[at-l] Questions for Former Thru Hikers

[Slyatpct at aol.com (Slyatpct@aol.com)]

In a message dated 2/25/2006 11:12:15 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
carol1944@brmemc.net writes:

> 1- Did you use zip up jacket(s) or would zip-neck pullover have worked as 
> well?
> 
> 

I've used both and prefer the pullover.



> 
> 2- What was your most treasured piece of equipment during your hike and why?
> 


My Leki poles

> 
> 3- Fleece or fill for a jacket or pullover/zip neck?
> 

Fleece pullover


> 
> 4- How did you treat water?  Iodine, Aqua Mira, Filter (what brand)?  Would 
> you change for another Thru Hike?
> 

I seldom treat but have used potable aqua and ploar pure in the past


> 
> 5- Did you take a vest as well as a jacket/pull-over?
> 

No, but would mind having one made of down


> 
> 6- Did you use two sleeping bags?  One for spring and fall and one for 
> summer?  If so, when did you send back your spring/fall bag and when did you get 
> it mailed back to you?  Also, was it down or fill?  What did each bag weigh?
> 

I used a 4lb 20* synthetic bag on the AT but have since switched to 2lb 4 oz 
down bag.  From Wanyesboro to Glencliff I used a cut down blanket from K-mart


> 
> 7- What is the least expensive item that you'd never be without (doesn't 
> have to be most treasured) on a Thru Hike?

An "insulated" coffee mug.  It's the only piece of original gear I still 
carry.


> 
> 8- What is the most expensive item of its type (not necessarily the $400 
> sleeping bag but perhaps the $800 sleeping bag; not the $100 wrist watch but 
> perhaps the $300 wrist watch; not the $250 tent but perhaps the $650 tent) that 
> you carried on your Thru Hike?
> 

A $450 Dana Designs Terraplane X.  (collecting dust in the closet).  I also 
have a $300 Suunto Watch/Altimeter/Compass I got for $75.


> 
> 9- What items were usually in your Bounce Box?  How often did you Bounce and 
> how often did you send items home as 'no longer needed for an enjoyable 
> hike?
> 

Maps, guides, spare batteries, ziplocks, socks 


> 10- How many Zero Days did you have on your Thru Hike?  Would you have more 
> or less the next time?
> 

10 on the CDT.

> 
> 11- Did you blue blaze to the 'vista sights' along the Trail or did you just 
> 'hike straight to Katahdin'?
> 

I checked out 90% of the vistas



> 
> 12- Did you ever waver in your decision to Thru Hike while hiking?  If so, 
> what did you do that kept you focused on Katahdin?  If not, do you have an 
> explanation as to why you never wavered?
> 

I only waver when I run out of money.  I learned early on to "keep 
persisting".


> 
> 13- Describe hiking through the Presidentials -- what is the terrain, 
> elevation gain, etc like and what are the Huts like?
> 

The Whites will kick you butt.  The Huts suck.


> 
> 14- Describe Mahoosuc Notch and Mahoosuc Arm in terms that won't scare the 
> beegeebees out of those of us just planning to Thru Hike in the next couple of 
> years, but give us an honest evaluation of the conditions we'll be hiking in 
> when we get there.
> 

This area is great.  I hiked 5 miles from Goose Eye to Speck Pond.  What kind 
of ruined it was, thankfully the last lecture on LNT, from an AMC caretaker.


> 
> 15- What were your thoughts as you topped Katahdin (if you can share them)?  
> What did you think as you touched the sign and realized your Thru Hike was 
> over?
> 

I actually didn't feel much emotion.  If anything I was sad the hike was 
over.  Coming down I was making plans for the PCT.  


> 
> 16- Describe one way in which your Thru Hike changed you from the person you 
> were pre-hike.
> 
> 

I'm not sure I've changed all that much although hiking and trails have 
become my life so to speak.