Retiring soon

**Chofu73** · 06-22-2014, 19:46

SO...since I am retiring soon you can probably figure out that I am "well seasoned". With old age comes metal body parts! I had both my knees replaced last year and part of the therapy was walking and more walking. My wife has expanded our walks to a lot of hiking. Since I will be retiring soon, I will have plenty of time on my hands. I have been investigating all types of hikes and decided that I will have time to do a long Appalachian Trail hike. I found the idea of using a hammock very intriguing.

So through this web site and a couple of others I have decided to buy a Clark NX-250. I'm a big guy! I hope to get much smaller during the hike!

So much information on here. Still have to figure out top quilt and bottom quilt, etc. I have many questions but I am still reading and searching so I will old off for a bit.

I will say thank you so far or all the information. I am looking forward to hanging around.

I saw a lot of DC area people posting here. I am from Dunkirk Md, just southeast of DC.

My name comes from the high school I graduated from which was in Japan in 1973.

**SilvrSurfr** · 06-22-2014, 19:51

Welcome from the Jersey Shore.

**TallPaul** · 06-22-2014, 21:53

I wish I was retiring soon

Have you backpacked with the new knees? You mentioned hiking but wasn't sure if that includes backpacking as well.

Welcome to the forums. Lots of good people on here.

**Dedicated Hanger** · 06-22-2014, 22:36

Welcome from Georgia. I agree with TallPaul. There are lots of good people here.

**oldpappy** · 06-23-2014, 07:42

Welcome from another 'well seasoned' retiree. You'll enjoy retirement, but don't expect to have a lot of free time.

**grannypat** · 06-23-2014, 18:55

Welcome from SC.

**gnarus8429** · 06-23-2014, 19:01

I hope your retirement holds as much as hanging as my dreams of retirement do.

**Dark Sky Solutions** · 06-23-2014, 19:06

Welcome. I just retired this last January myself. Been hanging for a couple of years now.

You are right there is tons of info. I have actually been reading this forum for about 2 years now but just started posting.

**Chofu73** · 06-23-2014, 19:29

I have only been doing day hikes of 10 to 15 miles. No 30 pound pack, more like a 5 pound pack. I just bought an osprey aether 70 which I will start loading and wearing as we hike. Knees are great. It's amazing that he constant pain is gone. I do have a lot of work to do to get ready for long hikes but slowly getting here.

Thank you for all the welcomes!