What I did for my summer vacation

[wmw999 2,587]

Just hiked from Hanover, NH to Franconia Notch, NH, on the Appalachian Trail. And now I understand why John Rich posted his hikes, too
Some pictures are included. My feet hurt at the end, and my clothes stank, but both of those are temporary. The memories are permanent.

The titles are pretty self-explanatory. A trail angel is someone who does nice things for hikers -- the sign is a notable one; he gives ice cream to any hiker who comes by and visits for a bit (I passed first thing in the morning on what was supposed to be a long day, so I didn't stop -- but it ended up being a short day, so I should have). There are shelters (generally with tentsites close by) periodically. Sometimes I used one, sometimes the other.

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[skymama 37]

Wow, I admire you for doing that. How long was that part of the trail? Seems like it must have been so beautiful!

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[wmw999 2,587]

It was about 65 miles. I am supremely unlikely to try to through-hike the entire trail, but next year I do hope to do the white mountains in NH with my husband. We might go hut-to-hut for that, however (kind of like hiking from hotel to hotel -- they provide the beds, shelter, and food -- we're in charge of the foot transportation and our sleeping bags). All the scenery, but not quite as much discomfort. It's the only part of the trail where that's possible, however. So after that, it's back to schlepping our stuff like camels

And yes, it was beautiful. Here are a couple more pictures.

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[jumpwally 0]

Awesome..i hope to do that someday soon....

smile, be nice, enjoy life
FB # - 1083

[Amazon 7]

Uh..... Wendy dear....

A proper vacation invovles some Cabana Boys in some capacity........ jus sayin dahrlin.

[GooniesKid 0]

Thanks for sharing!

By the way, on your "Pretty Trail Small" picture did you notice something on the top left corner near the middle..kinda looks like a squatch..no joke.
Or is it just me?

[kallend 2,146]

"Hiking the Appalachian Trail" can lead to all kinds of troubles.

I floated on a raft down the Colorado River for 5 days, then went to Glacier N.P and got married.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[Amazon 7]

kallend

"Hiking the Appalachian Trail" can lead to all kinds of troubles.

I floated on a raft down the Colorado River for 5 days, then went to Glacier N.P and got married.

Congrats John

[oldwomanc6 60]

Wendy, That is pretty darn cool!

lisa
WSCR 594
FB 1023
CBDB 9

[wmw999 2,587]

Quote

"Hiking the Appalachian Trail" can lead to all kinds of troubles.

Harumph -- I'm not that kind of girl!

That said, congratulations, John!

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[SkyDekker 1,465]

Looks like an awesome hike. Looked up FKT for the trail (Fastest Known Times) and a lady holds te record. She ran the entire trail (2,175 miles) in 48 days, 11 hours and 10 minutes. She was supported though, so didn't have to carry too much herself.

Fastest unsupported time is held by Matt Kirk 58 days, 9 hours and 40 minutes.

You may have seen Matt on the trail, he did it this year between June and August.

(Matt also set the record of most miles run on the AT in 24 hours at 99 miles set in 2004)

[Rick 67]

Hey you said summer. The "shelter denizens are wearing sweatshirts and hats. Must be a different kind of summer than we have in Florida .

what were the average temps??

You can't be drunk all day if you don't start early!

[wmw999 2,587]

70's the first couple of days, then it rained (which was actually delightful until it got to a downpour -- it lost its charm when my boots started sloshing). Once I got higher, it was into the 60's, which made climbing easier. At night it was generally in the 50's, might have dipped into the 40's at that one shelter, but then it was at 3800 feet.

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)