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Article 3

February 9, 2012

By Jim Dashiell, MD

Tribune Columnist

Welcome to the latest edition of Where's Funnybone. Today I think I'll talk some more about the Trail itself. I've mentioned it's length (2,181 miles) and that it passes through 14 states. The state with the greatest length of trail in it is Virginia at 550 miles and the shortest is West Virginia with four miles.

There is an event called the Maryland Marathon where hikers try to hike the 41 miles across Maryland in one day. They usually start around 2:30 in the morning hiking with their headlights on and must finish before midnight.

Another annual event is Naked Hiker Day. That is June 21, the longest day of the year. Some may choose to wear nothing but their pack, literally, but I probably won't be a participant. I'm sure I'll be wearing a hat.

The Trail passes through Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and finally Maine. It is said that when you get to Vermont you have done 80 percent of the distance but only 50 percent of the work. This is in reference to all the mountains the Trail goes over in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

A frequent question I get is "who are you hiking with?" I'll be hiking alone but on the day I start there'll be about 15 others who are also starting alone. I'm sure I'll make many friends quickly. There tend to be two 'kinds' of people who attempt to thru hike the Trail.

The first group tends to be younger, maybe early to mid 20's. They might have just got out of college or  the military and don't have a job or family responsibilities so choose to head for the woods.

The other group tends to be older folks in their 50's or 60's who are retired, their families are not as dependent on them and they decide to pursue their dream.

I'm surprised that perhaps 35 to 40 percent  are females. I think it's a great testament to women that they want to attempt the AT and actually have a better percentage of successful completions than men.

Hikers tend to form a "pod" of other hikers who hike at the same speed, take breaks at the same time and become close friends. They try to stay together in a loose manner and watch out for each other. After several weeks on the Trail friendships form that endure and nurture.

There is an annual event in Damascus, Vir. in early May that is called Trail Days. It is a reunion of former thru hikers and current ones. It is heavily attended by those seeking to reconnect and relive former moments and events of hikes gone by. Damascus has the reputation of being the 'friendliest' town on the Trail.

Remember, I'm combining this hike with a fundraiser for Mustard Seed. Need a speaker for your church, scout troop, organization? Call me. Only 54 more days till I start!

Hiking NE on the AT is NEAT!

     FUNNYBONE