Reply to Hiking the trail

Does anyone have an e-mail address for Greg who has a blog site detailing his hike??

This is Greg of the hiking website. What would you like to know?

Greg,
I'll be hiking from Machens to Clinton in June. Are there any problem areas I need to watch for? I guess I'd like to know if you encountered long stretches without water, how much water did you carry, and what type of food you brought.
P.S. Love the blog site!!
Doug

You should have a blast.
I can only speak for the 160-mile stretch from McKittrick to Clinton. I am planning to do the stretch from McKittrick to St. Charles (or Machens) sometime the coming Spring.
In no particular order, here are some thoughts:
--Are you going to have a support person or go self-contained? I live in Columbia, so I was able to sleep at home for five nights. I didnt have to carry a lot of gear on those days.
--Camping or B&Bs? I did a little of both. Campgrounds are pretty sparse in some areas. I hear great things about Steamboat Junction in Bluffton. I camped in Steedman. The bar was OK, but don't expect it to be quiet on weekend nights. Those folks like to party! Pilot Grove allows camping in their park, and it has restrooms and a pool in the summer.
If you are doing B&Bs/hotels, I can recommend Birk's in Hermann (across the river from McKittrick). Rick will pick you up from the trail, and they are great. I stayed at the Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, and it was pretty cool.
--Water is a problem at times. Many of the trailheads don't have running water, especially in the eastern part. Many of the businesses nearby do offer water, but that means getting off the trail. Never very far, but after 10-15 miles, it gets a little long, and you have to consider when these places are open for business. Another consideration is restroom availability. A good portion of the trailheads are outhouses. Some were pretty clean, but others were frankly beyond filthy. I am not squeamish, but when there is excrement encrusted toilets and floors (Mokane, I am thinking of you), I am not using them.
You probably already know about the best resources for planning the trip, this website. I could not have done what I did without it. High Kudos to Ray for all his work!
I know this is getting long. If you have more specific questions, I will be happy to tell you anything that I know. Have a great walk!

Though it has not been finalized yet(usually not until Feb. 2007), the DNR bike ride next year should begin in Clinton, MO around June 18 and proceed to St. Charles.

So, in theory, someone leaving St. Charles in early June could hike to Clinton and be there around June 18, and then catch the 5-day DNR bike ride back to St. Charles. Just something to think about.

The 2007 DNR ride is June 18 - 22.

Walk'n the Katy then turning right around and ride'n it sounds like a good way to get sore feet and a sore hind quarter all in a few weeks time with the summer to recover.

Too True, Trek.
Wow, illiteration and everything!

SJK,
Thanks for the heads=up. I think I'll pass on the ride back, I think I'll be about Katy Trailed out for a few weeks after my little hike (LOL).

Hey Doug,
Now it is your turn. How long have you been hiking? Have you done any portions of the trail before? etc, etc.

I did quite a bit when in the Army (retired now). I can honestly say I've hiked the entire Katy over the last 2 years, just not the whole thing at once. I've spent a lot of time on PracticalBackpacking.com to research the different non-military (thus lighter) that's out there. I'm 45, I think doing the trail is my mid-life crisis!!