|
WHAT IS THE 2015 AT EXPEDITION? (2015 AT Expedition PDF) The 2015 AT Circle Expedition is a highly task-oriented group with a strong sense of mission and purpose. It will be a nomadic community that will be centered on individual commitment to a common goal and cooperation to achieve group success. The Expedition is a non-commercial grassroots endeavor. The goal/task: The goal/task: To walk, as a group and on a schedule, the entire Appalachian Trail in 140 days (May 2-September 18, 2015). The two expectations for expedition members:
2015 AT EXPEDITION PREPARATION SCHEDULE 2015 AT Expedition Preparation Schedule PDF) What previous expedition members had to say (excerpts): The most profound experience of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed myself this summer and can’t think of anything I would rather have done. A chance for variety. It’s the lasting, overall impression of fulfillment that will stay with me. It does give a strong positive sense of belonging to be involved in a group activity. I would like to see it repeated. I delight in the challenge achieved. It was the hardest task I ever tackled—it was the hardest task I ever completed. The friendship and bond that holds us together can never be broken. Overwhelming – work – fun – completeness. So many wonderful times with all these wonderful people who I hiked with, I can never exhaust the happy recollections. Undoubtedly I have acquired so much from this summer, I will never regret for one minute I decided upon it. Why did it have to end so soon? It seemed so simplistic, so natural, it was so beautiful. What I accomplished this summer can never be taken away from me. The hike gave me a chance to look at myself. At times, I feel I can relate everything in my life – each event or action or thought – in some way – to the hike this summer. Freedom. A precious human experience filled with beauty. WHEN? May 2nd to September 18th, 2015 – a 140 day journey The approach to Springer Mountain will be Saturday, May 2, 2015. The expedition will start atop Springer in the early evening on Saturday May 2, 2015 and end in the morning atop Katahdin on Saturday, September 18, 2015. The departure home from Katahdin will commence in the late afternoon of September 18th. COST? As previously mentioned, the expedition is a non-commercial, not-for-profit, grassroots endeavor. No one gets paid. It will be one of the most economical ways to walk the trail. A suggested donation of $1,000 per person to cover expedition costs will be welcome before the start of the expedition (mid- April 2015). Expedition costs are minimal and are to cover organizational costs during the preparation period and costs on the actual expedition. To cover postage, printing and phone calls during the preparation period, expedition members are asked to contribute a $20 donation per year to be paid on: May 17, 2013 AND April 7, 2014. By the middle of April 2015, expedition members will be asked to contribute a $1,000 donation per person to cover the costs of the support vehicle, general expedition expenses, and some campground fees. SUPPORT VEHICLE? We will have a vehicle to carry our supplies and equipment. Of the 140 days of the hike, only 4 days (2 two-day backpacks) will be spent backpacking. We will meet the vehicle at the end of most days at road crossings. We will camp near these road crossings most of the time. Town stops (i.e. indoor lodging) can be expected on the average of one out of ten evenings. WHO CAN GO? No prior hiking experience is needed since there are at least 20 days of realistic group preparation over a 2.5 year period. Expedition members will be self-selected based on their willingness to commit themselves to achieving the task while meeting the two group expectations. In order to join the expedition, an individual must participate in at least 16 days of group preparation. They also must complete at least two, three-day, day hikes between October 4, 2013 and March 30, 2015. HOW CAN I SIGN UP? Fill out an application and send it in to: Warren Doyle 3142 Divide Rd Mountain City, TN 37683 2015 AT Expedition APPLICATION Last day for people to join the expedition to be in the initial circle: Friday October 3, 2014. |
| Return To Homepage |