[at-l] Best Time to Section Hike from Springer Mt.

[kdpo at pacbell.net (Ken Powers)]

I agree with OB about the AT hike, but with one exception. If you want to
train for the PUDS of NoGA there is no place else like the PCT in WA. WA
also gets an ample amount of rain to prepare for the AT weather.

Ken
www.GottaWalk.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Orange Bug" <orangebug74@yahoo.com>
To: "at-l" <at-l@backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2004 2:05 AM
Subject: Re: [at-l] Best Time to Section Hike from Springer Mt.


> Tom of Washington has gotten the section hiking bug
> (the best way to go) and inquires: "Ideally, the time
> would have daytime temperatures in the 50 to 70 degree
> range; trees, rhododendron, and forest flowers in
> bloom; not too many bugs; good water flow in the
> streams; and not too much rain. Am I asking too much??
> "
>
> Not too many bugs is a personal thing. If you wait to
> walk until there are flowers, there will be bugs. This
> why God invented clothing and DEET.
>
> If you are looking for rhododendrons, mountain
> laurels, flame azaleas, triliums and other bloomers
> specifically, late April and most of May is the time
> to walk. Snow and ice risks are largely gone in NoGA,
> although a frost might still occur. You will get a
> fair share of wind, rain and sun. Unless you are
> walking during a 5-6 year drought, water shouldn't be
> a huge problem. Late May is great for fields of ferns
> and the shade of the trees.
>
> But let me warn you about the PUDS of NoGA and NC.
> Until you hit the Smokies and the general ridge walk
> after the climb from Fontana, you will be going up and
> down continuously. You will gain trail legs gradually,
> which aren't all that easy to train into outside the
> trail. We are the Stairmaster from Hell.
>
> I wouldn't wish to tell you to abandon hope of a 30
> day walk to Damascus, but I'd be prepared to get a
> flight from Knoxville or the Tricities to connect to
> your return to Washington. A 30 day push might get the
> miles, but you would miss much of the trail and
> culture that occurs with the occasional rest day. I'd
> plan on a walk to Erwin within that time frame, saving
> then next section for a month to Waynesboro, VA,
> (Charlottesville airport) or 6-8 weeks to Harper's
> Ferry and Dulles.
>
> Welcome to the dream.
>
> Bill...
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