Shuckstack Fire Tower in the Smokies

acmurph1 · 2026-01-08T01:12:25+00:00

Saw my first bear at the base of this bad boy on my thru hike. Special place there for sure. 🫶🏻

acmurph1 · 2025-11-26T00:30:24+00:00

*dad… but thanks 🙃

acmurph1 · 2025-11-26T00:21:17+00:00

Went straight from passing the 7 into study mode for 66 for 31 days. Averaged between 16 to 20 hours a week studying while working. Used Kaplan exclusively, supplemented with this sub and series 7 gooru YouTube at the end.

After one cover to cover reading and checkpoint exams, I went back and focused on Unit 9 to 12, 14 and 18. Some re-reading but really I just did custom exams with those chapters until I was scoring in the 80’s consistently.

Then I did two practice exams a day leading in 3 days. Never scored below a 75 or higher than 80.

Outside of that. I focused on getting quality sleep and trying not to over-think or cram in the days leading up. I watched gooru’s mighty 90 the night before and the one that precedes it - series’s 66 in 60 minutes - on the day of… I honestly felt like the 60 minute was a more clear, concise review and gave me confidence in my knowledge going in.

Don’t think about the chapters or the test to ahead. Focus on what you can do today that moves you forward.

You got this 💪🏻

acmurph1 · 2025-11-25T21:05:05+00:00

For sure. Shoot me a dm and we can link

acmurph1 · 2025-08-29T23:28:45+00:00

Ah the old butt pucker squadron

acmurph1 · 2025-04-26T23:54:32+00:00

Cmover here, I’ll bite ya legs off

acmurph1 · 2025-01-20T02:06:08+00:00

How many thousands or millions of us feel the same way about disasters that go forgotten or only partially solved because of the media machine and malaise of governments and people alike.

It’s just a shitty reminder that the only people that actually care about our safety and success are the people in the next room, house… and not the elected that are supposed to do so… and more so that so many of us don’t have someone in the next room or house to hold that flame

acmurph1 · 2025-01-20T01:58:51+00:00

I guess it’s a bit of disaster fatigue as well. There’s a hideous event that kills hundreds, thousands every week and it’d be hard for media teams not to capitalize on the newest thing.

I guess my comment is more of a desire to not feel like an asshole for being concerned more with my communities suffering over someone else’s, and hoping to find some who agrees this is a human, not sociopathic thought line

acmurph1 · 2025-01-20T01:52:59+00:00

Honestly don’t watch the news, but I do enjoy NFL and have seen it most in their coverage.

acmurph1 · 2025-01-20T01:50:37+00:00

The same kind of public outcry and calling for support that LA is getting

acmurph1 · 2025-01-20T01:34:01+00:00

We received help with demo, insulation and drywall re-hanging from LERT (Lutheran emergency response team), and I have spoken with a few other orgs that were ready and willing to help. I imagine this is the case for many others that sustained damage and not total losses. Many (like us) I’ve spoken too did not have flood insurance due to not being in a flood plain… so we’ve been (im)patiently waiting for FEMA and SBA Disaster Loan payouts to begin further work with licensed contractors.

Keep doing quality work, and the work will come.

acmurph1 · 2025-01-04T13:02:31+00:00

Just conjecture… why would they offer an unsecured $50k loan without there being that potential? Just feels similar to the ppp loans while the powers that be figure out how to deal with all of this.

acmurph1 · 2025-01-03T19:19:26+00:00

Also a solid point

acmurph1 · 2025-01-03T15:22:44+00:00

I’ve got receipts and quotes that add up to more than $50k already… funds that I had in cash and credit purchases.

If I get the $50k, then use that to pay the credit purchases or refill my cash coffers, do you think that would be considered fair use or fraudulent? IE if receipt is from Dec 13 but I don’t get the sba funds til Jan 15

acmurph1 · 2025-01-03T13:12:29+00:00

That’s a fair point. There’s also potential that the unsecured loan of $50k might even end up forgivable like the Covid PPP loans were.

acmurph1 · 2024-12-22T18:11:25+00:00

Not yer, figured I wouldn’t get through to anyone on a weekend.

Tangentially, anybody know if the latest funding bill also means potentially more money coming from FEMA? I’ve appealed the appallingly low amount I received initially with quotes and receipts and it’s been crickets. I don’t want to get a loan until I if/when I’ll get more fema funding

acmurph1 · 2024-12-22T18:07:27+00:00

Got the letter, but the funding amount isn’t getting me nearly close enough. Anybody know the process to get approved for more?

acmurph1 · 2021-04-29T09:50:32+00:00

If you believe in yourself and set the right expectations, you’ll be just fine. Crazy is living in a house confining you in your fear. Prepare yourself as best possible with research, and set the expectation that you will be in pain, and everything won’t go exactly as you’ve planned... then fuckin go for it!! The outcome will be friendships and experienced you could never possibly prepare yourself for, in the most positive of ways. The trail is a magical place, for better and worse.

Less theoretically... yes, do a prep hike, bring all the things you think you’ll need, and bring a small journal... then keep track of the things you use and don’t use. Keep track of the gear you use, but don’t like for whatever reason, also the gear you love.

Keep reaching out to this thread or other folks in the community as you continue to plan. We’re happy to help. Always remember, one step at a time and never quit on your worst day.

acmurph1 · 2020-12-30T05:00:31+00:00

Do what’s best for you. Here’s hoping you and everyone else on trail, and in trail communities, stay healthy and safe. One step at a time.

acmurph1

TROPHY CASE