[Jamie C]

So after some quick google-ing, I'm very interested in taking on a thru hike of the Long Trail. When I'm done procrastinating I plan on getting the guide from the Green Mountain Club and I'm getting my checklist ready. Anybody hiked it or have any suggestions? One thing I read about online about it was getting to the northern part as there aren't many modes of transportation nearby. Since I live in MA and have friends/family virtually minutes away from the VT border I plan on hiking North to South.
Any input is welcome!

[NEPilgrim]

Hey Jamie, good luck with your planning & hiking of the LT. I haven't done it myself, so I have no useful input . But it's something I'm planning on doing sometime within the next 3 years. Good luck!

[fishmonger]

Where do you guys find the time? I'm jealous. I have no experience hiking the LT, but a buddy of mine just moved to Vermont recently so we're gonna try to do some backpacking on it this summer.

Funny article in Backpacker a month or two ago about a guy who does the Long Trail regularly and always seems to beat the s%#t out of himself in the process

[NEPilgrim]

fishmonger, on 05 Feb 2010 - 02:13 PM, said:

Where do you guys find the time? I'm jealous. I have no experience hiking the LT, but a buddy of mine just moved to Vermont recently so we're gonna try to do some backpacking on it this summer.

Funny article in Backpacker a month or two ago about a guy who does the Long Trail regularly and always seems to beat the s%#t out of himself in the process

Well, I don't have near enough time that I'd like. I do work at home in my basement. On nice days, I longingly stare out the window, thinking of climbing a mountain somewhere.

You know, someone told me an interesting, or funny thing, about the LT on my last section hike. He said that there's a board of 'elderly gentlemen' who approve the applications for those who've finished the LT. I was told that it consists of about 25 questions in all, and these men decide on whether or not you get a patch, lol. I don't know if this is true or not, but thought it funny, since you can buy an AT patch online or in person, whether or not you've ever hiked it. Anyone know if this is true or not?

[Jamie C]

[quote name='NEPilgrim' date='14 Feb 2010 - 09:21 PM' timestamp='1266196894' post='4748']
[quote name='fishmonger' date='05 Feb 2010 - 02:13 PM' timestamp='1265393630' post='4738']


You know, someone told me an interesting, or funny thing, about the LT on my last section hike. He said that there's a board of 'elderly gentlemen' who approve the applications for those who've finished the LT. I was told that it consists of about 25 questions in all, and these men decide on whether or not you get a patch, lol. I don't know if this is true or not, but thought it funny, since you can buy an AT patch online or in person, whether or not you've ever hiked it. Anyone know if this is true or not?
[/quote]

Donno about the old men deciding whether or not you can get a patch or not. I do know that there are requirements to get the patch. One requirement is that you need a hiking jounral from your experience on the LT, and it can't just be a calander or how many miles you hikes on day 1 and how many you hiked day 2...its actually gotta be a journal aparently haha...other requirements to be "certified" can be found here...
http://www.greenmountainclub.org/page.php?id=106

[NEPilgrim]

Thanks for that link, Jamie. I meant to actually look it up myself after my last trip, so thank you. I can see how some ppl might not like the journal thing, lol, as not everyone who hikes keeps one. But I think that's a good idea. Writing is something I enjoy, and I keep a journal on every long hike.

All the 'requirements' seem very fair to me and, with the certificate & patch they award, helps add to the feeling of accomplishment. Not that we need pieces of paper or patches to prove to ourselves that we did anything, but they'll be things to look back & reflect on, show our kids, friends, etc.

The side to side thing is kinda cool, too. I hadn't heard of that.

~Steve.

[Jamie C]

Just got my End~To~Ender's Guide and LT guide in the mail today!

[Yarmouth]

How's the planning going? I am thinking of doing the same and was wondering where you plan to stop for resupplies? My E2E is in the mail.

I'm looking to start around the middle of June.

[Jamie C]

Planning is just about done. Got it planned out to 29-30 days thru hike + rest days. Resupply is in a couple of towns, along with mail stops at Stratton and possibly Smugs. E2E guide is EXCELLENT...did you get both books (Long Trail Guide and E2E Guide)?

[Yarmouth]

I will have both books, my planning is all done and I'm skipping Smugs. To me it is too far from anything, I plan to walk into Johnson for my final resupply.

[Jamie C]

For sure...but I think they have a mail drop at the ski patrol at the bottom of the mountain....take the chair lift down for free or walk if it isn't open and get a mail drop there was my plan

[Yarmouth]

Why? You’re going to hike down into the notch from Mansfield, hike up to Madonna Mountain, then back down to Smugs, then back up to the trail. Seems like much for very little when Johnson is less than a day away. Why don't you hitch hike from the trail head on 108, down in the notch, to Smugs and back. Save yourself a trip.