MD - First hike on the AT...

[Vincebus]

Spent some time with the family at Fuller lake on Sunday, got a little walk with the pack, felt pretty good. I'm on vacation all this week and now i'm itching to get out and do an overnight hike/hang. No better time than the present.

My plan is, to start Wed morning at Boonsboro Mtn Rd (Pine Knob) and get picked up at the PA 16 crossing on Thursday. About 16 miles give or take, should be a good walk, no break-neck land-speed record by any stretch. Just want to make sure it's enjoyable. 10 miles the first day, 6 the next... Not bad for the first, shouldn't take all day either day, time is on my side.:unsure:

Alice pack and contents are sitting right at 32lbs, I'm not taking a sleeping bag since it's not supposed to get under 68 degrees, i'll have a pad to put between the hammock layers and a top quilt/fleece blanket to cover up with.

Can't wait to get out there...:thumbup1:

[Turtle Creek]

That's a nice stretch with some scenic westward views. Every time I walk over that fenced footbridge over I-70, I look at the commuters and smile knowing that I'm not one of them that day. There are lots of great places to hang on that stretch, you can hang close to the forest edge on the ridge for a nice sunset/rise view if the weather is good, or you can get more sheltered if the weathers no so great.

(The trek south from the I-70 crossing was enjoyable as well because we knew there would be cheeseburgers and beers in Harpers Ferry! .... and the AT Conservancy too)

[Vincebus]

A great reason to hike south if ever there were...

[EbbFlow]

I was just on the AT trail in MD for a quick overnighter on Friday in Gathland park. Let me tell you, it got really, really cold overnight. The winds picked up and the temp dropped quickly.

Now being a rookie I did not take a pad or anything to keep me warm, but still, you might want to consider taking something more.

[Vincebus]

I'll keep that in mind, i'm a hot sleeper so i'lll probably be okay, i'll try to take into account of where the previaling winds are coming from and keep out of em as much as possible. I got a pair of thermals and my JCP down hammock sox if necessary... Better to need and have than freeze!