Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000
Subject: Re: Go Greg Go

Doug Eriksen wrote:

> I hope you find the benefits of the Northbound trail and companions
> out-weigh the disadvantages.  I am curious as to what a normal day for you would be.
> How much of the time is hiking and how much is taking care of other
> business?  Is your hike routine pretty much the same each day or do you spend more
> time in certain areas?

Hi Doug,

I'm in the town library of Mount Holly Springs, PA and I've got a few minutes to reply.  I'm sitting here in my reeking clothes, unshaven, waiting for the M.H.S Inn to get a room ready so I can take a shower.

I've actually met several people that I recall meeting before during the Southbound leg.  But I still feel inclined to stick to my own pace, so they are currently about a half-day behind me.  I think we'll end up leap-frogging each other so I assume we will meet again.

On a day when I plan to cover more miles, I will usually wake at first light.  This has actually changed since I flip-flopped, since in Georgia dawn seemed to come at 6:00 AM and up here it's more like 5:30.  It takes me a while to chew up my granola and pack up all my stuff.  The earliest I've ever gotton hiking is 6:30.  Down South it was often 8:00.

I usually hike by my watch.  I go 2 to 2 ½ hours before I take my first pack-off break and have a Balance bar (or equivelent).  Then I hike some more till about Noon or 1:00 and have lunch somewhere.  Then it just depends on how far I'm going.  On my longest days I've pulled into a shelter or set up camp at about 7:30.  If I get where I planned by 3:00 or 3:30, it usually feels too early to stop, and I change my plans and continue on.

I personally like to be done with dinner, cleaned up, and ready for bed by the time it gets dark.  Others hike by headlamp into the night.  With the advent of Summer heat, I may need to adopt a hybrid strategy.

And of course, like today, whenever my food gets low and/or I can't stand being filthy anymore, I head into a town and the blessings of civilization.

30 more minutes until some hot water and soap,