18. AT Virginia C Southern to Central

This section of the adventure finds me ranting about a shelter being taken out on the trail. I explain why, once again, that you need to have the correct year guide book for just that reason. Southern to Central Virginia was a very beautiful area but I was socked in with some terrible weather at the time. During this section, it finally breaks. Also, I run into a serious trail hazzard.

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[thisismeisme]

I have that same fleece. REI is amazing : ). im no sort of light weight hiker. i have like 30-35 lbs and it is fine with me. external frame FTW. i dont know how many time i strip down out of my gators or fleece and hang then on the frame. im considering bringing a nice hammock setup. any word on how they hold on the AT?

[Tuts999]

@thisismeisme Thanks for the comment. At 35lbs, you're a hair on the heavy side. I used to go external frame, until I bought my first internal... they are MUCH more comfortalbe and formfitting.  The Fleece is actually not an REI, it's a Mountain Hardware. Hammock tents work great on the AT, but normally, no tent is needed, as the shelters are always in easy reach. It looks like you're well on your way. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

[thisismeisme]

@Tuts999 i got the fleece from REI.i get everything from REI lol. and im sticking to my external frame. personal prefrance. with me leaving more twords the end of march, the shelters will be full most nights. so hammock will be used most nights lol. im also considering hiking to virginia then catching a bus to maine and hiking back down. mainly because i dont want to get caught in any cold weather up north. and idea on that? and did you figure out of the fleece was water proof?

[Tuts999]

@thisismeisme In reguards to taking the bus to Maine, it really depends on your pace. People call that a flipflop hike. I've met some people who were doing/did that for their thru-hike. If you plan on finishing in 6 months or less, you'll totally make it to Maine without the cold weather. Also, once you get a hundred or so miles down the trail those shelters are going to be pretty empty. Waterproof is a relative thing... My fleece is sort of water resistant, but definitely not water proof.

[ProbyWaN1337]

Who would've thought leaves would pose such a challenge? Great vid!

[Tuts999]

It was an obstacle that I did not expect. I guess I can compare it to deep blown snow but if you mess up your footing, the leaves are a bit less forgiving.

[TravisDK50]

I am really enjoying your videos, I am a Senior in college and planning on thru hiking next year when I can get a good start. I have only section hiked a little last summer, going North to South, from Chestnut Knob Shelter in Virginia to Atkins Virginia... I had to stop early due to a knee injury but I've been strengthening it up to get ready to go again. Thanks for posting the videos... now to finish the rest of your AT trip haha

[Woodenarrows]

Right on man...

/watch?v=1rDHclLVOZo

[thisismeisme]

@Tuts999 i got the fleece from REI.i get everything from REI lol. and im sticking to my external frame. personal prefrance. with me leaving more twords the end of march, the shelters will be full most nights. so hammock will be used most nights lol. im also considering hiking to virginia then catching a bus to maine and hiking back down. mainly because i dont want to get caught in any cold weather up north. and idea on that?

[DJshooters]

Good thing you didn't run into any infants Tuts! lol

[jamesbeach2]

Leaves can be a nightmare. Especially if you are carrying a heavy pack. A hole a few inches deep can cause and injury if you misstep. You are doing a great job and making great time for six hundred miles.