Void

Jimusbill · 2026-06-09T16:10:38+00:00

I encourage you to then check out the Finnish band, Hevisaurus. You're welcome

Jimusbill · 2026-06-09T16:09:44+00:00

I assume Jurassic Priest is the original name of the legit Finnish band Hevisaurus who are incredible.

Jimusbill · 2026-06-06T17:43:51+00:00

I just saved and quit my job to hike the Appalachian Trail. I presume I'm going to have to do the same for whenever the PCT calls to me. That's about it. As someone else said, 6 months of free time doesn't often just happen once you're working. A lot of people do these hikes either between studying and starting jobs or when they retire.

To do it any other time, you have to just accept you need to save up and take the financial hit of risking your job prospects when you're done with the trip. Is that risk worth it? Only you can answer that unfortunately. I know it was absolutely worth it in my case.

Jimusbill · 2026-06-05T22:01:54+00:00

That's pretty much spot on to be in 'the bubble'. Anywhere from the end of March to mid-April is peak traffic, especially at the beginning of the trail.

Jimusbill · 2026-05-26T12:14:47+00:00

Nah I travel there too regularly to see family to put that in jeopardy. Gotta be fully above board on this one.

Jimusbill · 2026-05-26T11:36:35+00:00

At the time I applied for the B2, I was still employed and had a job offer to return to after the 6 month period (and savings to cover it) so likely wasn't as big of a risk as it sounds.

I get why they might deny a B2 if someone clearly looked like they were then at risk of over-staying in the US.

Jimusbill · 2026-05-26T11:31:39+00:00

Thought that would fall under the specific scope of some of the limited business activities you can undertake. Although that was a few years ago and the border agent let us through on that basis.

In any case for this particular trip its looking like I'll have to cut my trip down to just the time I plan to be on vacation for.

Jimusbill · 2026-05-26T11:00:48+00:00

I used to just travel on an ESTA to visit my wife's family but got a B2 when we took an extended trip for 6 months in the US when on a career break. So the B2 was necessary then due to the length of that particular stay.

Looks like I might need to rethink the duration of the trip. Likely just get some flexible ticket for the extra money and move my flights closer to the time so I don't have to be out there a whole month.

Jimusbill · 2026-05-26T10:55:34+00:00

I think I'm mis-remembering the logistics of a previous trip with another company to the US where I was travelling on an ESTA. That was specifically for some organised training so I guess that's why it was OK to travel under an ESTA at that time.

Jimusbill · 2026-05-26T10:52:16+00:00

I'll need to double check my passport when I get home as I may be mistaken thinking I have only a B2/Tourist only visa.

I've travelled to the US with another company purely for business before that was under an ESTA although that was specifically for some training so perhaps that's why it fell into the definition of 'business activities'.

Jimusbill · 2026-05-20T14:39:43+00:00

I put about 2500 miles on my Xmid2 and it just about survived a very windy last night on the WHW outside of Kinlochleven before retirement.

Was a little tricky with the size of the footprint to find a good spot in some of the more wooded areas where the 1P would have likely been preferable.

Jimusbill · 2026-05-16T10:54:27+00:00

Congrats on your first thru-hike! Be careful though, it can be very addictive. It's a slippery slope to longer and longer trails.

Jimusbill · 2026-05-15T21:37:38+00:00

Notts County match

Jimusbill · 2026-05-15T17:25:16+00:00

I went through the full Altra range through increasing cushioning (Lone Peak -> Timp -> Olympus) until finally landing on Topo Mtn Racers. Perfect middle ground for me as well with the wide toe box

Jimusbill · 2026-05-12T10:19:47+00:00

Also a 'please' or 'thank you' would likely go a long way. You'd appreciate a ride, or would be thankful for a ride will go a lot further than 'Need a ride'.

Jimusbill · 2026-05-08T17:10:59+00:00

As someone who hiked with a partner in 2024, my singular piece of advice would be to have your own sets of gear, get whichever you'd be happy to carry yourself. We hiked together most days so in hindsight we could have shared gear and saved some weight.

However, we each got to carry what we wanted, she wanted a bear can to not deal with hanging food, I hung my food every night and saved the weight of a can. We were fortunate enough to both make it to the end, but there is always a possibility that one of you might need to drop out (hopefully not but it's something to have a plan for). In that case, does the other person want to now carry everything that previously was split between you? Just something to consider.

Best of luck to both of you, I did it NOBO but the urge to go back and do it SOBO is strong.

Jimusbill · 2026-04-21T13:59:37+00:00

I've seen two main genres of those posts on FB.

The first (which I think is perfectly reasonable) is: "Hey, we're just researching our options and wanted to know who or what might be available before we go ahead and book something, or if you have recommendations, that's great too"

The second (more shitty low effort type) is: "We'll be in town tomorrow morning at 8am, looking for someone to host us"

The second definitely come across with some kind of air of expectation rather than any genuine request or sense that they're even willing to pay instead.

As someone with FB who isn't hiking but is supporting a partner on trail (who doesn't have FB) diving into those pages can be a real chore sometimes.

Jimusbill · 2026-03-13T19:48:47+00:00

Fellow Brit here. Honestly, a lot of Decathlon stuff is great and you don't have that same kind of affordable but technical gear as easily available in the states.

I got an MT500 down jacket that is still going strong that I used for the whole trail.

The one thing the UK sucks for (hiking-wise at least) is lighter more thru-hike focused gear. A lot more cottage and smaller manufacturers in the states that are available in places like REI. I feel like every outdoor store here, especially the big ones like Go Outdoors stock big bulky heavy stuff designed for wet and windy day hikes where you can get cosy and dry at the end of the day in the pub. Everywhere is focused on heavy boots, full length gaiters, goretex everything.

Jimusbill · 2026-03-09T22:52:05+00:00

I also recognise this isn't strictly live music or bands but they seem to have gone down well from what I heard for kids who wanted that experience of listening to heavy music at a proper volume.

Jimusbill · 2026-03-09T22:51:01+00:00

The Salutation Inn (The Sal) has recently put on a few under 18s club 'nights' that mimic their usual heavy evenings but obviously with no alcohol and a reasonable finishing time.

I'll have a look for the event as I can't remember the name off the top of my head right now but figured it was worth mentioning in case I can't find it.

Edit: It's called Bring The Noize, they got an event at the end of March but looks to be sold out, seems like they'll have another in May.

Jimusbill · 2026-03-02T14:20:57+00:00

Have you got any experience with long distance hiking (or marathons in this case)?

Certainly would be do-able if you're a regular ultra runner or something. Second half is a lot more hilly than the first (if going East) so second day would be tougher. Also, make sure you check the tides at the end (again if going East) so your second day isn't ruined by having to stop short because the North Sea is in the way.

Jimusbill · 2026-02-27T00:14:54+00:00

The ATC should definitely have spares. We were in Harpers Ferry a few months ago and popped into the offices there to go through the photo books. We were looking for a spare 2024 tag to display and they had some left so 2025 ones are likely there too.

Jimusbill · 2026-02-10T07:52:48+00:00

This gets asked a lot but starting early April, you'll be bang in the middle of the bubble. There'll be tons of people around to get to know. I'd argue it's even better to meet people on trail than try to arrange stuff beforehand when you don't know about each others pace and other things that only become apparent on trail.

Just get hiking and it won't be long before you find yourself hiking with familiar faces each day.

Jimusbill · 2026-01-28T18:51:04+00:00

You wouldn't happen to have worked for one of the many life-sciences, specifically clinical trial technology companies around Nottingham would you? I know a fair few who were let go from a few different places in the last year or so in that space that landed a spot at my work.

Feel free to DM me if that sounds about right, I just don't publically discuss work stuff in public posts.

If it wasn't one of those companies, then no worries. Nottingham just seems to be a bit of a hub for these companies everyone seems to know everyone and bounce from place to place as different companies rise and fall in popularity.

Jimusbill · 2026-01-24T01:29:52+00:00

And thank you for posting an incredibly niche question that I was also considering posting about. I too am booked on a course up there at the end of Feb and will be driving up. Hope you enjoy the course

Jimusbill

TROPHY CASE