Rookie backpacker here at last.

[AdamSean]

I was hoping to find a forum to talk to other hikers around this area.  I was invited to the Sipsey Wilderness for my 30th birthday weekend this past weekend and have caught the bug.  I loved the experience.  I am already planning my next trip for next week.  It was the most awe-inspiring thing I have ever seen.  God did a good job on this one.  I only did half of the 209 trail.  Next time we will take the extra time to do the whole thing.  I can't wait.

[Pointman]

Glad to have you on board. Backpacking provides great experiences and they are just past the next bend in the trail.

[ednotmilkman]

welcome to the community adamsean.

I caught "the bug" about 4 years ago when I stayed at a Gatlinburg condo for a weekend with my parents and decided to do more than just - eat, drive around, look and sleep, all in climate controlled comfort.

Edwin

[montysano]

  It was the most awe-inspiring thing I have ever seen.  God did a good job on this one. 

Well said.  It is truly the Enchanted Forest!

[JC785]

Welcome!

I'm new to the Backpacking world as well. You've picked a great site to find great info.

Me and a buddy are talking about going to the sipsey some time in Feb, our first trip as well.

[cwhiker]

Welcome Sipsey is a very special place

[Lesley]

Welcome!!  Matt was 32 when I got him out in the woods, and well... this forum is the result.

[PastorLarryT]

I was hoping to find a forum to talk to other hikers around this area.  I was invited to the Sipsey Wilderness for my 30th birthday weekend this past weekend and have caught the bug.  I loved the experience.  I am already planning my next trip for next week.  It was the most awe-inspiring thing I have ever seen.  God did a good job on this one.  I only did half of the 209 trail.  Next time we will take the extra time to do the whole thing.  I can't wait.

Welcome AdamSean!  You are so right... and GOD didn't just stop with Sipsey.  There are so many other treasures waiting to be discovered.  Welcome to the Trail!

[Mountain Dog]

God has indeed provided beauty for all to see.  But, His provisions are even more meaningful when you hike to a scenic overlook and feel like you "earned" the right to the view.  I'm not saying views from a car are not just a pretty, I just appreciate the views more after hiking to see what the masses can't see.  Heaven on earth is daybreak on a clear day overlooking lower mountains with fog in the valleys.  Those views are why I hike, not because I like to sweat, get rained on, or stink.   

[PastorLarryT]

God has indeed provided beauty for all to see.  But, His provisions are even more meaningful when you hike to a scenic overlook and feel like you "earned" the right to the view.  I'm not saying views from a car are not just a pretty, I just appreciate the views more after hiking to see what the masses can't see.  Heaven on earth is daybreak on a clear day overlooking lower mountains with fog in the valleys.  Those views are why I hike, not because I like to sweat, get rained on, or stink.   

I hear you Mountain Dog.

[JC785]

God has indeed provided beauty for all to see.  But, His provisions are even more meaningful when you hike to a scenic overlook and feel like you "earned" the right to the view.  I'm not saying views from a car are not just a pretty, I just appreciate the views more after hiking to see what the masses can't see.  Heaven on earth is daybreak on a clear day overlooking lower mountains with fog in the valleys.  Those views are why I hike, not because I like to sweat, get rained on, or stink.   

Well Explained!!

[AdamSean]

It was great going the first time with a friend, but my next trek will be alone.  Yet I won't really be alone as I will be listening for a word from God.  I am planning this next one for Valentine's weekend as I don't have a girlfriend or even a date.  So I will work on the most important relationship any of us can have.  The one with my personal Lord and savior. 

But if there are any ladies who would like to join me for that weekend on the trail and share the experience with me, hit me up.  I am always up for meeting new people into the same things I am.

[lawnmowwer]

Good to see so many people agree, but what did I really expect here.

Very glade you have joined the group. My fav. part of 209 is up past 204 going toward Thompson Creek. As for getting closer to The Big Guy Up Stairs, it dose somehow seem easier in the woods. Just seems it puts life in prospective(what you really need and all). I might also suggest a night at McDill Point in Cheaha ( the sunsets are some of the best in Alabam).