Atlantic Dream - I just finished this trek the day before yesterday, and just wanted to say I had the best two weeks ever :) Not only was there a fantastic itinerary, our leader (Andy Christensen) was proper awesome too and went out of his way to be funny and friendly and easy to get along with through-out. Obviously best of all was the great people I met who were doing it as well, though - who I hope to see again as soon as is realistically possible! For anyone considaring this tour I say, quit procrastinating and get it organised - you will love it. Other advice I would add that I wish I had been given pre-tour would also include the following:- a) Whoever tells you an old-fashioned backpack is the only way to bring your stuff is WRONG! I listened to this and was the only one there with one - which was uber annoying as it meant I had to physically empty my whole bag everytime we set up camp to find anything. Also - there just ain't the room for all you'll have (because lets face it, if you've spent the summer working here as I did you will have accumulated A LOT). My advice is bring a proper suitcase, the big kind u can pull along behind u that u don't mind getting a bit bashed up. b) Don't waste your first few days being shy, or having incredibley early nights or being hesitant on the bus. I know its weird at first, but I really wish I could have those first 4-ish days back to spend with people whom I now love properly, not awkwardly! So basically, sit around the campfire and chat... possibly with a few beers :p c) The tents are really easy to put up. REALLY easy! d) The gateway hotel (Secaucus, NJ) is a bit difficult to get to from NYV - taxi drivers don't like to cross the Lincoln Tunnel due to their being unable to pick anybody up for their return journey in NJ (and they have 2 pay their own fare back). If you do get a driver generous enough to take you you'll have to foot the $8 tunnel toll yourself and the price of the meter doubles once you cross the state line. Worth it if your alone and a bit nervous, not if your with any1 else and can get a train or a bus. The Holiday Inn is rather awkwardly place h/e, so u will need to find a taxi once you get over to take you. e) Get a cheap sleeping bag from Walmart down the road. Careful when u cross the main road, the crossings are really weird! and fiiiinally f) Definitely don't book a 6am flight to leave the very next morning after your trek has ended from your gateway city. U may not think it now, but you'll probably want to spend an extra day or two there with your new found friends. I made this mistake and paid the hassle-some price of rearranging flight and accommodation details, which may result in my being homeless in Boston tomorrow night! And, one essay later, thats about it! hope somebody found that useful... :) |