Fitpacking

The 2200 mile long Appalachian Trail runs from Georgia to Maine. Popularized by Bill Bryson in A Walk in the Woods, we will be hiking an excellent stretch of the famed trail that spans western Connecticut and Massachusetts. We will descend the rugged and rocky St. John's Ledges, summit Bear Mountain, the highest mountain summit in Connecticut, summit Mt. Everett in Massachusetts, which has expansive views from the top, and traverse the suprisingly view-laden Race Mountain ridge. If you are curious what hiking the Appalachian Trail is all about, this is the trip for you.

End your summer with adventure! See a conveniently located, wild and beautiful landscape (within driving distance of New York City, Boston, Hartford, Springfield, and Albany) and lose weight, or more accurately, improve body composition.

The CT/MA Appalachian Trail Fitpacking Trip will be from August 21-29, 2010.

Our journey will begin just outside of Kent, CT a so-called "trail town". We'll descend St. John's ledges, walk along the Housatonic River, squeeze through Roger's Ramp, see the thundering Great Falls in Falls Village, climb the Lion's Head, and then summit Bear Mountain and Mt. Everett. Proposed Itinerary

Weather is always an important concern when backpacking. Historical August weather averages in the 70s during the day and the 50s at night. However, be prepared for the possibility of temperatures in the high 80s during the day and the 40s at night. It's often hot and sunny, but be prepared for some humidity and possibly a thunderstorm or two.

Deb Lusk, lives in Phoenix, AZ and has hiked all over the Arizona Desert. She had guided Fitpacking trips to Arizona's Four Peaks Wilderness and the White Mountains in NH and is a WMI certified Wilderness First Responder.

Amanda Morrison, is from Sparta, NJ and has backpacked the entire 2650 mile Pacific Crest Trail. She is Aerie certified in Wilderness First Aid, Basic Life Support, and CPR. She guided the 2010 Fitpacking Yosemite Trip

Here is a list of equipment we suggest you bring. The list is extensive and can seem daunting, but please don't let this deter you from the trip. You can rent top notch quality gear for reasonable prices from Lower Gear. It may also be possible for us to provide some gear for you at a nominal fee if you let us know far ahead of the trip. Unfortunately, we're not in the gear business so the selection of our available inventory is unpredictable. Please feel free to discuss any gear with us before the trip.

We don't believe in austere eating regimens. Backpacking is a rigorous, rewarding activity. You must feed your body in order for it perform. Your body will dictate that you eat often, so it's important to have fuel to feed it. Please check out the sample menus. This list is not comprehensive and may be altered or augmented. If you want to bring personal food, say a 5 pound chocolate cake, go for it. After carrying it over 50 miles through the mountains, your body will reject the empty calories and prefer nutritious food.

Although the climbs and descents can be moderate for much of this section of trail, there are certain areas which are steep for short stretches. But the main difficulty is footing, especially the first half of the trip. Stepping over rocks and roots fatigues hikers far more than the incline, so even though our mileages are moderate, be prepared for ruggedness.

$975 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Hartford, CT (BDL) as well as personal equipment and any restaurant meals.

Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, 7 days of trail meals, ground transportation, permits, fees and awesome guides.