I'm going for another long hike

**Andrew Breecher** · 9th October 06, 02:14 PM

I've just finished updating all my photos - everything is online now, except for about 100 photos on a corrupted digital camera card.

There are close to 1,000 photos here.

Andrew.

**Robin** · 9th October 06, 03:33 PM

Awesome pictures

Note to self:...continue on page 39 tomorrow

**bubba** · 9th October 06, 04:11 PM

Great pics Andrew, quite an adventure. Glad that bear didn't have you for lunch.

So, what's the next long walk?

**Andrew Breecher** · 10th October 06, 08:08 AM

The next long walk will be the Continental Divide Trail, also from Canada to Mexico (or vice-versa), but this time about 3,200 miles along the Rockies, from Montana to New Mexico (or vice-versa).

Now I need to just start saving money for that, and stop spending money on kilts.

Andrew.

**mddock58** · 10th October 06, 08:48 AM

Glad you finished without too many problems. Was hoping you were around Tahoe in mid-June, but I saw that you were running behind your anticipated schedule ( I was in Tahoe/No.Cal at the time), but I've been checking your progress, and wishing I could do that someday as well.

Thanks for the updates, and the pics on your site are great!

**Kid Cossack** · 10th October 06, 04:17 PM

Is that a Tiley hat on your grape?

Umm, I mean, a Tilley on your brain housing group?

Umm---are you wearing a Tilley hat, Andrew?

A buddy of mine with the ambition to be the Pizza King of Central Asia is trying to convince me to do the AT in '09. Never done a long hike before. Then again, I'd only run 12 miles straight before I did the '94 San Francisco marathon . . .

**Andrew Breecher** · 11th October 06, 06:35 AM

It is a Tilley hat. I figured if an elephant could eat a Tilley hat - twice - then it was good enough for a thru-hike. After 2,600 miles it's still kicking.

Many people attempt the AT with no backpacking experience. In fact, it may be even better to get into it without any preconceived notions about what long-distance backpacking is "supposed" to be like. It isn't like weekend hiking at all, so you'd be just fine.

I'd highly recommend doing some research into ultralight backpacking. If you don't have any experience with backpacking, I wouldn't suggest that you jump headfirst into it, but at least be aware that backpacking is no longer about carrying 50 lbs. on your back. It is possible to hike 2,000 miles with an 8 lb. base weight. You'll be far more comfortable if you're carrying something like a 15-20 lb. base weight, and if you don't already have a lot of heavy ("old school") gear, you'll be set to get the lighter stuff. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Andrew.