Base Camping

“Does anyone like to set up a base camp and just take day hikes from there? That's one of the reasons that I wasn't enjoying the AT as much as I thought. It seemed kind of pointless after awhile to keep picking up, moving on, and plopping down day after day.

I'm just curious, next summer I have off, so I'm thinking about going some public forest and setting up a base camp for 2 or 3 months. I'm just concerned the MAN will think I'm squatting or homeless or something. Anyone ever tried this?”

“I have done that, but not for a long period of time.

National Parks and Forests, and most state parks and forests as well, have regulations about how long you can stay camped in one spot. I think you have to move on after about 14 days or so.

Of course, you can move on up the trail or road a few hundred yards and set up camp again if you choose.”

“Honestly, that sounds like a great way to spend a summer.”

“I've really come to enjoy bushwacking so I like hiking until the middle of the day, setting up camp and then doing some bushwacking from there for the afternoon.”

“Two weeks? That sounds pretty good. In fact now that I think about it, that sounds better than 1 spot for 2 months. 2 spots a month.

Thanks for the info.”

“What do you mean by bushwacking? making trails?”

“Best to check the regs of wherever you plan to do it ahead of time to avoid finding out too late that you were wrong. I think two weeks is for National Forest, but I could be wrong.

Bushwhacking is hiking off trail, whacking bushes as you go.”

“bushwacking is hiking off trail.

What part of the country are you going to be exploring.”

“I don't really know yet. As long as my civic holds up, I can drive anywhere I want to. I really liked Georgia, but I don't know that I'll go back. I'm thinking something like Montana or Idaho. Some place with not a lot of people using the outdoors like an amusement park.”

“I don't think they will let you have a basecamp & bushwack at an amusement park


LOL.hahahahaahhaah”

“LOL.ok..I'm sorry ...I am alone & bored..LOL......”

“I know what that feels like, believe me.”

“One thing I'm going to do differently next summer is research where I'm going a little. I never really used the Internet much before starting school, but man, there's a lot out there on backpacking. Now I've got to figure out how to read it all and still get studying done.”

“Where are you now? I have a basecamping/bushwacking trip coming up in a few weeks. It'll be 4 days and in NW Alabama.”

“I'm in Mankato at the State U. If you're asking me to go with you, I really appreciate it, but I'm way behind with classes. I'm a procrastinator.”

“Mankato as in Minnesota? I friend of mine is the head football coach there.”

“Would that be Mankato State University in Minnesota?”

“Uh that would be "A" friend of mine. I am from Arkansas you know.”

“Just thought you were in the neighorbood since you mentioned Georgia.

Have fun.”

“Hey NBH, I used to take the summers off and backpack. I prefer picking a wild basin or two and exploring the heck out of it for a week or so, using one or two camps for the duration. Then I'd pack up and head out to another crazy wild place for another week or two. I can't stay in the same spot for too long, there's too much awesome stuff to see! Idaho and western Montana are perfect places to do this, as is Wyoming. I spent weeks in the Selway-Bitterrot and the Frank Church and the Bob Marshall and the Teton Wilderness and the Wind Rivers and all over the place. Although I loved thru-hiking the JMT, I'm not so much of a thru-hiker as I prefer hitting all the off-trail side basins and cirques and canyons and ridges and peaks. You can find some truly amazing wild places and fantastic fishing this way. Happy off-trails to you!”

“Thats what I like doing in the Sierra Nevada Mtns. Hike into a basin and spend a few days climbing all the surrounding peaks.”

“That sounds like exactly what want to do. Thanks guys, i'll check into those places. I'd rather avoid trails, too, because I'd rather be alone. Sounds like this is for me, although I suppose western mountains require different gear and skills than the apalachians. Lot of reading to do.”

“Base camping, is that what you do when you have no acid ??”

“What do you mean by bushwacking? making trails?"
NewBoyHiker
04:07:10 PM
01/29/04

I'm sorry but you were on the AT for 3 months and have no clue what bushwacking is?

did you do anything to get ready for a huge trip like that?”