Beyond Our Boundaries: Episode 1

[Stephanie Jordan]

Companion forum thread to:

Beyond Our Boundaries: Episode 1

[Ken Thompson]

What's the longest your family has gone out for at one time to date?

[Dale Wambaugh]

Bon voyage!

Gotta see some gear lists!

[Jason Elsworth]

Gear lists

http://toesalad.com/articles/family-thru-hike-gear-list/

[rOg w]

deleted

[Damien Tougas]

Ken: Our family backpacking trips thus far have topped-out at five days.

[Damien Tougas]

rOg: no, we won't be using a shotgun mic, we have a Roland R-05 digital audio recorder. Unfortunately – due to some technical issues – the audio from the recorder didn't make it into this episode, however this should be rectified for future ones. That's why we are doing theses pre-trail episodes, to get the bugs worked out in advance :-)

[John S.]

If only a family trip of 5 days, what are the odds this trip will be completed? Less than 10%?

[Nick Gatel]

"If only a family trip of 5 days, what are the odds this trip will be completed? Less than 10%?"

I don't think this is a fair statement. People have done long thru-hikes with little or no backpacking experience. There are a lot of other factors that are probably more important. However, with 5 people in the family the need to keep all 5 motivated could prove challenging — or maybe not. From the little I have read about the family, I have a feeling they have a very good chance to complete the trip. Time will tell. Keep positive thoughts!!

[Paul Magnanti]

Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is essentially one long trip broken into a series of 3-5 days between resupplies.

While a longer hike with resupply is extremely helpful for dialing in gear and technique, it is not necessary for a successful completion of an AT thru-hike.

Prior backpacking experience of any type of trip, of course, is always helpful. A five day trip is pretty similar to what most people will see on the AT.

[Luke Schmidt]

Being out for five days should be plenty on the AT. Its not as remote as other trails. They have been living a pretty outdoor oriented life style so I think they will be mentally better prepared then most people who set out on the trail.
I think the biggest risk is that with 5 people there is a greater chance of a twisted ankle, illness or other emergency that will take them off the trail. Hopefully none of that happens.

[Greg Mihalik]

"I think the biggest risk is that with 5 people there is a greater chance of a twisted ankle, illness or other emergency that will take them off the trail."

Kids are made out of rubber, and are also the reservoirs/vectors for most of the common crud.

Mom and Dad are the ones at risk.

[Glenn S]

Using a 5 day outing as a benchmark for a success rate of an endeavor like this is completely the wrong approach IMO. I don't think the catch lies in the physical aspect of it at all. I would be more concerned with the idea of five people being stuck in such close proximity to each other for such a long period of time. No getting away from anyone for anything.

What I see as the biggest hitchpin of success for this group, is the homeschooling. The family is already operating as a "unit" (at least I hope that's the scenario) and hasn't suffered the family unity breakdown that comes from a more public sector. That unity, should provide a "power in numbers" effect and be the key factor in the success of this project.

[Ivan Dominguez]

It's gorgeous. Good Luck family
Thanks

[todd]

I am so happy for all of you!

Great job, Mom & Dad!

[marjolein Keuning]

What are your plans for food? Sending packages, shopping on the way?
What are the weights and kind of things to eat that keep kids happy?

[John Myers]

Cool family project!

Best wishes. Hope you make it the whole way, but even if that doesn't happen, the experience will be priceless.

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