[at-l] checkin' in and "possible trip" questions

[delita@mindspring.com (Delita Wright)]

Hi, list!  It is good to be back, even if it is digest this time. ;-)

So I was thinking as I did my 4 miles on the greenway that I reeeeeally would like to get myself into the mountains and do a little backpacking.  Uh, hiking we call it.

Seems as just as I got hooked on this kinda hikin' I also got a life, somehow, and this year has been another one that got away without any serious trips.  Just day trips.  How'd that happen?  And even those stopped after my transmission went in September.  (The car's, not mine.  Mine went *last* year - but that's another story.)  Lately I've just been walkin' for fun and profit.

Anyhoo I was thinkin' I've got 6 days in a row off for Christmas and the family parts seem to each be heading off to their other parts this year, so the NC contingent is doing New Years instead....  Hmmm.  And it's been 2 yrs, 4 months and 7 days since I've been on the AT....

But I live in NC....

Here's a challenge for the logistically inclined amongst us:

I'm in (a little) better shape than I was last time when I did the 3 days.  And a little more experienced.   I could do 5 days this time - maybe 4?  But it's winter.  But I've always loved winter.  And I've been sleeping out on my balcony since August just 'cause I love it so much (don't tell - I have a reputation for *some* sanity) even - yes - when it is freezing or raining (I do have a roof).  And when will I ever get 6 days off again?  (I just used all my vacation to go to Israel this fall - well
worth it - another story).

But I don't really have the gear.  But I do have good boots, a pack, a tin-can-stove-man-stove and a photon.   I could probably borrow gear from my backpacker-turned-Army-guy son, currently soon to be on leave from Ranger school (who can rent anything for peanuts).   I could borrow the sleeping bag I got him! ;-)  Not sure I have warm enough clothes...

So you see how my thoughts have been going.  And a friend at work heard me muse aloud and loaned me an old 3/4 foam sleeping pad.  Serviceable, I expect.

So whatcha think?  I have no clue where to go in NC, but I sure want to get to the mountains (feel like I need a fix bad) but don't want to be stupid.

I would probably make 5-6 mpd on your normal mountains (judging by Georgia AT).  I've settled on 4 days in my mind, and I'd either have to borrow a car to get there and leave it somewhere (longshot) or get somebody to drive me over and pick me up (longer? shot).  I live maybe 2.5-5 hours from the AT, depending on where I plug in.  I definitely would consider a different but similar trail in the mountains, and for sure would consider a loop or up and back, or something.

What do the NC AT parts look like at this time of year?  What might be a good section, assuming I could cover about 17-20 miles, 4 days/3 nights.  I'm thinking in terms of not planning on being high up enough to figure snow but realistically being prepared for anything in case.....

I know I'm dreamin' but do you think it's possible?  I really do love/enjoy winter - and people say to me all the time: you aren't cold?

Thanks for any/all wisdom, advice, etc.

Meanwhile, is anybody passing through central NC on their way to either ruck and would enjoy a passenger?

Whew.  Love readin' them posts.  Lovely light around the campfire.
Delita

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Delita Wright
Chapel Hill NC