Originally Posted by
NoControl
I spent $1800 to thru-hike the AT. I felt like a bum and looked like a skinny hobo when I finished. Since I have begun to tour by bike, I've discovered in myself that I like my comfort and security... which comes at a price. I'm planning on one long tour a year plus several week-long tours. So far, I've only been able to do week-long tours, but I'm doing all the math for the Southern Tier and its going to cost me an arm and a leg...or two. I should probably look into Warm Showers, but this old xenophobic Yankee just hates the idea of imposing on strangers. Still, THE GREAT LAW of karma states that what you get out of something is exactly equal to what you put into it. Wish I could allay my fears.
I also switched from thru-hiking to thru-biking after finishing the Triple Crown of US hiking (trail name "Garlic"). Thru-hiking routinely cost me $1000/month. I was a little surprised to find that biking was cheaper. Many towns on the trails, like in the Sierra Nevada, Summit County Colorado, and New England are pretty expensive. They're easier to avoid on a bike, I think. I used the "near-o" tactic on the bike, too. The warmshowers network helps.
I like your characterization of going cheap on the AT. I spent 3.5 months hiking the AT in 2008, cost was $3500 but that included travel to and from, and replacement gear. I did not skimp on lodging and meals. I was in my fifties with a credit card, so some comfort and security was affordable. And I'd already hiked the PCT and CDT, so I had a lot of experience taking care of myself on long hikes.
I started using warmshowers on my last XC tour. I hosted a couple of times first, so I got some good reviews and karma points. I have hosted many more times than I've been a guest by now. I was a guest roughly once a week on tour. Because of that, I often went a couple of weeks without paying for lodging. But I sure enjoy paying it back as a host. I've never had a bad or even questionable experience with WS. And it sounds like you have the right attitude about it, not to take advantage.