This was an idea I came up with while I was hiking the AT in 2006. After two years of work The Hikers Co-op is here. Created with the help of Lanfusion web design, I am trying to create an up to date hiking community. Other sites have been around for a long time with little or no improvement. The trail is changing and growing everyday and so is the community upon which it is growing. I saw a need for an online resourse that was commited to offering hikers the opportunity to comune with fellow hikers in a new way. Friends and family will also have a great time keeping track of your progress as they can visually see where you are on the trail. The Hikers Co-op is here for you the hiker, as a resource, and a social utility. We have tons of ideas left to share with you, as we go further into the hiking season. And it will grow even better as you share your ideas about this community with us.
I ran onto the Appalachian Trail in 2004 to attempt my first ever long distance hike. Leaving Amacalola Falls with a 65 pound bag, I recieved a quick reality check on what i was getting myself into. I used the summer as a huge learing tool and just managed to crawl my way to Katahdin.
Two years later in 2006 I couldn't fight the calling of the trail any longer. With less than a month of planning and a quick two week notice at work, I bought a train ticket for Georgia and once again answered the call of the trail.
Starting again in Springer on March 30th, educated and with a twenty three pound pack. I spent the next six months slowly following white blazes and fully enjoying a nice leisurely walk to Baxter peak. I summited on October 5th, 190 days from my start date, knowing i took advantage of all the trail had to offer.