2,180 mile-long path along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States that is the worst, least efficient way to travel from Georgia to Maine. Traversed each year by those who deny the existence of America's vast transportation system for some inexplicable reason, the Appalachian trail takes roughly four months to hike but can be covered in two days by car, 26 hours by rail, or five hours by plane--three fully air-conditioned means of conveyance that offer zero chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes, spraining an ankle, or going weeks without bathing. If one absolutely must walk from Springer Mountain to Mount Katahdin, a for more sensible choice would be to use Interstate 95: It's a straight shot, and there are plenty of stores and hotels along the way so that one doesn't have to travel across 14 states while carrying 50 pounds of gear. Overall, hiking the Appalachian trail offers nothing but the chance to grow a mangy beard and waste time. It literally defies logic.Pretty accurate as to the facts stated. The writer presents all key facts about the AT: length, termini, number of states, and some typical risks. Hiking time is not entirely accurate. Some can thru-hike in four months; six months is more typical. The writer is correct in stating that planes, trains and motor vehicles are a faster way to Maine from Georgia than walking. I definitely agree that thru-hiking the AT defies logic but have my own conclusion about its worth.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Appalachian Trail Known Knowledge
Page 9 of the The Onion Book of Known Knowledge, which came to me as a Christmas present from an old friend, presents the following entry for the Appalachian Trail:
Sunday, December 15, 2013
A December Hike
13-14 December 1993. GaliuroWilderness, Arizona.
Late afternoon at Powers Garden.
This trip repeats one of my earliest Arizona hikes. Seemed easier this time. Experience and conditioning probably. Came in with Gary from Deer Creek, starting
about 12:30 after driving down from Phoenix.
We made good time walking--got in around 5:30 but had to set up
and eat in the dark. December days are short on light. The trail was generally
good and not hard to follow although it was hard for me to match the actual terrain
to the topo map. We had lots of good
views to the north and saw some pretty spectacular sandstone cliffs at the
junction of Horse Canyon and Rattlesnake Creek.
Deep pools in the area would be inviting if they are still here in the
summer. Powers Garden is much as I
remember, a very lush riparian zone. The
long night is cold; I'm pushing the limits of my gear.
Morning is colder still and slow to warm. Little sun reaches this canyon till later in the day. We eat and rig up
before shedding our outer clothing. The
trail leads down Rattlesnake Creek for about a mile. We step over frost covered leaves. The climb up the flanks of Kennedy Peak warms
us up--the day is clear and cool but the sun is warm. We take several leisurely breaks as we climb,
especially toward the crest where much of southern Arizona comes into view. We pass through patches of snow descending
the north side of the ridge. The terrain is open here as we begin the final descent to Deer Creek. As we wonder about some trail uncertainty, we encounter an unsigned junction and after make what proves to be a correct choice. Now we're
back on the rolling terrain encountered at the hike's start, completing our loop. The late afternoon
light here provides a spectacular highlight to the red outcroppings
and the grassy foothills.
A contemporary account
A contemporary account
Friday, December 6, 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)