Never camp near a road.
Never tell anyone you are hiking alone. Always tell them your hiking partner is
about a half mile back.
Take care of "hot spots" on your feet immediately.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
If you come into a campsite and you are uncomfortable with who is there; move on.
Call your parents/loved ones often and let them know where you are and that
you are ok.
Never get caught out in the open during a thunder storm.
Before setting up your hammock/tent, look up and make sure there is nothing
that will fall on you.
Hang your food every night.
When you need help, ask for it. Everyone on trail looks out for each other.
Purify your water.
Rest your body in a hostel occasionally. It will help you in the long run.
Make noise when you suspect a bear near by.
Be able to recognize poison ivy.
Optional: Carry a small bottle of pepper spray on a carabiner on your pack.
Treat minor cuts and scratches with neosporrin to prevent infection.
Overview and thoughts:
Hike your own hike. The right way to hike the trail is your way.
Get in shape. This will be the most physically demanding thing you have ever
done.
It will also be an experience that you will cherish the rest of your life. It will alter the way you look at things and people.
The views are awesome but the people you will meet will renew your faith in humanity. Most of the people you meet will be brief encounters but create long lasting memories.
People with their long miles and they get sore- Start out with lower mileage than your best until you develop your "trail legs". Many start out trying to impress and get discouraged. They drop out very early.
The trail is not a race. Just keep saying, I'll be there when I get there."
Never make an important decision while going uphill.
Take pictures and keep a journal.
Be nice to people. Enjoy the "alone time".
Start each day recognizing how lucky you are to be on this quest.
Remember, no rain, no Maine.
By: Cliff "Tabasco" Dodson
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average amount of money people spend on a thru-hike: 1,000-2,000 on gear and 4,000-5,000 on
food/board/transportation/etc.
The trail is not a race. Just keep saying, I'll be there when I get there."
Never make an important decision while going uphill.
Take pictures and keep a journal.
Be nice to people. Enjoy the "alone time".
Start each day recognizing how lucky you are to be on this quest.
Remember, no rain, no Maine.
By: Cliff "Tabasco" Dodson
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average amount of money people spend on a thru-hike: 1,000-2,000 on gear and 4,000-5,000 on
food/board/transportation/etc.
Only about 1/4- 1/5 of people attempting a thru-hike actually make it
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