Preparing for 2017 AT Thru-Hike

Hi Folks!  My name is Tom and April 10th, 2017 is my scheduled start date for my NOBO AT thru-hike adventure.  A little bit about myself.  I’m happily married and this May we will celebrate our 38th anniversary.  We have three adult children and 4 amazing grandchildren from our oldest son and his wife.  I recently retired from my job, and before I move into my encore career I decided that now is the perfect time to go on this journey.  An added bonus is that I will be thru-hiking with one of my sons.

I’ve been preparing for a while, comparing notes with other hikers, watching numerous YouTube videos, and doing a lot of reading.  I’m not going ultra-light, but I’ve limited myself to a 48liter pack.  I’ve amassed the gear that I think I need and beginning to think that you won’t really know ‘need’ until you put some time in on the trail.   I look forward to keeping you posted on my journey and sharing this wonderful experience.

Tom

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Comments 10

  • Rob : Feb 25th

    Good luck Tom…. I envy you! As im approaching retirement, I hope one day I could bite-the-bullet and do the same thing

    Reply
    • Tom Rainer : Feb 26th

      Hi Rob, I’m happy to share my experiences and hope that it helps you in your preparations.

      Reply
  • Stuart Cairnie : Feb 25th

    Hi Tom, hope to see you on the trail, my wife and I are setting out on the 5th of April. Good luck to you and your son and have fun.

    Reply
    • Tom Rainer : Feb 26th

      Hi Stuart, I look forward to meeting you and your wife. All the best to you and your wife as you prepare for your upcoming hike.

      Reply
  • Jeff Mann : Feb 25th

    I am doing the same retired last week. Start the Trail next weekend. Got the grace of my wife and kids. Nervously excited!

    Reply
    • Tom Rainer : Feb 26th

      Hi Jeff, Congratulations on your retirement. I wish you all the best on your upcoming hike. Butterflies are a good thing, they tend to keep us alert. 😉

      Reply
  • Backfire : Feb 26th

    Hi Tom, My son and I hiked about 1000 miles of the Trail together in 2002 until he had to go back for college. I then flipped up to Maine and finished with friends I met on the Trail. Best thing I’ve ever done with my son. We got to really know each other and still talk about it. I hiked it again in 2006-2007 then the southern half with my wife in 2015. Have fun, Backfire.

    Reply
    • Tom Rainer : Feb 26th

      Hi Backfire, Thanks for sharing your AT experiences. I’m really looking forward to this adventure!

      Reply
  • Trail Asher : Feb 27th

    Best of Luck Tom!

    Reply
  • Gunslinger : Mar 3rd

    Best wishes for your adventure Tom and son!

    Reply

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