So many activities -- so little time!!

DH and I are planning to participate in a "Kayak against Cancer" event in June, put on by one of the local kayak clubs. All of the funds raised go the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. DH's company is matching any employee contributions, so hopefully we'll raise a nice sum. We're relative newbies at kayaking, having only had our boats for about 9 months, but it sounds like fun. The entire course is 12 miles, but you can stop sooner if you want to, so it's beginner-friendly. Technically, it's a race and timed, but my goal is just to complete the whole course in the 4 hour time limit. If conditions are relatively decent, we should be able to do that. It will also give us a chance to meet other kayakers, since we don't belong to any clubs or meetup groups. If you are interested in details: www.kayuba.org

Re: Appalachian trail thru-hiking ... I absolutely LOVE hiking in the mountains and we've covered quite a few sections of the AT in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We've also backpacked out there, for a night at a time. But, after a couple of days, I want a shower and a soft bed and a REAL bathroom (if you know what I mean). Staying out for days at a time is probably not my cup of tea. OTOH, a 15 mile day hike, followed by a hearty dinner, hot tub, and fluffy bed is one of my perfect days.

I've been wanting to buy a kayak for over 10 years, so this thread has been of some interest

Quick question for those with Kayaks: I have a compact car (mazda 3), with no access to anything larger. Will it be possible to get the kayak strapped securely to the top (I'm assuming I'd have to buy a rack of sorts)?

Oh yes, certainly. I have a Toyota Camry, and we strap 2 kayaks on top. It's actually easier if your car is shorter, you don't have to lift as high. DH and I just lift our kayaks overhead (one person on each end), plop them down on the racks, and strap them in. Piece of cake - and I'm a shortie. If my car was much taller, I wouldn't be able to reach, and we'd have to slide them on from the rear, which is harder.

There are several kinds of car top rack systems -- everything from a temporary one with foam padding, to the bar/rack systems that stay on top all of the time. I have one of the latter systems, because we go out regularly and it's easier to just leave the racks permanently mounted. It is sure easy to pick my car out in the parking lot!! Your kayak shop can supply the rack system along with the kayak, and can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

I've gone on really long camping trips and so far in my experience, I handle the lack of plumbing really well. My hair begins to naturally dread after a week without brushing/shampooing, so I'd just throw it up and leave it. As long as I can brush my teeth and clean my face somehow, I'm OK. But to do that on an ultra-long hike, I don't know. I hope I'll be able to handle it!

Do the permanent/stay-on racks get bolted to the top of the car? I don't understand how they stay on there.

Here's an article that explains some of the different types of rack systems available: http://www.smart-start-kayaking.com/Roof-Racks.html

Our rack system consists of "feet" that slide into the joint between the roof and door. They secure two parallel horizontal bars to which you can attach any variety of different mounting brackets for bikes, canoes, kayaks, whatever. You can take the whole thing on and off (it's not bolted in or anything), but it's kind of a pain. Once everything is set up with the right spacing for your equipment, it's much easier to just leave it that way.

The roof racks are made differently for different vehicles, so it's important to get the right attachments. AND there are different ways to hold the kayak (top side up, on it's side, with roller bars for easy mounting, etc). That's why you want to involve your kayak shop, they can help figure it all out.

There are inexpensive foam roof top carriers, but they aren't recommended for long distance travel and they probably wouldn't hold up for too long.

Hopefully, that makes sense ....

i am kinda in the same spot as you were last year.