In September, come hell or high water, I'm spending five or six days out playing pack sniffer. I have a couple of "be here on this date" things and plan to spend the time between them on the trail.
I have confidence I can do ten mile days if it's not horrible terrain wise. In 2012 I did tens fairly easily in the Roan Highlands area, and I was sick as well as 30-40 lbs heavier than I am right now. The day I met Rasty, I did 11.7 looking at it now in my guidebook. Carvers Gap to Stan Murray Shelter, Stan Murray back to Carvers Gap, and then back to the shelter when I said "screw this, stay out here" after getting to my car at Carvers Gap. Next day I went Stan Murray shelter to Little Hump then back to Carvers Gap, for 10.9. Again, with a chest cold and fat/out of shape. Not trying to be cocky here (I know ten miles a day isn't jack shit), just trying to give you folks something to work with to provide opinions.
On the 12th I'll be in Brevard NC for day one of a music festival (going to see Della Mae--if you haven't heard of them give a listen). On the 19th I need to be in Hagerstown MD that evening for lectures preceding a weekend tour of the Sharpsburg battlefield.
Option 1: As I mentioned the other day in TJ's trip report, 19E to Erwin (or the NOBO version) is looking good. Unfortunately it's not really anywhere near either "be here" place so driving to/from would eat more time that could be spent hiking.
Option 2: On the 13th, head north from Winding Stair Gap (109.8), that being a little over an hour and a half drive from Brevard. I haven't yet looked at that section to see what the terrain is like. Anyway, head north from there planning to reach X (Fontana is in the 60ish mile range). I know I'd have to set up a shuttle and such along with factoring that into my travel time. Hagerstown is about an 8 hour drive from Franklin. If I choose this one I'd probably have to plan only five days hiking. I don't have to be in Hagerstown until around 6:00 p.m. but I don't want to cut it too close.
Option 3: On the 13th go ahead and make the drive up to Harpers Ferry or anywhere in the vicinity and hike either north or south from there, leaving me with only the need for a shuttle and a very short drive to Hagerstown on the 19th. It's only a 7 1/2 hour drive from Brevard to Harpers Ferry so I could drive it and be on trail in the afternoon for a short hiking day. Obviously this option is wide open for suggestions which direction and section. I haven't looked at that one at all.
Option 4+: Taking into consideration the 7 1/2-8 hour drive from the Brevard/Franklin NC area to Hagerstown, any other 50-60 miles-ish suggestions are also welcome.
I'll say thanks now for any and all input.
If anyone would like to join me, that'd be cool too.
I have confidence I can do ten mile days if it's not horrible terrain wise. In 2012 I did tens fairly easily in the Roan Highlands area, and I was sick as well as 30-40 lbs heavier than I am right now. The day I met Rasty, I did 11.7 looking at it now in my guidebook. Carvers Gap to Stan Murray Shelter, Stan Murray back to Carvers Gap, and then back to the shelter when I said "screw this, stay out here" after getting to my car at Carvers Gap. Next day I went Stan Murray shelter to Little Hump then back to Carvers Gap, for 10.9. Again, with a chest cold and fat/out of shape. Not trying to be cocky here (I know ten miles a day isn't jack shit), just trying to give you folks something to work with to provide opinions.
On the 12th I'll be in Brevard NC for day one of a music festival (going to see Della Mae--if you haven't heard of them give a listen). On the 19th I need to be in Hagerstown MD that evening for lectures preceding a weekend tour of the Sharpsburg battlefield.
Option 1: As I mentioned the other day in TJ's trip report, 19E to Erwin (or the NOBO version) is looking good. Unfortunately it's not really anywhere near either "be here" place so driving to/from would eat more time that could be spent hiking.
Option 2: On the 13th, head north from Winding Stair Gap (109.8), that being a little over an hour and a half drive from Brevard. I haven't yet looked at that section to see what the terrain is like. Anyway, head north from there planning to reach X (Fontana is in the 60ish mile range). I know I'd have to set up a shuttle and such along with factoring that into my travel time. Hagerstown is about an 8 hour drive from Franklin. If I choose this one I'd probably have to plan only five days hiking. I don't have to be in Hagerstown until around 6:00 p.m. but I don't want to cut it too close.
Option 3: On the 13th go ahead and make the drive up to Harpers Ferry or anywhere in the vicinity and hike either north or south from there, leaving me with only the need for a shuttle and a very short drive to Hagerstown on the 19th. It's only a 7 1/2 hour drive from Brevard to Harpers Ferry so I could drive it and be on trail in the afternoon for a short hiking day. Obviously this option is wide open for suggestions which direction and section. I haven't looked at that one at all.
Option 4+: Taking into consideration the 7 1/2-8 hour drive from the Brevard/Franklin NC area to Hagerstown, any other 50-60 miles-ish suggestions are also welcome.
I'll say thanks now for any and all input.
If anyone would like to join me, that'd be cool too.
Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less. - Robert E. Lee