NOBO January 1st

**kayak karl** · 12-27-2008, 09:59

I am hammocking my thru hike. (Why? does spell check want "hammocking" to be "Ham MOCKING"

???). Don't even own a tent to go to the ground

Will be using a EXPLORER ULTRALITE A-SYM w/zipper mod. and webbing ring buckle system. A Warbonnet Superfly Tarp. Jrb Mt. Washington under quilt and an Adrenaline 0 degree bag modified for over quilt. Pack packed and 7 days of food. Came in at 33#. Not bad from my first summer hike 1 1/2 years ago at 55# for 3 days. Train leaves Wilmington Del. 4:19 PM Sunday the 28th. I'm staying at the Hiker Hostel for 2 days (to wind down) then will do the approach trail on 12/31. Then Ed Speer's party

On some forums comments have been made that my chances are slim to none (not from all). There is a bet on only 11 days on trail at my work

. The way I look at it is, this is the first thing I've done just for me in a LONG time. If I get this 53 yr old body to Springer and START my hike, I will be a happy man.
Thanks ALL of you for your help, advice and suggestions over the last year+.

Take Care
Karl
Journal
My Spot Map

**Take-a-knee** · 12-27-2008, 10:06

Good luck Karl, take it easy and don't overdo mileage early on and you'll do just fine. Have a great hike and a good time.

**peanuts** · 12-27-2008, 10:08

well kayak karl, i will be at springer on nye, so i will see you of!!!
but i will not be taking the approach trail...

but why 7 days of food?????

**Hooch** · 12-27-2008, 10:11

Karl, when in doubt, crap on the naysayers. If you want to start off season, then go for it. Best of luck and happy hanging all the way to Maine!

**Shug** · 12-27-2008, 10:11

Gonna be a wonderful time and you should stay plenty warm in your set-up.
The trail can be icy and I use Yak-Tracks up here in Minnesota when it is not deep enough for snowshoes. They do give a good grip, are easy to put on and make your walking in slippery stuff a wee bit less tiring. http://yaktrax.com/ProductsPro.aspx
Bring extra insoles as well for max comfort of the feet.
I envy your trip and wish you happy hiking in the piney woods. Will keep up on your journal.....
Shug

**kayak karl** · 12-27-2008, 10:24

Originally Posted by Shug

Gonna be a wonderful time and you should stay plenty warm in your set-up.
The trail can be icy and I use Yak-Tracks up here in Minnesota when it is not deep enough for snowshoes. They do give a good grip, are easy to put on and make your walking in slippery stuff a wee bit less tiring. http://yaktrax.com/ProductsPro.aspx
Bring extra insoles as well for max comfort of the feet.
I envy your trip and wish you happy hiking in the piney woods. Will keep up on your journal.....
Shug

already in pack

with a set of instep crypons also. Thanks

**Shug** · 12-27-2008, 10:33

Atta Boy!!!! Happy walking.

**Red Hat** · 12-27-2008, 11:10

Have a great hike and say hi to my buddies Rocky and Swamp Fox (not hammocking) but starting 1/1.

**Coffee** · 12-27-2008, 11:23

I finished Southbound Jan 20th last year. I heard a lot of your not going to make it, get bored, and all the same stuff you probably do.

You will be fine. Enjoy and hike the way you want to when your there. Don't be afraid to wait out the weather when needed. Extra food, extra batteries for the headlamp, and a pad to sleep in the shelter if needed and all will be good.

Ok I need to stop before I quit my job and join you.

**Peter_pan** · 12-27-2008, 11:23

Enjoy your hikin and hangin.... Be sure to take a butt pad for breaks etc....You'll want to be insulated on anything that you sit on at this cold and often damp time on the AT.

Pan