How did he/she MAKE your hike

“Did you ever have a hike that would have not been remarkable EXCEPT for the person or people on it?”

“One word....AmyG. It would never be the same without her.”

“When I ran into one of the 13% of the solo hiking females.”

“Seriously, every TT trip I've been on so far has been with excellent company. Everyone I've met here has been more than helpful on the trail, and I can't remember the last time I've laughed so much at the end of a long day on the trail.”

“This is where, more or less, my feeble mind was on my previous post. I want to get away from the "car camper" and "boat camper" image and really try to get into this very unique groove and avoid some of the mistakes that others have made. I can not recall one person here that hit the trail all seasoned and mistake-free. I will trudge on and learn by doing. I know I will miss taking 300 pounds of camping and cooking gear and all the water I can waste in the back of a van.
But, isn't this what it's all about?? On my former camping trips, we had a great time. But, our exploration trips were limited to a 2-5 mile radius of the campsite.
I am very much looking forward to my trip to the Kentucky mountains in Oct. To push my limits (safely) and just see how I CAN see new horizons, reach new heights, and see the world through new eyes.
This week, I ditched my 6+ pound sleeping bag and got a new 2.9 pounder. I am learning.... slowly but surely..... so, please bear with me while I Ketchup !!!!
With warmest regards to you all and thanks for your help.
John (TJ)”

“Make the hike:

Be prepared.

If you are a newbie, say so, don't be a smartass know it all.

Make sure your boots are broken in.

Have your 10 essentials for survival.

Be flexible and patient or go solo.

Be physically ready, somewhat fit.

Don't whine.

Break in your boots.”

“What are the "10 essentials for survival"??

I think I know them, but I'd like to hear what you have to say.

And yes, all my hikes have been pleasant ones, thanks to a friend of mine. If it weren't for her, I probably wouldn't be hiking now. She blew into my spark and turned it into a roaring flame. Thanks L.”

“10? All I need is one match to survive.

Hahahahahahahaahaha”

“and your naked....”

“carcass.”

“200 lbs of gear?

I would really like to meet the guy who did it 'right' the first time.

Ü”

“That was a typo. I meant to say 300 lbs of gear???”

“The Michigan Mountaineers have made every hike spectacular. No joke!”

“The best part of a TT trip for me is sitting around the campfire at night after supper visiting and laughing with everybody. This is a great community to be a part of.”

“trekker john, dude, you won't miss that stuff. after you get into camp after a hard day you're going to appreciate boiling water and having your dinner ready. then not having a bunch of dishes to clean afterward. it'll taste good no matter what too cause you'll be very hungry. then after you eat that 2.9 pound sleeping bag is all you'll be looking forward to. or maybe a comfy thermarest chair for a while.
you don't need that screened in porch thing and the big iron frying pan.”

“My 7-year-old son MADE the hike in Montana for me by hiking 26 miles almost as fast as most grownups, carrying about 15% of his body weight in his pack, not falling down any 500 foot cliffs, not drowning in the ALL-DAY RAINSTORM THAT MADE A FREAKIN' RIVER DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRAIL - all without one bit of whining or complaining (even cracking a joke on occasion)!!!”

“I guess I would have to credit myself.

I know my limits, but aren't afraid to push them. I interact well with people. I know when to leave. I know when to stay. I am self sufficient. I can be quiet. My snoring doesn't bother me. My bad breath does not bother me. My gear works. I am a good cook. My coffee is the best! My schedule is flexible. I can navigate like Frank Worsley. I like myself.”

“Well she did what she did
Asked, "How was it, Kid?"
She was politely told

Pretty good
Not bad
I can't complain...”

“G00SE. 'Nuff said.”