If you were to do it a second time what would you do differently?

[Giuseppe]

Did a nobo in 2013 and am going out for a sobo in July 2014. Other than a directional shift, the changes will be
1) avoid the a few hostels that were the pits for one reason or another
2) use my tent more often
3) take a little more time to savor the good people and enjoy the sights on the trail and off it
PCT got thrown out because of the drought- maybe next year, CDT trail is to for 2016

[The Solemates]

leave 15 may if going nobo

[Larry Boy]

Skip Pennsylvania.

Probably the most earnest thing I've ever written in a shelter log: "If I ever hike the AT again, I'm hitching Pennsylvania. And New York. NJ was okay."

[jj2044]

leave 15 may if going nobo

This is my plan or next year...... only think im worried about is the heat.

[Grampie]

Probably the most earnest thing I've ever written in a shelter log: "If I ever hike the AT again, I'm hitching Pennsylvania. And New York. NJ was okay."

Why would you skip this section? This section of the trail was enjoyable, just like all the rest was, for it's own reasons. By saying what you said you are incouraging first time thru-hikers to skip this section of the trail.

[Dogwood]

Some hikers complain about Rocksyvania. I thought it a great opp to practice rock hopping. Seriously. I used basically two techniques that I thought really helped me fly through PA on my AT NOBO thru-hike. By the time an AT thru-hiker gets to PA they should be well in thru-hiker shape and form! Depending on the terrain I chose 1) stay on top of the rocks, this was great when the rocks were larger or firmly embedded in the trail, you'll soon learn what rocks are solid at a glance 2) stay between the rocks like when they weren't spaced close enough to safely hop on or when they were rolly poly type rocks 3) use both techniques off and on.

[lemon b]

These days I cherry pick, Blue Blaze a lot, don't worry about miles or goals.

[rickb]

Jack is right. The thread is located here http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/content.php?180

Perhaps it just my computer, but I see the first post in this thread, but all the content looks to have been deleted.

I remember seeing it before, so not sure what's up.

[RED-DOG]

On my 96 flip-flop i was a purist passed every WB, on my second 06 GA-ME thru i did the same thing stayed true to the trail and i did pass every single WB, But on my third thru in 2012 I did alot of Blue Blazing to views and secret camping spots and i also Aqua Blazed the SNP, and visited different towns that i did on my previous thru's which broke up all the Monotenous crap and made it alot more exciting, when i do the AT again it will diffinately be a SOBO.

[ShelterLeopard]

SoBo. Or go from Katahdin to VT and then head back up North.

[Grampie]

I started out as a NOBO hiker. Being a slow hiker and a late start I decided to flip from Duncannon to Maine. It was anti climatic to finish my hike at the Doyle Hotel.
The worse part was finishing my hike alone and not with a great bunch of friends that I had met along the way on top of Katahdin.

[Old Hiker]

Trying again in 2016: cut down on weight (started), relax more (not happening yet), carry less food (you carry your fears), walk AROUND mud puddles in the Grayson Highlands, just past Thomas Knob shelter.

[pistol p]

I would slow down. I believe that 6-7 months is a good time frame for this hike. I would also eat better, and take more breaks during the day. SOBO would be something to try, but I've always seen the trail as a NOBO hike.

[RockyRoo]

Go SOBO, complain less and NOT break my wrist!

[DavidNH]

skip everything from Harper's Ferry, WV to kent Connecticut.

[Mags]

http://www.pmags.com/if-i-did-it-aga...g-three-trails

I'm lazy..I'd write it once and always link it.

[Venchka]

I am lazy AND I procrastinate. I bookmarked Mags' answer. I will read it as soon as I find my Round-To-It.

Wayne


Sent from somewhere around here.