to sleep and rest. But a lot of the time it's under the stars and campfire. If interested u will have to register . No worries of getting lost. The trail is marked with blazes all along the trail. But by some weird event we get lost I will have a compass and map, will shoot an azimuth and will b back on track in no time. Feel free to Google it bc tons of info. Let's do this!!!

Sounds like fun! My sister lived very close to part of the trail in Georgia and we've walked a bit of it together. Where are you beginning?
I've wanted to do it ever since I read Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods. It's a narrative of his walk on the AT - read it if you get a chance - it's very entertaining.

It's beautiful scenery too. We did our walks in Helen, GA. I miss those days. She's back here in TN now. I like to think I'd camp my way through, but hotels sound like a much better plan. Clean sheets, hot shower, breakfast buffets. My kind of roughing it.
 

HollyGolightly

Well-Known Member
Sep 6, 2013
9,660
74,320
54
Heart of the South
Isn't this what a serial killer would say? ;-D
:applause:
I've enjoyed sundry hiking videos/vlogs dispatched from the Appalachian Trail. For those that document the entire length of the trail they show the incremental difficulties through each state and some of the veteran hikers are full of fascinating stories and helpful tidbits for newbies.

....also, you better go in fully prepared for any eventuality....satellite phone, GPS etc.....sounds fun until it isn't.....people die there from thinking it's "not that tough"....just want you to be careful man.....
That woman just last year! 26 days lost before she died. And she ran out of her meds. It must have been hellish. Terrifying. Horrible way to die.
 

Mr Nobody

Well-Known Member
Jul 9, 2008
3,306
9,050
Walsall, England
Remember to take spare batteries for any sat phone/GPS/devices and pack a second compass. Also, steri-tabs or some potassium permanganate in case you need to drink river or lake water. PP's also good as a disinfectant or antiseptic (depending on solution strength), and can be used to treat dermatitis and fungal infections on hands and feet (and you'll really want to look after your feet; can't use them, you're jiggered).
 

do1you9love?

Happy to be here!
Feb 18, 2012
9,284
70,566
Virginia
I live really close to the Grandfather Mountain portion of the Appalachian Trail. Please don't think it's even as easy as a moderately difficult trail.
Many people get lost here.....some for several days, and a few have fallen and been severely hurt.

I just went to the website and some areas in Georgia and North Carolina are shut down from Hurricane Irma damage. I know, chief mentioned next year, but I would have never thought to check for hurricane issues!:a11:

Anyhow, have a great hike, if you get to go chief4db! I'll live vicariously through your updates. And SAT phone for certain, because there will be no cell service in lots of areas. It's the wilderness, don'tcha know?=D
 

DiO'Bolic

Not completely obtuse
Nov 14, 2013
22,864
129,998
Poconos, PA
With my knees... no way. When you go through Pennsylvania be sure to use bug spray with the highest level of Deet. Ticks and Lyme Disease around these parts is rampant. The Appalachian Trail is just up the road from me. When you’re on the trail where it passes the Blue Mountain Ski Resort, let me know. Drinks and food will be provided. And I’m not fearful... I usually bring a gun to an ax fight. :p
 

Sundrop

Sunny the Great & Wonderful
Jun 12, 2008
28,520
156,619
With my knees... no way. When you go through Pennsylvania be sure to use bug spray with the highest level of Deet. Ticks and Lyme Disease around these parts is rampant. The Appalachian Trail is just up the road from me. When you’re on the trail where it passes the Blue Mountain Ski Resort, let me know. Drinks and food will be provided. And I’m not fearful... I usually bring a gun to an ax fight. :p
I bring a pointy stick.....;;D