| Oh, I kept the first for another day! | |||
| Yet knowing how way leads on to way, | |||
| I doubted if I should ever come back. |
-Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken
On our frosty morning commute, Lily remarked: "It's already December." This simple observation speaks volumes for how this Fall, this year in fact, has felt to us. Time continues to accelerate. In a blink of an eye, everything electric will spread out as we fly halfway around the world to Taiwan, a week from today!
It being the first day of the last month of the year, we begin to look forward to 2012.
Over the past few years, I've had a significant summer adventure planned out. Next year (hopefully) will be the same. Two years ago, I found myself torn between two journeys. As it turns out, I was fortunate enough to get to do both. But as Mr. Frost observed, that is not always the case, especially as the complexities of each expedition increase.
So as in 2009, I'd again like your input on two diverged paths:
1.) The Great Smoky 1000: the challenge is to hike all ~800 miles of trails in the GSMNP in a month's time (averaging about 40 miles per day). This would certainly have to be a supported effort and will involve a significant amount of logistical planning.
2.) A self-supported Appalachian Trail hike: this would be thru-hike #3. The challenge would be to fast pack the AT in 60 days or less, most likely in a southbound direction so that I could "hike home" and bail more easily if I'm running out of time.
12 comments:
All i know is that I hope to join you in some more significant crewing/pacing roles for either adventure you choose this summer! What are the rules on pacing for a self-supported thru hike if that is your choice?
Matt,
I've been waiting to see what type of adventure you come up with for 2012! Both of your proposals would be amazing feats that very few people would be capable of (you being on of them of course).
The unsupported AT hike would be the ultimate adventure for any fastpacker, at least for those of us in the eastern US. Personally I would love to see you attempt this.
But I think you should look at your longterm fitness, and try to determine when you might be at your peak shape for a record thru hike. Would it be better to hold off a year fine-tune the logistics and build your anticipation?
The SM1000 sounds incredible... a little repetitive when it comes to scenery though. I don't know if it would receive as much publicity, but it could be used to increase awareness of how many opportunities there are to experience the smokies away from the highways. Most folks would be shocked if the distance and number of trails in the GSMNP would be put in perspective.
Ultimately, it is your choice, and I'll be eager to follow whichever adventure you decide to pursue.
Caleb Boyle
I'd probably pick the SM1000, it's something I'd love to attempt someday.
Best of luck with either adventure you choose. If you end up attempting the SM1000 I'd gladly offer up some logistical help on the TN side.
Dave Worth
Guys, thanks for your thoughts and offers of support. Dave, your impressive feats in the GSMNP have definitely been an inspiration to me.
Wow! It's a no brainer for my vote -- the AT!! No offense to GSMNP fans, but it certainly seems to pale in comparison to a new self-supported AT record. You are 1)experienced on the Trail 2)fit enough, tough enough, and talented enough that the goal is feasible and within your capabilities 3)an awesome fast-packer . . . it would be an epic journey.
You can't go wrong with either though. Any adventure worthy of dreaming is priceless.
Both adventure sound incredible. I second Brandon that I'd love to help/support/pace in any way I can.
What's your goal in attempting either one? GSM sounds like a great running adventure while the AT sounds to me a survival experience.
Adam and Phyllis, thanks for the words of encouragement. I agree that an AT fast pack could very well become a survival experience if not done properly. At best it would be challenging and fun to do, but it would require the right skill/mindset.
If your taking votes - go AT. A foot only (no hitching/ car rides ala Bink and Krudmeister on the PCT) fastpack of the AT would be epic.
Self propelled the whole way.
Josh
I think the SM1000 might actually be a test of survival. The AT fastpack on the other hand would be a mental game where strategy and analysis would be key.
The no hitching thing should be easier on the AT than the pct... the bink of the east.
Matt,
I, too, have been eagerly awaiting your crazy ideas for a 2012 adventure. I hope you go for the unsupported AT record. I've always been inspired by your go-it-alone adventures, as they truly define testing athletic ability against the essence of what hiking & backpacking really are. The Trail is a solitary adventure, and the self-support is as integral a part of the journey as the hiking. Your attempt wouldn't be a race, but a true adventure.
Regarding the comment about long-term fitness, you have a long time to prepare. I'll never forget reading of your feeling of lack of preparation before SB6K and later learning that you crushed the record. You're superhuman, and the ghosts and memories of your previous AT treks will pull you along the whole way.
Setting a speed record for the Smokies 900 miler club would be a brand new challenge, a brand new adventure and something you probably don't know if you, or anyone else can do in that time frame. Yes, the speed record on the AT would be a great adventure and feat, but I like the idea of tackling something totally off the radar. So my vote is for the SM1000. I would love to see you be the first to do it. And I will be glad to help.
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