20191101 About Our Walk

What do we intend to do?

First, we intend to hike all 2200-ish miles in one year. That’s the definition of a thru-hike.

• We intend to carry our own packs, although that is not required.
• We intend to hike mostly Southbound [SOBO].
• We are considering a flipflop hike, following one of two options:
  • start in southern New England in April and hike to Katahdin by June. Then return to our starting point and hike south. Finishing in Georgia in late November/early December.
  • Start in Harper’s Ferry and hike north, then return to Harper’s Ferry and hike south.

Second, we do NOT intend to set any speed records. We aim to walk between ten and twelve miles a day. More or less.

Third, we plan to spend three or four days on the trail and one day off trail. Once clear exception will be the so-called “Hundred Mile Wilderness” between Monson and Katahdin, where there are fewer off-trail options.

Fourth, our health comes first. Hiking is helping both of us manage some ailments, and as long as that holds true, we will hike on.

What might prevent us from meeting our goals?

We are mostly concerned with unforeseen accidents, injuries, and illnesses. These are the only scenarios that would likely cause us to come off-trail for longer than a week. We may need time off-trail to handle family situations that arise unexpectedly. We may be delayed by unusual hurricane activities or other weather patterns that cause the ATC to shut down sections of trail. This could cause us to reroute, or to finish the trail later than expected.