I'm taking some time off after ending one job and starting the next, and I'd like to make the most of it. My days off will be April 8-19. I don't plan on backpacking that whole time, but I would like to spend about 5-7 days out on the trail.
I live in the Southeastern United States, but I can travel pretty much anywhere in the United States, except Alaska and Hawaii, the freak states*.
My goals:
* Around 5 days on the trail
* Average at least 10-15 miles per day, depending on elevation change.
* Hike at a moderate pace, enough that we're covering good ground but still have time to enjoy the scenery.
* Stick mostly to on-trail travel, unless you've got good off-trail navigation skills (mine are, admittedly, lacking).
* Loop preferred, but I'll probably have a car (either my own if backpacking in the Southeast, or a rental care if elsewhere), so we could leave one vehicle at each end, or arrange for shuttle.
In terms of equipment, I've got pretty much everything to support myself, and also have equipment we can share (cook pots, stove, etc.). About the only thing I'm lacking is a bear canister, though for April backpacking, I don't imagine we'd be in a place we'd need this. Also, if you would like to borrow any equipment, I've got extras for many items (trekking poles, sleeping pad, etc.), since I normally backpack with my fiancée and/or son.
About me:
* Late 30s.
* Male
* Reasonably fit
* Not a true ultra-lighter yet; my base weight is still over 10 pounds
* Software developer by trade
Anybody planning a trip in this time frame, and would like to have someone tag along? This is my first time attempting to find a hiking partner spur-of-the-moment like this, so I don't know how successful I'll be.
* Hopefully folks recognize The Simpson's reference. Absolutely no offense is intended towards Alaska or Hawaii; I'd love to hike them both, but that's a bit out of my budget.
