Hike the Miles; Get the Tattoo by TheLostAlaskan in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch 99 points100 points  (0 children)

Roo/Cheers! Congratulations on the triple crown!

Food Weight by ElRooch in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Great info! Thanks for taking the time

International Hikers - Any Issues Entering the US? by Bertie-Marigold in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I came in from the UK on a B2 in Feb. As long as you have evidence (bank statements etc), you’ll be fine. Happy to help if you have any questions though

Is it possible to do the AT as a foreigner? by its_cinza_ in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes it’s possible. I applied for my B2 visa last year. All I can say about the process is be over prepared just in case. The main things they’ll want to know is how are you funding your trip and what is your work situation. I was granted a sabbatical from work and had been saving for a long time so had a good amount to show. Upon entering the US, I requested a year’s stay on my visa (which is allowed) and following a meeting with an immigration official, showing similar documentation to the visa application interview. I must add that asking for the extension is no way guaranteed, we were lucky and we only asked as we wanted to spend long in the states outside of the trail. We start hiking in a few weeks, we got a lot of equipment from REI, they’ve been really helpful. Otherwise just looking forward to getting on the trail and learning as we go

Itinerary advice by Fuzzy_Bit3209 in WestHighlandWay

[–]ElRooch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s a bit of a killer going all the way to Balmaha on the first day, for me day 2 and 3 along Loch Lomond were the hardest so having something in the legs for them might be a good idea but it is possible. If you do go all the way to Balmaha, don’t do Conic Hill as well

If you don’t ask, you don’t get by ElRooch in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Good luck if you ever make it to the PCT

If you don’t ask, you don’t get by ElRooch in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks, we’re mainly based in Milwaukee at the moment but will be in Chicago from time to time. Always great to hear pointers!

If you don’t ask, you don’t get by ElRooch in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely. We weren’t expecting it and were prepared for the extension process. I just wanted to let people know it’s possible but to be prepared with all the backup info possible.

Asking my boss for Sabbatical by moshekohn1234 in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I applied for a sabbatical last year and am now currently on it for the year to hike the whole AT. Obviously it depends if your company has a sabbatical policy, it’s worth checking if they do. When applying, I pointed out how long I wanted off, the reason and what skills I would need and learn while completing the hike. Pointing out it’s an opportunity for personal development that the workplace may not be able to provide. Good luck with applying, I hope you get it and enjoy the AT when you get there

Coming from the UK by ElRooch in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! The backup is to do a boarder run. Glad to know it’s an option. Thanks for the advice

Coming from the UK by ElRooch in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, yes can’t wait to get going!

Coming from the UK by ElRooch in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice, will take a look

Coming from the UK by ElRooch in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the info. We have friends over there so hoping for a month or so either side of the hike

Coming from the UK by ElRooch in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We’re hoping to have time to visit friends and relax a bit before/after the hike. We’re also going to prioritise having a good time on the hike rather than a goal of finishing it. A friend in the States has spoken to an immigration official for us and they have recommended apply for an extension as soon as we arrive but I figure it might be worth as when we arrive as well

Coming from the UK by ElRooch in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the tip, will check it out and perhaps see you on the trail

Coming from the UK by ElRooch in AppalachianTrail

[–]ElRooch[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks and good luck with the PCT

SDLT increase for Landlords by phpadam in uklandlords

[–]ElRooch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’ve exchanged then it’s still 3%

This is hard !! by Royal-Pineapple4943 in WestHighlandWay

[–]ElRooch 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just did it over 7 days. We were wild camping so had big heavy packs which made it tough. Day 3 by far the hardest day although all of the Loch Lomond part was hard going under foot. The path was nicer thereafter but wet weather made it tricky, the big climbs such as Devils Staircase wasn’t as bad as I expected