[at-l] So here is the deal

[TRich@xxxxxxxx (Rich, Timothy D.)]

Good Morning,

I've sectioned sequentially from south to north since 1989, now up to
Gorham, NH.  Logistically, it worked well for me since I'm down South
(except a short stretch living up north in Knoxville, TN).  We agreed
initially that we'd do it sequentially so as not to cherry pick the "best"
sections.  Of course, I've now found out that every section is beautiful and
merits hiking.  A patchwork approach requires more planning to make sure you
leave reasonable trip lengths in between.  If I were going to hop around a
bit, I'd mix in some south and north.

Regarding road walks, I wouldn't consider them in my trip planning.  There
aren't enough of them on any stretch to really matter.  In many spots,
commuter patterns are more important than time of year.  We've hiked most of
the trail in Feb/Mar and Sep/Oct/Nov, with the most notable exception being
last year's July Whites hike and a short stretch from Dalton, MA to
Manchester Center, VT in May.  Views are great pre/post leaf season.  We
hiked CT in the peak leaf time and it was fabulous - I don't remember
traffic being a problem.

Trip planning for sections is fun.  I enjoy reading journals of hikers as
they hiked through my upcoming section.  Sometimes they will mention
something not in a written source that's really neat, such as a special
place to stay or eat.  The anticipation of the hike and the reminiscing
afterward is what keeps this sectioneer going.

Take Care,

Tim

-----Original Message-----
Jim Bullard bullard@northnet.org
Mon, 07 Apr 2003 20:22:09 -0400
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

At 07:58 PM 4/7/2003 -0400, greyowl@rcn.com wrote:
>So here is the deal.  I have taken some sage wisdom from person
>who completed his 33 yr thru hike.  His advice, hike Maine while
>you are still young, actually hike Maine, Vermont, and New
>Hampshire while you are still young.  So the deal is I am dreaming
>of Finishing the sections in NY that I have not done, the sections In
>CT that I have not done and then head north.  I always thought that
>fall would be a good time to hike, few bugs, few hikers (Somebody
>thrui hiking and has made NY in Sept ain't going to finish).  The
>question I have are the leaf peepers (You know the people looking
>at the fall colors).  I have seen more than my fair share of them in
>Harriman and NJ.  I am sure that CT has more than their fair share,
>especially considering parts of the trail is a road walk.  So am I
>going to have to use my hiking poles to clear the trail of these
>people?
>
>Just day dreaming and planning on a two week hike this fall.
>
>Grey Owl

We're thinking along similar lines. I had wanted to start in GA and do
sections in order ==> North, but health and financial considerations
changed my plans. I'm closer (not close but closer) to Katahdin than
Springer so I'm now considering making my first section from K ==> South in
Sept. At least Maine. Maybe more. I hope to do a Springer ==> North section
next spring, keep alternating and finish in the middle 2-3 years hence.

Most leaf peepers in the Adirondacks are in cars or buses. I suspect the
same is true in NE. Stay well over on the shoulder when doing road walks.
Very few hike in my experience.