[at-l] Feb on AT - Are crampons necessary?

[freighttrain7@home.com (Abe)]

Hi Tim,   I started feb26th 2001  at Springer to finish my hike going to
glasgow Va....   dont know if it was because of  a mild year but the only
time anything was needed was in the smokies as we were pounded by winter
storms there.. I carried small lightweight instep crampons and never did use
them.. it seemed like everytime I was about to stop and put them on we would
hit the sunny side of the mtn  where the trail turned to mud.   On a few
occasions we had to "butt slide toboggan" down a wet icy trail.. which was a
hoot.   We did however get off in Gattlinburg for two days to get warm and
let the trail clear a bit..  for a dollar we rode trollys to Pigeonforge
where we went go-carting for an entire day :)  nothing like a three story
wooden race-track :) and the slic-track was a blast as well.

BTW the BBQ pit in Gattlingburg has the best breakfast buffet on the trail
IMO   if you stay in town, (we stayed at the Grand-Prix) make sure you get
the free coupons for 10% off the meal for your group

I think the bolts you are speaking of are screws(sheet metal?) that are
screwed into the lugs on your boots .. sort of like the studded snow tires
of yesteryear

FreightTrain & sidekick
Midnight the Dog Wonder


----- Original Message -----
From: "timfrommd" <overapperception@yahoo.com>
Newsgroups: local.at-l
To: <at-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2001 12:41 AM
Subject: [at-l] Feb on AT - Are crampons necessary?


> Hi everyone, I have been a lurker here for some time, I have enjoyed
> reading this group. My name's Tim, I live in MD, and am going to hike
> the AT starting in GA in February, hope to see a number of you there. I
> am wondering if lightweight casual crampons are necessary for the first
> month or two? I have read accounts both ways, but I am particulary
> interested in doing a fair amt. of mileage.. nothing drastic.. The
> kahtoola crampons look like a good pair, I have only ever worn heavy
> ones for straight up ice. Do you think I would want them? Does anyone
> know what the brian-robinson gear lists meant when "bolts used as
> crampons" was listed? Has anyone done the AT in GA in february?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Tim in MD (no trailname as of yet)
>
>
>
> --
>
>  - Posted via http://forums.backcountry.net
>
> _______________________________________________
> AT-L mailing list
> AT-L@mailman.backcountry.net
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/at-l