The Appalachian Trail !!!

I've decided to hike the AT as my "finish of service" (from two years in africa) trip. I think a few months in the woods will be helpful in clearing my head and helping me reflect on Africa and my future. Plus I can't think of a better time now that I've gone so long without modern conveniences, or eating well.

Has anyone hiked it? Let's hear your experiences!

My wife and I hiked the AT in 2008,(I was 58 at the time). It's not the wilderness experience I imagined but it was still not to be forgotten. Everybody had their own inspiration for waking up in the morning, packing up a 40 lb backpack and walking an average of 12 miles a day. We would look at each other every morning and say
"do you want to pack up, walk 12 miles with a 40 pound backpack and fall asleep on a wooden shelter floor---or do you want to go look for a job?" I think the hardest part was not turning around when we hit Katadin and start hiking south. We started planning this about three months before leaving so our plan was to re-supply on the trail rather than mailing packages. It worked fine, even though there were meals of Ramen and canned tuna at times. Budgeted about $1500 for food,washing clothes,hostels, hotels and replacement boots and gear + whatever bills you have going on, like car and health insurance, (suspended the cell phone), car registration and whatever else in your life you need to pay for.
Right now we are leaving for a RTW on Monday, May16. Hope to keep it cheap,too and maybe volunteer at the end into the 2012 year. What did you do in Africa?

Hey hey!!

Congrats on finishing things up! Has it been two years?! Wow. I'll send you a message soon.

Anyway, on topic, I've only done day hikes, but I think it sounds like a fantastic idea! The sections I've hiked have always been relatively well marked and it was beautiful! It would indeed be an epic way to wrap things up and have a lot of time to think about the future. Wish I could contribute something more substantial. Good luck with everything!!

Ryaanmc- I am a peace corps volunteer and i worked with small businesses (accounting, logistics, etc). I don't know much about the AT...hiking it was just a random inspiration. Would I be ok not bringing a stove and just carrying dry food for 3-4 days at a time? I want to go minimal (for my budget and my back) and don't want to carry more than 10lbs. And can you elaborate on why it wasn't the wilderness experience you imagined?

Bideshi- Thank you ! I feel like I'm going to be waking up from a two year dream soon...sleepy eyed and confused.

I was just digging through my trunk yesterday and stumbled upon a package of glow stars....