Questions regarding leaving October 22 to 24 SOBO (2012)

[special]

I am planning on leaving October 22-24 SOBO, because thats when I can. I have some assumptions, and would like your opinion if I need to adjust my planning at all.


About me:
- Ive been out of a job for 2 years and living out of the back of my truck, so im used to sleeping on my pad and not showering.
- Im active, but not athletically fit. I can lose weight relatively quickly, and have hiked Katahdin in worst shape, so Im not too worried about the continual strain.
- I don't have any option to return home to, so I will complete this, no questions.
- I am hot natured in anything above 25 degrees F, and can deal with down to 10-15 hiking with ease, and the colder the better at night.


Assumptions:
1 - I plan on hiking on the 22, unless BSP wont allow a summit, but its only a week after the shut off, so I am REALLY hoping not to have to worry about getting postponed another two days.
2 - The first ~350 are going to be pushing it to beet the majority of the weather headaches, esp in the White Mountains. I have snowshoes, and poles, and gaiters, (and am planning on using my snowboard pants) and plenty of upper layers.
?1 - Is the snow going to be ridiculous - ie GT 6" snow (I know its based on the year, but im looking for a general idea)?
?2 - is this the last place I would likely encounter sustained snow, I would like to ditch the snowshoes if I dont need them
?3 - I plan on taking a dog, so what provisions are there to prevent the dog from having to jump instead of walk in the heavy snow if it is not compacted? He is fine with the cold/snow in the yard, im just concerned with the constant presence of new territory, where in the yard he develops his tracks.
3 - I have an old ankle injury from last year (from rock slippage underneath me and then my hiking stick where I jammed to regain stability also slipped, and then when i tried to readjust my ankle, I also missed at a worst angle, all why wearing low ankle trail running shoes). I know have high ankle support boots. I know they would be beneficial in camp, but am wondering if there are other hot natured people who don't get insulated boots. I have wool liners and medium thick wool socks, and a thick pair for only sleeping in.
?4 - Since I have snowshoes, and am hot natured, are insulated boots needed for hiking?
4 - I LOVE FOOD, so i plan on buying along the trail and visiting the restaurants.
?5 - Since i will be buying along the trail, what items would you suggest I put in my bump box(es)?
5 - can a SOTO OD micro regulated stove with canister fuel work if the fuel is kept warm enough?
?6 - or do i need to get a liquid stove arrangement given my projected snow encounters.

[Blissful]

You have an ankle injury from last year and you plan to hike in snow in the Whites?

No way.

I'd reconsider such plans. Plans like this are made in warm conditions in the safety of a home without consideration to what is really out there. Snow, very cold, winds, little daylight, isolation and tough trail for weeks.

[Spirit Walker]

You would probably do better to hike farther south - like on the Florida Trail. It would be a lot less stress on your ankle.

Deep snow on the AT may not be as much of a problem as ice and icy rain. Snow shoes aren't all that much good on icy trail, and especially on rocks.

[fiddlehead]

Well, sounds like you've got the will.
You'll need some luck too.
The dog may keep you warm at night.

Yeah, getting to VT should be a good goal for now.

Plan on spending a lot of time in the bag and bring some extra food.
I don't know that you'll need snowshoes. It's a bit early for that at this point.

Many places may be closed that are open in regular thru-hiking season.
Take some extra batteries as days are about to get really short.

Good luck.
Let us know how you're doing from time to time.

I don't think I'd bring snowshoes yet.
But have them available if possible to get them in the mail if needed.

[special]

The ankle injury has stood up to several 10+hikes since without ankle support boots. Actually the ironic part is that I am still overcompensating on the other ankle, and it hurts more than the injured ankle. I would say that it is about 92% of what it was prior to the accident, but hasn't improved (or gotten worse) in about 7 months. The support is definitely there with the Lowa Renegade Mid Boots I got. Would you suggest I bring my crampons then?

PS, my gear is located on this google doc:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...XRiMkZJYVBHZEE

[SNAX]

Jeez, this has bad idea written all over it. You realize, come mid-to-late November its pretty much full-on winter in the Presidentials and other high ridges in NH? Do you have any experience hiking in November/December in the northern NE mountains?

I'd leave the snowshoes behind to start. Maybe send them ahead in a maildrop, Gorham maybe? Do yourself a favor and get some Kahtoola Microspikes or other light traction aid instead, they'll be of more use thru November when ice is more of a concern.

Better yet, do yourself a bigger favor and start further south if you're set on an extended backpack in late October.

[Feral Bill]

Other issues aside (and there are plenty), you should consider a white gas stove. At some point you'll hit weather that a canister stove will not want to work in.

[SNAX]

Crossing the Kennebec is something else you'll want to think about, as the ferry ends operation mid-October. You'll have to wade (ill-advised) or find a long ride around.

[SNAX]

Concerning the Kennebec crossing...

http://matc.org/Ferry.htm

[The Solemates]

if you have any experience with this type of thing, which since you are asking these questions on an internet forum I can logically make the assumption that you dont have as much experience as you'd like to have....then i'd say screw the naysayers and just go for it. use some sense to not get in trouble. you'll be fine. on the other hand - since you did ask the questions - you better really think about what you are about to do. since you dont do anything all day but sit in the back of a truck, then you have plenty of time to think and seems to me like you would have thought long and hard by now - so therefore i come to the same conclusion - go for it.

[Maddog]

Good luck!!! Maddog

[Velvet Gooch]

Sounds reasonable. The Kennebec River is totally fordable and you sound mighty lucky. Go for it

[Slo-go'en]

Oh Boy - guess I missed the start of this. Now that I know the rest of the story, it just gets better and better. To start a thru-hike in Maine, the last week of October, out of shape, out of a job for 2 years, with an old ankle injury AND WITH A DOG - all I can say is ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FRIGGEN MIND?!!!

Please, please, please don't try this.

[hikerboy57]

i injured my ankle in maine wearing keen targhee mids, gave me no support, did not prevent my ankle for getting hurt. ive had the lowa renegades, and they wont give you any more support than i had. Maine is filled with rocks roots and bogs, that are absolute hell on your ankles, youd be better off if it snowed. western maine and much iof the whites have a number of different areas with very steep ledges that are tough enough when its dry, forget about wet or icy(see slogoens trip report), and finally traversing the presis end of november demands some mountaineering experience.i would expect that will be you're biggest challenge should you get that far.i would agree with those that say start farther south, and stay alive.

[DavidNH]

Special... you need to reconsider and CHANGE your plans.
1) it is unlikely to impossible that you will be able to summit Mt Katahdin this late in October. you might be able to but don't count on it. The park is closed to all camping so you would need to be shuttled into the park early, then hike the mountain and then get shuttled out.

2) There is no way.. NO WAY.. that you will make it through the white mountains without encountering full on winter conditions. You wouldn't get to the Whites till mid to late November. And it won't be a quick and easy trip to and through either.

3) Most likely, you would hit at least some winter (ice and snow conditions) in the mountains of Maine well before getting to the whites.. no matter how fast you hike.

4) rapidly shortening day light hours is also something to consider.

5) I notice you are from the south? Your winters aren't like our winters. This post suggest to me a hiker that is totally clueless.

davidnh

[hikerboy57]

Just Have to add that you will be very very much alone. If you do get hurt You'll find yourself in big trouble

[Sidewinder]

Do your dog a favor and leave him/her at home, no need in exposing it to winter conditions like you may encounter, freezing temps and a wet coat are hard on an animal not conditioned for such. If wet are you planning on letting him/her sleep inside your bag with you? Ice can cut the paw pads. Just take a few minutes and think about the dog, consider having him/her meet you on down the trail.

[Lando11]

Normally I would say, do it anything is possible. But, dude this is a terrible plan.
Let's start with day 1 at katahdin; to keep it legal is BSP, you would have to hike 5 miles up katahdin(not easy), 5 back down(also not easy), then do another 10ish to get outta the park to camp. 20+ hard miles day 1...
Kennebec river crossing, good luck fording that...
The whites in late Nov/early Dec would be brutal...
VT after that isn't a walk in the park, tho easier than NH



I'm not saying its impossible, but not a good plan at all. Maybe consider doing the southern half starting in late Oct?
Either way, please, please reconsider your plan. And if you do start in BSP in late Oct, leave the dog at home. Unless its a lead sled dog from the Yukon

[Skyline]

Sounds reasonable. The Kennebec River is totally fordable and you sound mighty lucky. Go for it

If he is hell-bent on fording the frigid Kennebec in near-winter conditions he should go for it. But he should not force his dog to do the same thing.

[Old Hillwalker]

Also, don't count on the White Mountain AMC Huts as an emergency respite. Madison, Lakes of the Clouds, Mizpah, Lonesome Lake and Greenleaf will all be closed and boarded up tight. Carter Notch and Zealand huts will be open, but for self service only. You might survive this ordeal, but your dog will not.